Harm reduction is an approach to help people explore their relationship with substances and behaviours. It works to reduce and mitigate damage and pain, and offers strategies to increase and promote safety, choice, and control. Harm reduction moves away from traditional understandings of “addiction” as a disease and responses that are based on assumed morality and abstinence or fear and punishment.
This workshop explores the principles of harm reduction, how it works, and to whom it may apply. Participants will learn practical strategies for working with individuals, families, and communities within a harm reduction framework. This training will also explore how these concepts can be used in policy, procedure, and practice.
Target Audience
This intermediate-level workshop is intended for social service and health care professionals, counsellors, social workers, school personnel, and anyone seeking a better understanding of the harm reduction framework.
Learning Objectives:
• Differentiate between traditional approaches to “addictions” and a harm reduction approach
• List qualities and values needed to practice within a harm reduction model
• Describe a relational framework for working with a person’s use of substances and behaviours
• Apply a variety of practical strategies to reduce harm
Some of the Topics Included
- What is Harm Reduction?
- Guiding Principles of Harm Reduction
- The Impact of Our Beliefs and Assumptions
- The Importance of a Trauma-Informed Lens
- An Integrated Approach to Health
- A Relational Approach to Harm Reduction
- Exploring What Needs Are Being Met
- Working with People Where They're at
- Measuring Motivation, Readiness, and Confidence
- Strategies to Reduce Harm
- Planning for Change
- Rethinking Success
- Working with Family and Friends
Open to participation from Behchokǫ̀, Whatì, Gamètì and Wekweètì
Registration:
Download PDF: HCW Harm Reduction Application Fillable.pdf
Completed applications can be submitted in-person to the Department of Healing & Community Wellness or sent to [email protected]
For more information, contact:
Dene Daniels
Social/Wellness Programs Coordinator
The Department of Healing & Community Wellness
T: (867) 392-6381 Ext. 1371
E: [email protected]
