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Shaping the Future with Chilliwack Hospice

Front line workers invited to take part in full day workshop focusing on healing trauma after tragic deaths

A full day workshop is being held that will help front line health workers help heal trauma after a tragic death.

The theme for the day is "Shaping the Future Together," and participants will explore cross cultural approaches to the healing process.

It's being hosted by the Chilliwack Hospice, in partnership with numerous other groups, including Fraser Health, Aboriginal Health, Sumas First Nation, Sto:lo Nation Health Services, along with Woodlawn, Henderson's and First Memorial Homes.

It is open to all front line professionals, including those in law enforcement, victim services organizations, paramedics, health care professionals, funeral service providers, social workers and counselors.

The day is packed with workshop possibilities, and participants can choose which afternoon breakout session to attend.

They include an introduction to Somatic Experiencing Trauma Therapy by Dea Parsanishi, First Nations Practices and Healing Traditions by Tooie Casavant, Memorial Sites: Healing or Re-traumatizing? by Angie Gosselin, and finally, a session on how to facilitate suicide and homicide grief support groups, by Terry Androsky and Lucy Fraser.

There will also be a presentation by Mary-Jo Bolton, co-author of the 2013 Trauma-Informed Trauma Toolkit, and a workshop surrounding the impact of trauma on one's mind, body and spirit.

The entire day is a way of marking this year's National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, which takes place across Canada from April 19 - 25. This year marks the 10th annual Victims Week, which is designed to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime, as well as bringing awareness to the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families.

The Journey Forward will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 24 at the Cascade Community Church, 35190 Delair Road in Abbotsford. Registration is $60, and purchasing the Trauma- Informed Trauma Toolkit is $15. The toolkit is a resource for service organizations and providers.

For more information or to register, visit www.chilliwackhospice.org or email tammy@chilliwackhospice.org.