Harm Reduction in Regent Park

The Jack Layton Chair of Social Justice invites you to a talk about harm reduction by Paulos Gebreyesus, executive director of the Regent Park Community Health Centre, about harm reduction and a screening of Hugh Gibson (external link) ’s award-winning documentary The Stairs (external link) .

The Stairs tells the story of harm reduction workers Martin Thompson, Greg Bell and Roxanne Smith. Using their own experiences to ease the paths of others, they are engaged in community work in their old neighbourhood, Regent Park. Told over five years, with a focus on harm reduction, The Stairs defies stereotypes through intimate portraits. A discussion will follow with members of the audience.

The event will provide a valuable opportunity for students and community members to gain an understanding of issues related to harm reduction in neighbouring Regent Park.

Admission is free. RSVP is not necessary.

If you have accessibility needs, please email: laytonchair@torontomu.ca

Bios:

Eighteen years ago, Paulos Gebreyesus started his work in community health as an outreach worker engaging and supporting people who in inject drugs. He is currently the Executive Director of Regent Park Community Health Centre.

Hugh Gibson, the director of The Stairs, participated in the Berlinale Talent Campus, TIFF’ s Talent Lab, and TIFF STUDIO. The Stairs, his feature debut as director, debuted at TIFF and won the Toronto Film Critics Association award for Best Canadian Film of 2016. He also wrote /directed the acclaimed short drama, Hogtown Blues (’TIFF, Bilbao: Audience Award), and produced a short doc titled, A Tomb with a View (’TIFF, VIFF). He lives in Toronto.

Roxanne Smith has been working in harm reduction with Toronto's marginalized communities for the last 17 years. She currently works with South Riverdale Community Health Centre and is one of the main subjects in The Stairs.

Martin Thompson is a Harm Reduction Worker at Street Health. He is a main subject in The Stairs, which is named after his poem, “Them Dirty Old Stairs”.

Greg Bell is a Harm Reduction Worker at Regent Park Community Health Centre, and a Harm Reduction Support Worker at Street Health. He is a main subject in The Stairs.