Training & Resources

Training & Resources

SafeLink Alberta's 101 Training Sessions: Learn Best Practices and Emerging Trends

SafeLink Alberta's 101 Education Series provides community partners with in-depth insights into target populations, an understanding of the challenges they face, and equips participants with information on how to effectively address these unique needs.

Are you ready to learn more? SafeLink Alberta provides a variety of training courses that focus on the different aspects and perspectives surrounding HIV, hepatitis C, and STIs. This can be offered virtually or in-person with an option of a paid specialized training targeted to your organization's needs.

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Learn More About Our At No Cost Offerings:

HIV 101

(2 Hours)

HCV & Syphilis 101

(2 Hours)

Substance Use 101

(2 Hours)

Universal Precautions

(1.5 Hours)

Harm Reduction 101

(2 Hours)

Supporting Safer Sex Practices 101

(1.5 Hours)

Sex Work 101; Foundations, Legislation, and Support Strategies

(3 Hours)

    Comprehensive Training: Dive Deeper with Specialized Knowledge 

    SafeLink Alberta offers specialized training courses for service providers seeking intensive training, with certificate awarded upon completion. These trainings can be tailored to:

    • your organization’s needs,
    • strategic focus,
    • target demographics.

    Participants will engage in interactive learning that emphasizes practical application, cultural competency, and advanced strategies for addressing systemic challenges. Trainings can include lived experience speakers, scenario-based practice and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.

    Comprehensive trainings range in price from $250-$750 depending on length and are held in-person in Calgary. For our full pricing booklet, please fill out our contact form. 

    "We had a great experience with SafeLink Alberta. Their Education Coordinators met with our agency and worked on tailoring a harm reduction training that filled the gaps we were seeing in our programs. After the training, they went a step further and came to our programs so that frontline staff could see harm reduction supplies in person as well as ask questions about safe use. In doing so, frontline staff were able to then support clients with reducing harm. We would highly recommend collaborating with this agency."
    Camille Schulz MSW, RSW, Mental Health Therapist at Trellis Society

    Our Comprehensive Training Courses

    HIV: A Comprehensive Approach to Empowering Individuals through Prevention and Support

    HIV and its impact have been widely researched and discussed, yet stigma around an HIV diagnosis persists despite medical advancements. This course is designed to challenge assumptions and misinformation about HIV, teaching participants about HIV, its effect on the body, current treatment options, and advancements in prevention. Participants will also gain essential competencies and critical support strategies to support people living with HIV. 

    Book a Consultation

    HCV and Syphilis, Supporting Individuals Impacted by STBBIs

    This course explores the causes, prevention, and treatment of Syphilis and Hepatitis A, B, and C. Participants will examine the factors contributing to the increased prevalence of sexually transmitted blood-borne infections (STBBIs) in Canada and Alberta and their consequent concurrent issues. This course provides participants with a statistical overview of the prevalence of syphilis and hepatitis, preparing them to support individuals impacted by the STBBIs. 

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    Supporting Safer Sex Practices

    This course is designed for any group in any sector seeking to better support and empower others in managing their sexual health. Participants will learn about the different safer sex supplies available, their risks and benefits, and proper usage. In this course, we cover prevention, testing, and treatment of common STBBIs and address the barriers to accessing care. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies for effectively supporting safer sex practices in the communities they serve.  

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    Universal Precautions: Best Practices in Protection against Blood Born Pathogens.

    This course is designed to introduce participants to universal precautions with a specific focus on education and best practices for safer exposure to blood-borne pathogens. The course will examine safer methods of disposal of substance use equipment and safer sex supplies, and proper use of biohazard bins. The overall aim of this course is to educate participants about what constitutes as biohazardous materials and to increase their understanding of how to properly manage these materials, to decrease the stigma associated with substance use and to create a safer community. 

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    An Introduction to Substance Use and Criminalized Drugs of Canada

    This foundational course is the first in a three-part series, introducing participants to the factors driving Canada’s current drug toxicity epidemic. Participants will examine Canadian statistics on accidental drug poisonings and explore criminalized drugs most affecting the epidemic. The training will highlight commonly used substances, examine the benefits and risks of substance use, and address myths that contribute to stigma and discrimination.

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    From Prohibition to Harm Reduction, A History of Substance Use in Canada and the Way Forward

    This course is the second of a three-part series. Participants will examine the past, the present, and the potential future of substance use in Canada. The course aims to give participants an extensive look at the social determinates of health and harm reduction, and how these topics impact Canadians who use substances.

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    Supporting Canadians Who Use Substances

    This course is the third in a three-part series. Participants will learn about safer substance use practices and safer substance use equipment, examine the complexities of substance use, and sharpen their understanding of how to best support individuals who use substances.

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    An Introduction to Sex Work

    This foundational course is the first in a three-part series that provides a high-level overview of what sex work is, who sex workers are, and the diversity of work. This training is an essential first step in understanding the realities of sex work, encouraging participants to reflect on current discourse around sex work and recognize misinformation. The course offers key insights on how to support sex workers, informed by primary consultations and ongoing evidence-based practices.  

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    Sex Work, Exploring Laws and Legislation

    The second in a three-part series, this training focuses on Alberta legislation and the realities of sex work. It will cover local, national, and international laws related to sex work, examining their impact on Alberta and Canadian sex workers. This training is designed to help participants understand the barriers that sex workers face in their everyday lives and how to better support them.  

    Book a Consultation

    Sex Work, from Stigma to Support

    The third part of this series will engage participants in critical discussions about the perceived risks of sex work. Attendees will unpack the stigma sex workers face, using insights from previous sessions to apply support strategies to their work. Participants will gain an understanding of the types of support sex workers are asking for, practical approaches to implement, and how we can stand in solidarity with the community. 

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    Party and Play, Sweat Sex, and Safety

    In this course, participants will explore the complexities surrounding sex and substance use, also known as ‘Party and Play’ (PnP). We will examine PnP’s key demographics, the drugs involved, and the various stigmas individuals may experience. The course aims to equip participants with strategies to best support those who Party and Play.

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    Harm Reduction, Sex, Drugs, and Human Rights

    In this course, participants will be provided with a comprehensive look at the evolution of harm reduction in Canada. This course examines the formation of Canadian drug laws, discusses how risk reduction policies and practices have been implemented nationally and internationally, and critically analyzes how these policies and practices impact key population. The course aims to give participants a better understanding of harm reduction, the social determinants of health, and how to utilize evidence-based practice.

    Book a Consultation

    Knowledge Thirsty Thursdays

    Short on time, but thirsty for knowledge?

    Look no further. SafeLink Alberta invites you to join us virtually one Thursday a month from 11:00 - 12:00 pm for Knowledge Thirsty Thursdays.

    Our pint-size trainings will discuss new trends, hot button topics, and current events related to substance use and sexually transmitted infections. Come along with the SafeLink Alberta Education team as we sample flights of knowledge and quench your thirst for information.

    Knowledge Thirsty Thursdays are sure to hit the spot and hydrate your brain.

    Register for a Training
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