Trauma-informed approaches when working with survivors of force migration

Description:

This webinar will focus on identifying best practices when working with survivors of forced migration and violence. Specifically drawing on trauma-informed approaches and integrating them into various immigrant serving sectors.

We will acknowledge settlement barriers, learn how to strengthen the referral process through collaborations, challenge myths about refugees, and how to adopt self-care strategies in becoming effective trauma-informed workers. We will also explore the benefits of community and cultural supports that are critical for survivors of forced migration in balancing life and being in a new country and environment.

Speakers:

Jhevoi Melville, Registered Social Worker, Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST)

Jhevoi, previously an international student from Jamaica, holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Northern Caribbean University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC). Jhevoi is the Registered Social Worker at VAST.

In her role, she supports the Community Engagement and Clinical teams in examining the risk factors that contribute to the deterioration of mental health amongst individuals within the refugee population. She also advocates for equity of access to resources and maintains an anti-oppressive approach in supporting the psycho-social needs of clients. She also represents VAST on various committees where mental health and settlement intersect.

Frank Cohn, Executive Director, VAST

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Frank has 20 years experience in facilitating, designing, managing, and evaluating Community Development Programs. He has been a Lecturer in Social Work and Public Affairs at UBC, UNBC, NYU, Fordham, Rutgers, and Columbia Universities; Langara, Douglas, and Native Education Colleges. Frank has provided guest lectures and Field Instruction at more than a dozen other universities, in Youth Development, International Community work, Non-Profit Management. Frank conducts trainings for youth, educators, and managers, in five languages: French, Spanish, English, Chinese, and Haitian Creole. He has done leadership capacity building work with over 10,000 youth in over 100 rural villages and urban neighborhoods in 22 countries in Latin America and Asia.