The Bulkley Valley Postvention Committee is hosting two Resiliency Builders’ Workshops March 5 and 6 to assist those who work with people who have survived or families of those who have committed suicide.
“It takes courage, commitment and caring for people to put themselves in positions as helpers because there will always be times when no one can create change for clients,” said Debora Chatfield, Victim Services program manager for Smithers RCMP.
“There can be feelings of misplaced anger and frustration.
“Helpers may feel more vulnerable, non trusting and doubt the value of the work they engage in.”
The workshops will focus on strategies to cope with the stress of working as a service provider or caregiver to someone who has been through a traumatic event or has taken their own life. Finding a professional buddy system, having a healthy diet and exercise are among the ways to deal with difficult situations, Chatfield said.
The March 5 workshop runs from 1 to 4 p.m. and the next day’s session runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at Mountain View Assembly. They will be facilitated by the executive director of Police Based Victim Services of B.C., Carolyn Sinclair.
A wider community discussion on the topic will take place March 5 at 7 p.m. at Mountain View Assembly. The discussion is open to the public.
Support workers, assistants and caregivers can register for the workshop by calling the Northern Society for Domestic Peace at 250-847-9000. The cost to attend the workshops is $20.