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Newcomer Women Support

In this program, you can learn about life in British Columbia, Canadian society, and community services, such as local medical care and schools, so you can start building your life here.

Women gathered at ISS of BC

What is our Newcomer Women’s Support program?

Our Women’s Program has two parts: the Women’s Peer Support Group program (a 10-week drop-in service) and the Women’s Leadership & Facilitation Program (14 weeks, including a practicum).

Both programs aim to inspire and empower women newcomers by creating safe spaces where you can share your experiences and solve your daily challenges with your new friends!

PROGRAMS

  • Peer Support Group: A 10-week drop-in program offering settlement support, cultural learning, and community connections in a safe, confidential space.
  • Leadership & Facilitation Program: 14-week leadership and facilitation training to develop community leadership skills, with certification and opportunities to facilitate peer support groups.

What are the benefits of these programs?

Read below to learn how our women’s program can empower you and other newcomer women so you can thrive in BC!

Safe and Confidential Space

Engage in a welcoming environment to share your experiences and discuss settling in Canada.

Learn about Canadian culture

Understand Canadian customs to help you fit into the community.

Connect with Community Resources

Find and use local services and support networks.

Develop Leadership Skills

Learn how to become a community leader and role model.

Language Support

Access the programs in English or your first language so you can enjoy the program more easily.

Facilitation Training

Get training to lead peer support groups effectively.

Learn from Experts:

Gain knowledge from professionals in various fields.

Earn Certifications

Earn PeerNet Facilitation and ISSofBC Leadership and Facilitation Training certificates.

Build Confidence

Gain the assurance to navigate your settlement journey independently.

Who can join our women’s programs?

You can join if you are:

  • A permanent resident (PR)
  • OR a refugee or refugee claimant
  • OR, a naturalized citizen
  • 19 years old or older.
  • Additional requirements for the Leadership and Facilitation Program:
  • 24 years old or older
  • Have an English language level equivalent to CLB 4.

FAQs Headline

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All of our women’s programs offer group sessions that provide you with a safe and welcoming place to practice your English or to speak in a language you are more comfortable using.

We organize many of these groups by language and have had Dari, Ukrainian, and Mandarin groups in the past.

In these programs, you can practice drawing, knitting, and many other activities. 

Several field trips are organized so you can explore new parts of British Columbia together.

Locations Available

Our programs for newcomer women are available at the following locations:

Languages Available

Our women’s programs are mainly provided in English. However, our Peer Support groups are organized by language group, including:

English

Ukrainian

Dari

Spanish

Want to join? Register today!

If you like to join the program please contact the program via email:

Vancouver

New Westminster

Funding Partners

Our newcomer women’s programs are funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia.

Government of Canada (IRCC)

Government of British Columbia

Related Events

Learn about life and work in BC, develop skills and your network. Join our free in-person or online events now!

Related Programs & Services

Are you a newcomer, immigrant, refugee, temporary foreign worker or international student in British Columbia? We’re here to support you.