July 24, 2025 Research Spotlight featuring speakers Katherine Rudzinski, Adrian Guta, Charlotte Smith, and Kimberly Smith
This webinar explores innovative arts-based research methods used to understand the real-world impacts of safer supply programs in Toronto. We present findings from two community-engaged projects that employed photovoice and cellphilms to capture participants' lived experiences at different Toronto sites.
The photovoice project engaged women and non-binary safer supply clients who used photography to document how a safer supply of drugs transformed their lives. Their powerful images revealed that safer supply enhanced physical well-being, housing stability, self-confidence, community connections, and personal agency beyond preventing overdoses. The project culminated in community photo exhibitions showcasing participants' stories.
The cellphilms project provided safer supply clients with storytelling and video creation training. Participants created short films responding to "Because of safer supply I..." documenting wide-ranging program impacts including improved stability, housing support, mental and physical well-being, family connections, and overdose prevention.
Attendees will learn methodological considerations for using these arts-based approaches and key findings demonstrating how safer supply programs improve quality of life and social stability.
This presentation offers valuable insights for researchers, service providers, and policymakers interested in participatory research methods and evidence-based approaches to addressing the drug poisoning crisis through the voices and experiences of those most directly affected.
Also available: Presenters' Slides
