Health awareness campaigns

What is Trauma-Informed Care? - Trauma-Informed Care Implementation Resource Center

Trauma Informed Care

August offers an opportunity to pause, recharge, and reflect before the energy and activity of a new academic year begins. This month focuses on Trauma-Informed Care, an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and promotes environments grounded in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.

Trauma-informed care encourages us to view behaviours and experiences through a lens of understanding and compassion. In a university setting, this means fostering respectful, supportive interactions that help students, faculty, and staff feel seen, heard, and valued.

"Trauma-informed care is not about asking, 'What's wrong with you?' It's about asking, 'What happened to you?'"
Dr. Sandra Bloom

As we look ahead to welcoming students and colleagues back to campus, we each have a role to play in creating a culture where people feel safe, supported, and connected.

Creating a Supportive Campus Community
Safety	Foster physically and emotionally safe environments Create welcoming and inclusive spaces
Trust & Transparency	Communicate clearly and consistently Follow through on commitments
Choice	Offer options whenever possible Respect individual preferences and boundaries
Collaboration	Encourage participation and shared decision-making Value diverse perspectives and experiences
Empowerment	Focus on strengths, resilience, and growth Recognize achievements and contributions
Compassion	Listen without judgment Approach others with empathy and understanding

Together, we can help create a campus community where every person feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive

Resources and education materials

	Childcare Support through Life Smart Childcare Support through Life Smart is a confidential, solution-focused service designed to help parents and caregivers navigate childcare needs and family transitions. As August brings International Youth Day and preparations for the return to school, it is a timely opportunity to consider how changing routines, new expectations, and school-related transitions may affect children, teens, and their families. Whether a family is preparing for a new school year, exploring childcare options, or looking for guidance with an ongoing concern, this service provides practical information, resources, and personalized support. Through this service, employees and their eligible dependents can access support for a wide range of childcare-related needs. This may include locating childcare or before-and-after-school programs, understanding available care options, preparing children for changes in routine, and accessing resources to support their social and emotional wellbeing. Families can also receive guidance related to school transitions, age-appropriate development, community resources, and creating routines that help children and caregivers adjust as summer comes to an end. Accessing Childcare Support through Life Smart is simple and confidential. Individuals can connect with Homewood Health by visiting homeweb.ca or by calling 1-800-663-1142 to request Life Smart services and be connected with appropriate childcare information and resources. Services are available at no cost to the employee or eligible dependent, and support can be accessed at a time that is convenient for them.

Homewood Health - EFAP Newsletters

Life Lines: August 2026 - From Bystander to Ally: Supporting Each Other with Confidence | Play Video | Audio File

Vitality (Manager and Supervisor - supporting employees): Q3 2026 - Peer Support Building Connection, Trust, and Everyday Strength at Work

Archived articles: Employee health promotion newsletter

Health & well-being awareness campaigns

January	Mental Health	July	Respect in the workplace & harassment prevention
February	Healthy Heart	August	Trauma informed care
March	Women's Health	September	Work-life balance
April	Financial Wellness	October	Breast cancer awareness
May	Cancer Prevention	November	Men's health
June	EDI Awareness	December	Self-care

Please contact health.disability.wellness@ufv.ca if you have any ideas to share or questions.

Need Help Now?

If you are dealing or know someone who is dealing with a health crisis:

Require immediate support? please consider accessing our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) through Homewood Health. They offer confidential resources and support for mental health, wellness, and other personal needs. You can reach them at: