New West Family Place wants to help people to recognize trauma and to create safe community spaces.
The local non-profit is holding a Creating Safe Community Spaces talk with Angela Marie MacDougall on Monday, March 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Anvil Centre. Preregistration isn’t required, and everyone is welcome to attend the presentation, which is an introduction on how to recognize, understand and respond to trauma and to become “trauma informed.”
According to a press release, the event will help people learn how trauma is a part of the community and learn how to recognize trauma and how it affects communities, families and individuals.
“Trauma Informed Care is theoretical, organizational structure and intervention framework that involves understanding, recognizing and responding to all forms of trauma,” said the press release. “This approach emphasizes the historic, intergenerational, developmental, physical, psychological and emotional impacts and safety for survivors and providers. It emphasizes redressing powerlessness while rebuilding control and empowerment.”
MacDougall is an award-winning speaker, advocate and practitioner who consults with individuals and organizations on trauma-informed practices grounded in anti-oppression theoretical frameworks.
“Given how endemic trauma is, no one is immune from its impacts. Trauma affects communities, families and individuals, disrupting development, relationships and is at the core of many mental-health problems, extending to coping strategies such as substance use. Largely rendered invisible, entire communities experience the impacts of unaddressed trauma,” said the press release. “Understanding the impact of trauma is an important first step in the work of caregivers. Becoming ‘trauma informed’ includes recognizing the many different types of trauma individuals and communities experiences. Support and understanding are essential for trauma survivors. Advocacy is also necessary in becoming a compassionate and supportive community.”
