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.
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What is our Newcomer Women’s Support program?
Our women’s program, officially called the Immigrant Women’s Peer Support Program (IWPSP), 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 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/protected person
- OR, a naturalized citizen
- Additional requirements for the Leadership and Facilitation Program:
- 24 years old or older
- Have an English language level equivalent to CLB 4.
Frequently asked questions about this program:
If you need more information about the program, please see our FAQs below. If you have further questions, please contact info@issbc.org.
All of our women’s programs offer group sessions that provide a safe, welcoming space to practice your English or speak in a language you are more comfortable with.
We organize many of these groups by language and have previously hosted Dari, Ukrainian, and Mandarin groups.
In these programs, you will primarily focus on group activities and facilitation training, learning to lead group conversations and develop development plans.
In addition, there are occasionally activities where you can try drawing and knitting, or go on field trips, 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
Farsi
Arabic
Russian
Want to join? Register today!
If you like to join the program please contact the program via email:
Funding Partners
Our newcomer women’s programs are funded by the Government of Canada and Vancouver Coastal Health.
