Safer Stroll Project

On Friday March 9, 2012 our International Women's Day Celebrations continued with the launch of a very special documentary. The "Safer Stroll Project" is a documentary featuring a program created jointly by Street Health, Regent Park Community Health Centre, and the Bad Date Coalition. The Special Victims Unit, Sex Crimes Division of the Toronto Police Services also collaborate with this project.

All Saints Church at Dundas and Sherbourne was full with standing room only as we watched this powerful documentary. This was followed by a panel discussion and a chance to network and meet the incredible women involved with this project.

Street involved marginalized women who are or have been involved with sex work are offered the opportunity to become involved with this project. The graduates of this program work in community agencies providing support to peers promoting safer practices and harm reduction. Women's Drop Ins operate in the downtown area at several locations and the women from the safer stroll project regularly attend. In addition , they have presented within the community for speaking engagements providing education about this program. I also have the honour of being accompanied on my outreach rounds by graduates of this program.

During the training workshops, staff from Street Health and Regent Park CHC provide information on first aid, crisis intervention, harm reduction, prevention of STD's etc. One member of the project described this as a comprehensive training. The truth is that I have learned far more from these brave women than they have ever learned from me.

If your agency is interested in learning more about this project or screening the documentary, please call Street Health at 416-921-8668.