We acknowledge the existence of systemic oppression and commit to breaking down barriers to accessing trauma recovery supports and mental health services for all people experiencing oppression by and within systems.

We believe that communities need to come together around a shared vision, approach and set of intentional actions, in order to sustainably build positive life outcomes for people impacted by trauma or adverse life events. The common purpose that we share is the concept of building “trauma-responsive communities.” These are communites that provide a brave space for members to re-experience safety and trust, and provide them with the trauma responsive care, resources, and skills to heal.

Trauma is an ever-growing public health issue that requires extensive public education. Changing health care and community culture hinges on increasing the recognition of the lifelong impact of trauma on people’s physical, mental and behavioural health, and the resulting social outcomes.

This transformation requires a paradigm shift for the helping professionals community service providers and organizations, that recognizes the significance of trauma and the importance of a whole-person approach when addressing the impacts of trauma.