When Trevor Ledoux joined the FASD Network as an addictions worker, he gained a new perspective on harm reduction, that made a remarkable impact throughout the organization.
Trevor Ledoux, an addiction worker with the FASD Network of Saskatchewan, was looking to learn more about homelessness. His search for reliable learning resources led him to the Homelessness Learning Hub (HLHub). “I went to the site and saw there were some free online courses, and then the rest is history. Once I started taking it, it was like, this is amazing!” he explains.
He enrolled in the course while developing an addictions program for the FASD Network. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term describing a range of disabilities caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Injury to the developing brain of the fetus can cause learning disabilities, hyperactivity, problems with anger and executive functioning, vision problems and problems with the heart, kidney and liver.
FASD is often a hidden disability affecting 4% of the population in Canada. It may be undiagnosed or go undetected among people experiencing homelessness. People with FASD often need llfelong support. They are more likely to drop out of school, have mental health and substance use issues, justice system involvement and experiences of homelessness.
A Personal and Professional Transformation
Originally a proponent of an abstinence-only approach, Trevor’s perspective shifted after engaging with the HLHub’s training. Trevor says the course “opened his eyes” to his own limiting beliefs about harm reduction. He says his previous views of substance use were very black and white—”you either use or you don’t.” Like others, he felt harm reduction was a way of “enabling substance use or turning a blind eye to it. “[Harm reduction strategies] are keeping people alive, so they can eventually reach out for help” he says. When it comes to working with people who are unhoused, abstinence-only approaches are especially dangerous, he adds.
“Sometimes abstinence is not attainable for many of our clients who are entrenched in street life and in survival mode. [For those dealing with the impacts of] colonialism and intergenerational trauma, even more so. It’s hard to stay sober – hard to be abstinent when you’ve got this trauma within you that you’re trying to cope with, and we know that addictions—substance use—is a coping strategy.”
Broad Adoption Across the Organization
Trevor soon recognized the value of the online training on harm reduction and homelessness and introduced it to his co-workers and the entire FASD Network. It didn’t take much convincing to get the organization on board, especially as it aligns with their core pillars of harm reduction, trauma-informed and low barrier approaches. The harm reduction training, with its focus on a person-centered and trauma-informed approach, is a cornerstone of effective and empathetic service delivery.
Trevor explains, “They took that, and they said, you know, what a great idea! Because this is definitely an issue.” Leadership saw an opportunity to provide high quality training for staff that was free, quick and easy to use. Now FASD Network staff can access the free harm reduction training as part of their workplace training and professional development. At the time of publication, more than 30 staff have completed the training, including support workers, justice workers, and management. The training is also part of the orientation package for new hires, ensuring everyone shares the organization’s mission and values.
Building Sector Capacity
Trevor’s proactive efforts and the positive response by the FASD Network are a valuable example for service providers grappling with similar challenges. “It is definitely worth it, especially if it is frontline work,” he says, adding ease of use makes the HLHub a no-brainer. “It was easy to sign up, it was easy to get into. That’s a big sell. Ease of use and how quickly you can hop onto the site, sign up, two minutes later, you’re talking your harm reduction course.”
For those looking to enhance their organization’s competency in harm reduction, homelessness, and other critical areas, the Homelessness Learning Hub offers an extensive range of free training and professional development resources developed specifically for the sector.
Explore Free Resources and Training
If this story inspires you, consider what similar training could do for your organization. Take the first step by visiting the Homelessness Learning Hub to learn more about free resources and professional development.