SAFE to Host Free Narcan Trainings, Yoga, and Concert in September

SAFE Coalition, based out of Franklin, will offer free Narcan training, trauma-informed yoga classes, and a concert with local band The Elastic 5 this September.

SAFE Coalition

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, SAFE will host free Narcan training at the public libraries in Norfolk (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), Medway (10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.), and Wrentham (11:30 a.m. to noon). Attendees will learn how to recognize overdose, practice administering Narcan, and develop confidence in responding to an overdose. 

“Hosting community Narcan trainings increases access to Narcan and decreases stigma related to the disease of addiction,” says  Jennifer Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “Here in Norfolk County, we still see the impact of opioids within our communities and to know we have over 5000 doses of Narcan in the hands of our citizens is incredibly powerful.”

Trainings are supported by Norfolk, Medway, and Wrentham Opioid Abatement Funds. People can also contact SAFE to request one-on-one or group Narcan training.

Starting Sept. 7, SAFE will offer trauma-informed yoga sessions led by Michelle Palladini. Palladini, Norfolk deputy chief of police and founder of the L.E.A.P. program, is active in providing knowledge and training to the community, focusing especially on trauma, empowerment, and wellness. 

trauma-informed yoga sessions

“Physical and emotional wellness is the cornerstone of healing,” says Palladini. “I’ve found mindfulness to be incredibly helpful and enjoy sharing the practice with others. We all have something to heal from, and this is one path along the journey.”

Trauma-informed yoga focuses on mindfulness and body awareness. This practice is more sensitive to trauma triggers and teaches participants how to recognize trauma-associated spikes in one’s nervous system. 

These free sessions will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays through November and take place at the SAFE office. Registration is required: tinyurl.com/safeyogareg 

On Sept. 21, local band The Elastic 5 will perform at the SAFE office as part of the SAFE After Dark series. Based out of Boston, the Elastic 5 plays tributes to 20th century music, from the British Invasion to 80s/90s alternative, Rock & Roll to Power Pop.  The evening will begin with Open Mic from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by The Elastic 5’s performance from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

SAFE After Dark is a "Sober Coffeehouse" where artists, comedians, and musicians of all levels of age and experience are welcome to share the open mic 

“There are very few places that artists in recovery can perform that offer a safe, sober, and supportive environment,” says James Derick, director of Family Recovery and co-founder of SAFE. “We recognized this and wanted to provide an alternative.”

“Anyone is encouraged to perform,” says Derick. “Musicians, poets, comedians, spoken word—all are welcome.”

Anyone interested in performing can reserve their spot by sending an email to Derick at jderick@safecoalitionma.org

SAFE is in the Moseley Mill building at 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C, in Franklin. Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org or 508-488-8105 for more information on these events or to request Narcan training at a different date.  

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. To learn more about SAFE’s offerings or volunteer, visit the SAFE website -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/