I am beyond honoured to introduce an extraordinary book that is set to make a profound impact: “Testimony After Trauma – Preparing Public Safety Personnel Before, During, and After the Courts.”
This book is a critical resource for Public Safety Personnel (PSP), first responders, and their families, addressing the unique challenges they face when testifying in court after experiencing trauma in the line of duty. Written by a team of dedicated experts, it provides essential guidance on how PSP can prepare for the courtroom experience, receive proper support, and recover afterward.
A Special Spotlight on Amanda Griffith-Conway
This book holds a particularly special place in my heart because one of its incredible authors, Amanda Griffith-Conway, is not only a distinguished police officer and social worker, but also my former student and now a co-instructor of Mental Health for First Responders and Military Personnel Community Learning Course.
Amanda is a force of nature: a tireless advocate, educator, and community leader who has dedicated her life to supporting first responders and those struggling with mental health challenges. Her lived experience, deep empathy, and unbreakable commitment to her community make her an inspiration to all who know her.
She currently serves in the Brandon Police Service’s Community Policing Unit, where she works tirelessly to create safer communities and build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve.
In addition to her frontline policing work, Amanda has:
🏆 Co-created Project Resilience 911, a Manitoba-based peer support initiative that provides first responders and frontline workers with critical mental health resources at no cost.
🏆 Been awarded the first Mental Health Service Award in Manitoba for her distinguished contributions to those struggling with mental health.
🏆 Recognized as a Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and Treatment.
🏆 Received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Award in 2023 for her outstanding leadership and contributions to the community.
🏆 Served as a Registered Social Worker, Police Officer, Peer Support Advocate, Mental Health Educator, and Field Educator for the University of Manitoba.
🏆 Committed herself to Indigenous advocacy, representing Métis communities within the Brandon Police Service and working towards truth, reconciliation, and cultural safety.
Amanda’s work doesn’t stop in the field. She is also a passionate educator, bringing real-world experience and powerful storytelling into the classroom. Anyone who has had the privilege of learning from her leaves transformed, with a deeper appreciation for the challenges and sacrifices of first responders.
She has dedicated her life to ensuring that those who serve and protect us receive the support, resources, and recognition they deserve.
About the Book
This groundbreaking book provides critical guidance on:
📖 Identifying risk factors for PSP facing the justice system
📖 Strategies to provide trauma-informed support before, during, and after testifying
📖 The importance of peer and family support during the court process
📖 How organizations can better support their members through legal and emotional challenges
Proceeds from this book will go directly to Badge of Life Canada and Project Resilience 911 (Manitoba), two organizations dedicated to providing mental health support for first responders and their families.
📚 Now available at: Testimony After Trauma (56secondsbook.com) and at major bookstores in print and e-format.
Amanda’s dedication, courage, and tireless advocacy make her a true champion for first responders. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading this book and supporting this vital cause.
Let’s stand together in support of those who protect us. 💙
#BeyondTheCall #TestimonyAfterTrauma #FirstResponderSupport #MentalHealthMatters #ProjectResilience911 #BadgeOfLifeCanada #SupportOurHeroes