Face 2 Face with Stigma workshop

›› Kay Martin

Face 2 Face with Stigma is an anti-stigma workshop inspired, led, developed, and delivered entirely by a team of folks with lived and living expertise. We cover many topics including homelessness, substance use, and mental health disorders. Together we use our powerful stories to bring people out of the fringe and shadows of society due to stigma. Our aim is to put a human face to those of the street and marginalized community, as well as change perceptions, inspire empathy and end the “us and them” mentalities. We are all a part of this community together and aim to live harmoniously as neighbors with everyone.

Face 2 Face has been delivering workshops since 2019. What started as a 1-day event, blossomed into well over 50 workshops, 3 conferences, and 2 community events over the last 3 years. Our audiences have included VicPD, Police Victims Services, classes of UVic and Camosun College students, service providers, hospitals, high schools, community groups, and many others. While we generally have delivered our talks in person, technological innovation has opened some of these workshops to online participants via webinar. And we are still going strong!

Our presenters are survivors. Face 2 Face features powerful personal stories, delivered by people with lived and living experience. Follow along as we link the effects of trauma and disconnection with a life of stigma and unlikely triumph. Education is provided on several key topics, such as healthy language, the effects of the opioid crisis, as well as participant activities and educational videos.

Come join us for this transformative experience on February 28 from 5:30 to 8:00pm at the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone Ave). Light refreshments will be provided. Check out more at victoriahomelessness.ca/f2f.