Fundraising for a new program to support Family Members Impacted by Trauma

The Sashbear Foundation is collaborating with a team of clinical psychologists and leading experts in PTSD intervention research. Together, we are developing a peer-delivered psycho-educational program for family members. Drawing on evidence-based treatments for PTSD, the aim of the program is to reduce fear and shame arising out of family members’ experiences of trauma, and to support their recovery from the impact of trauma in their lives.

The Impact on Families

Family members will be able to engage more effectively in their lives and relationships through reduction insymptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety.

The Need

When struggling youth have engaged in self-harm, talked about or attempted suicide, or been involved inthe justice system, the parents experience high levels of distress and powerlessness, and they are often exposed to multiple traumatic events. Trauma can have an ongoing impact on the parents’ and other family members’ well-being, leading to depression, anxiety and trauma disorders such as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

There is a need for peer-led groups specifically focused on helping family members recover from traumatic events related to the challenges faced by their youth with mental health issues.

How will your donation make a difference?

While the initial program has been designed, it is now crucial to refine it based on participant feedback, and to test its feasibility and effectiveness. Your donations will provide support to pilot the program and research it tomeasure the program’s impact on family members’ well-being.

Research evidence of this nature ensures we are providing an effective program and will allow us to scale program delivery to help more families.

Our Fundraising Goal

Developing an evidence-based program requires time and expertise. We are working with a three-year timeline to deliver the program to family members and gather research evidence to demonstrate program efficacy. Our total fundraising goal is $215,000.

We are currently in YEAR ONE of our three-year timeline.

Year One - $50,000

Pilot group delivered to family members who meet criteria for PTSD, collect and analyze pre- and post-intervention data to assess intended outcomes (reduction in PTSD symptoms, improvements in other mental health measures). We have already secured $15,000 and we are fundraising for the remaining $35,000.

Year Two - + $65,000 larger scale study

Multiple groups delivered across Canada to replicate results from pilot study and build evidence base for program efficacy.

Year Three - + $100,000 RCT (Randomized Control Trial)