Connecting Ottawa’s free annual conference for frontline community workers will be held in-person on October 23, 2025! Frontline community workers – such as settlement workers, social workers, housing and shelter staff, medical support teams, and many others – play a crucial role in bridging the gap between individuals facing legal issues and the support they need. This year, Connecting Ottawa’s conference will highlight key skills that can make a real difference when supporting clients with legal issues. Through two engaging panels led by experts, participants will:
- Refresh or build their interviewing and intake skills to better understand clients’ needs, identify potential legal issues, and make effective referrals.
- Learn practical, trauma-informed de-escalation techniques for situations when meetings don’t go as planned, such as when a client is upset, angry, or overwhelmed.
In addition to these sessions, the conference will provide a great opportunity to connect and share experiences with other frontline workers from across Ottawa. Please note that space is limited to 100 participants, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot!