Training & Resources

Training & Resources

Individual comprehensive training options are now available! These trainings are for individuals seeking a certificate, and are priced at $30. Organizations needing more than four slots should consider our team training options. The quarterly schedule will be released soon! For more information, contact the Education Team at [email protected].

Team 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. We are able to train up to 30 people in one session. To book a consultation, 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
Download Our Full Pricing Booklet

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. 

$750 - capacity of 30 attendees


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. 

$750 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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.  

$500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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. 

$250 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

An Introduction to Substance Use and Criminalized Drugs of Canada


This foundational course is the first in a two-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.

$500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

Supporting Canadians Who Use Substances


This course is the second in a two-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.

$500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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.

 $500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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.  

$500 - capacity of 30 attendees


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. 

$500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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.

 $250 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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.

 $500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

Introduction to Harm Reduction and Substance Use for Disability Support Workers 


This course is tailored specifically for staff working in the disability services sector, providing essential knowledge and skills to better support individuals who use substances and address substance use in the community. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of harm reduction, the social determinants of health, and key factors driving Canada’s current drug toxicity crisis. The training emphasizes evidence-based practices for fostering safer and more supportive environments. Key components of the course include Awareness of commonly used substances, their benefits and risks, and addressing misconceptions that perpetuate stigma; Understanding safer substance use practices, become familiar with commonly used equipment, and learn to identify and safely dispose of discarded materials using universal precautions; The importance of Naloxone in poisoning response and hands-on administration and The unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, including factors contributing to substance use or exposure, balancing individual autonomy with safety considerations and navigating ethical and institutional barriers in supporting individuals who use substances. 

People with disabilities may use substances themselves, know others who do, and live and work in communities where substance use occurs. The outcome of this training is to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to address these issues, foster inclusion, reduce harm, and provide meaningful support.

 $1000 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

Language Matters   


This course offers participants a valuable opportunity to explore how the thoughtful use of language tailored to specific communities and groups can foster meaningful connections. By emphasizing the importance of person-centered care and culturally appropriate services, the training delves into the history and evolution of terminology to help professionals communicate confidently and effectively with service users. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of diverse communities focusing on safer sex practices, HIV, substance use, sex work, and folks who are unhoused. Through engaging examples and real-life scenarios, this course serves as a practical starting point for creating a more inclusive and understanding workplace.

 $300 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

Supporting Dignity & De-Escalation Strategies: Tools for Community Safety


This course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the social determinants of health, trauma-informed care, and the principles of harm reduction. Participants will critically examine the underlying factors contributing to homelessness and addiction and discuss the stigma surrounding these issues. Through scenario-based learning, participants will explore both theoretical concepts and practical tools to uphold dignity and create safer, more inclusive community spaces for all people. The curriculum highlights nationally recommended best practices and care models, equipping participants with the skills to implement person-centered, trauma-informed de-escalation strategies effectively. By the end of the course, participants will have developed a robust set of strategies and actionable skills to apply within their professional settings. 

 $1500 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

Understanding Mental Health and Substance Use in the Trades


The Trades represents one of the largest industries in North America. In Canada, people in the trades are disproportionately impacted by the consequences associated with poor mental health and substance use. Within the participatory action approach, we conducted an environmental scan using semi-structured qualitative interviews with people in trades, post-secondary institutions, and several other industry professionals. Using the results of our research, we developed this workshop with the focus of providing participants with a more robust understanding about the factors contributing to the increased risks of developing mental health and substance use related issues in the trades, while expanding participants skills in supporting themselves and their coworkers and developing coping skills to improve their own mental health. This workshop is recommended for everyone in the Trades industry from General Manager to Administrative Coordinator, Project Manager to Field Technician, Mental Health and Substance use issues can affect everyone, and it is something that we should all be informed about. 

 $750 - capacity of 30 attendees


Book a Consultation

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. These trainings are offered quarterly.

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.

Thank you to the funders of these trainings: The Public Health Agency of Canada and HRJ Consulting.

A smiling person with a rainbow flag on their shoulders

Learn More About Subsidized Training Offerings:


HIV & STBBIs 101


(2 Hours)

Substance Use 101


(2 Hours)

Harm Reduction 101


(2 Hours)

Sex Work 101


(3 Hours)

    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
    people in actively participating in training