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(Red Deer Polytechnic - Supplied)
Courses Begin January 2022

Red Deer Polytechnic and City of Red Deer partner to offer community trauma training

Dec 21, 2021 | 4:03 PM

In an effort to increase knowledge, trauma recognition, and a supportive network, Red Deer Polytechnic and The City of Red Deer have collaborated to offer the Building Resilience Through Trauma Awareness program.

RDP officials say this free program is suitable for individuals who work with people who have been exposed to trauma, those who want to become more trauma aware, and those who have experienced trauma. The overall goal of the program is to develop knowledge, support, and resilience within the community.

The offering of the current program by The City of Red Deer will wrap up at the end of December. At the beginning of January, officials say The City will transfer the custodianship of the trauma awareness program to Red Deer Polytechnic and will continue to provide support in a joint effort to continue what is described as an important resource.

“We are extremely grateful to partner with The City of Red Deer to continue offering this valuable program to central Albertans, especially during the challenging times of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” says Rodney Holt, Red Deer Polytechnic Associate Vice President, Academic Entrepreneurship.

“This partnership with Red Deer Polytechnic is an important step forward in building a trauma-informed community,” says Sarah Tittemore, Community Services General Manager at The City of Red Deer. “Through our work with the Systems Leadership Team, we began offering the Building Resilience Through Trauma Awareness program in early 2021. Collaborating with RDP will enhance the reach and impact of this important program and continue to build resilience in our community.”

Officials say this valuable and informative program consists of two classes – Building Trauma Awareness and Sensitivity Level One, which is offered online, and Enhancing Trauma Informed Response Level Two, which provides in-person learning opportunities.

“This venture signals Red Deer Polytechnic’s commitment to community service, engagement and leadership to help address current needs. During Level Two of the program, central Alberta instructors will augment the learning process by sharing their knowledge and expertise,” adds Holt. “Through this cooperative collaboration, many central Albertans will benefit from these learning opportunities which will help to build relationships and to strengthen the entire region.”

The program is open to members of the general public who want to learn more about trauma, its symptoms, and viable plans to foster positive well-being. Participants should expect to dedicate about 15 hours to complete both courses, which begin in January 2022.

More information about the collaborative program, including how to register, is available online.