You will gain awareness as speakers share lived experience and skills promoting mental wellness, resiliency and ways to strengthen family ties.

Remember first responders are human. The roles and responsibilities of their profession often expose them to traumatic events. This is part of their job that will not change. Over time, repeated exposure to traumatic events can impact first responders and affect their families. Great strides have been made to open communication about mental health in a number of services and organizations. Stigma leaves some first responders concerned about the potential, or perceived, negative impact talking about mental health concerns may have on their profession and families.

This seminar will present options to build resiliency, enhance relationships, promote mental wellness and strengthen ties within the family unit. The seminar will facilitate conversations to help break through stigma which often prevents people from speaking openly about life stressors, occupational stress, occupational stress injuries or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Presenting Our Master of Ceremonies

Guy, Gallant, Fire Chief - South Bruce Fire Rescue

www.town.southbruce.on.ca

Chief Gallant opens with reasons for supporting mental wellness among first responders and their families

Introducing our Keynote Speakers

Malia Leighton, Student

‘My Keeper’ Malia’s father is an active member of the Ontario Provincial Police. She will share a thoughtful and moving presentation of her experience growing up as the daughter of a first responder

Natalie Nowkawalk, MSW, Certified EMDR Therapist

www.natalienowkawalk.vpweb.ca

‘Is it time for counselling?’ Natalie will describe how to know when you (or someone you care about) need counselling, how to find a counsellor, types of counselling, and what the experience may look like

Barb Ambrose Sharp, BA Criminology, will be presenting with her husband

Doug Sharp, BA Physical Education, Fire Captain, Kitchener Fire Department

‘When FIRE gets in the way' Personal reflections on the impact a job can have on home life, highlighting the challenges, the strengths, and the work of finding balance in a first responder relationship

Dr. Christina Harrington, MSW, PhD, RSW, Clinical Social Work

www.socialworksolutionscanada.ca

‘Tired of COVID? Aren’t we all!’ Christina will discuss the many ways in which COVID impacts our mental health, our families, our overall wellbeing, and how it is exhausting us! Discover strategies to help lower the stress so you can be well despite ongoing public health restrictions and risks posed by COVID 19

George Hebblethwaite

Deputy Chief, Hanover Police Service

www.hanover.ca/police

Co-facilitator and Logistics

Paula Turner

Volunteer Firefighter

Registration

Joe Carter

Joe Carter Entertainment - www.starofservice.ca

Technical Support

Scott Mills

www.successandsafety.com

Social Media

Doug Fleet

www.libris.ca>pipers

Piper

We are proud to introduce our Sponsor, Leslie Ford.

The owners of Leslie Ford have shown unwavering support of our first responders, sponsoring Invisible Wounds events for six consecutive years.

This family owned business employs and supports a number of first responders by allowing time off to respond to calls and by understanding that upon return to their shift, some may need and are given time to defuse.

Please thank Leslie Motors by visiting their site.

www.lesliemotors.com

Special Opportunity

Often a seminar ends and people wish they had added time to personally meet Speakers, perhaps to ask additional questions or maybe a couple might want to extend the day into an evening 'date night'

We will be offering you an opportunity to join speakers and volunteers for a three course dinner ($35.00 per person) Plated Dinner Service Cash bar

Salad course: Taste of spring salad – mixed greens, grilled asparagus, snap peas, pickled red onions, fresh cheese and lemon vinaigrette

Entrees: Chicken parmesan – breaded chicken, tomato sauce, cheese, linguine alfredo or Apple brined roast pork – seasonal vegetables, mashed potato, red wine sauce

Dessert Options : Classic brownie with caramel sauce or Vanilla cream brulee

Contact: Deborah MacDonald at dsmacd77@gmail to make dinner reservations or with any questions you may have

Accommodations: Reduced rates at the Best Western Plus Walkerton Hotel and Conference Centre are available under invisible-wounds.ca