COMMUNITY SUPPORT

  

 

PACIFIC BLUE CROSS

Pacific Blue Cross is a not-for-profit Health Benefit Society with a mission to improve health and wellbeing for British Columbians. We’re the only health benefits provider in Canada that’s based in BC, serving the people of BC—and we’ve been doing it for 80 years. This history gives us deep and abiding expertise in the BC health care sector, and helps us help our members—more than 1.6 million residents—better manage their health, dental, life, critical illness, and travel insurance needs.

BANI ADAM

Bani Adam is a small group of volunteers who are sponsoring a queer refugee couple to escape persecution and find a safe home in the Lower Mainland, with support from the registered charity Rainbow Refugee Society. Their work is part of a larger program of Rainbow Refugee Society that assists people around the world who are facing violence or persecution based on their gender identity, sexual orientation, or HIV status. Bani Adam is named after a 13th century poem by Persian poet Saadi Shirazi that talks about all people being part of one whole, with one essence and soul. You can support Bani Adam by spreading the word about their cause or chipping intowards the $35,000 needed to cover the couple’s basic living expenses during their first year in Canada. 

 

Creating Accessible Neigbourhoods

Creating Accessible Neighbourhoods (CAN) is committed to equity, diversity, and accessibility. CAN recognizes that people with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions have multiple intersecting identities that affect their experiences and daily life. CAN represents and honours all identities by centering decolonization and using an intersectional lens.

CAN works to collaboratively find creative solutions to, and educates about, barriers within communities, consulting on a wide array of projects including accessibility, transportation, advocacy, empowerment, disability awareness, poverty, LGBTQ2SIA+ (Queer) issues, Disability Justice, and more.

Supports:

Chronically Queer provides a welcoming, supportive environment where LGBTQIA2S+ identified people living with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities can come together and share what is happening in their lives.

CQ is a peer-facilitated support group where participants can be themselves fully and openly without fear of judgment. We provide participants an opportunity to engage in a encouraging and caring environment, share personal stories/feelings, listen as others share their experiences, and learn coping strategies.

 

TRANS CARE BC

Trans Care BC is a BC-wide information service and resource hub. We work to make sure people have the information they need to access gender affirming health care and supports. We also provide clinical supports to health care professional in the form of resources on clinical standards and education. Clients and providers can connect with Trans Care BC by email at Transcareteam@phsa.ca or by phone at 1-866-999-1514.

We provide support to peer-led initiatives, such as trans support groups and groups for parents/caregivers of gender diverse children and youth, through funding opportunities, networking opportunities, and peer project support and mentorship. Find out about peer supports in your area in our service directory.

 

NEW WEST PRIDE

New West Pride aims to promote equality and diversity through all of its events. We host events year round, culminating in a pride festival every August.

 

HEALTH INITIATIVE FOR MEN

With five health centres throughout the Lower Mainland, Health Initiative for Men is a non-profit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of gay men. We offer the full spectrum of gay men’s sexual health testing, as well as professional counselling, sexual health education, and an engaging mix of social and volunteer opportunities.

CRISIS CENTRE of BC

The Crisis Centre provides help and hope to individuals, organizations, and communities through 24-hour crisis and distress phone/chat services & education and training programs. We seek to foster compassionate, connected suicide-safer communities. 

 

YouthCO HIV and Hep C Society – Mpowerment Program

YouthCO was founded in 1994 by a group of youth! Our mission is to reduce the impact of HIV and Hep C stigma on youth in British Columbia. We currently offer three peer-led programs: Yúusnewas, with a focus on Indigenous youth, Positive Programs, with a focus on youth living with HIV and Hep C, and Mpowerment, with a focus on queer and trans youth.

Mpowerment is a space for queer and trans youth (15-29 years old) to meet, have fun and support each other in making informed decisions about our sexual health!

We are committed to reducing stigma related to HIV and to building communities where we feel safe talking about the highs and lows of sex, drugs, relationships and all the things that bring us pleasure.

We host new social events year round in 3 locations across British Columbia. One of these areas is the Fraser West area – which includes Burnaby, New West and Surrey.

We have an upcoming virtual event called “Unmute: Queer Mic Night” that aims to witness and celebrate local young queer and trans artists. This event is free and open for all queer and trans young people between the ages of 15 and 29. Click here to RSVP. Visit the Facebook event page.

 

Burnaby Pride Community Action Network (PCAN)

The Pride Community Action Network (PCAN) is a group of interested community members (LGBTQ2SIA+ and allies) who meet to help imagine, plan, organize, and volunteer at Burnaby Pride events. Our events would not be possible without the help of community members who help guide the planning process. We want our events to represent the needs and interest of those in Burnaby and appreciate everyone who volunteers their time and energy to this committee. If you are interested, please contact us at info@BurnabyPride.com

 

Burnaby Intercultural Planning Table

The BIPT embraces cultural diversity and envisions Burnaby as an exceptionally welcoming and inclusive community for all. BIPT works collaboratively with 33 stakeholders including settlement organizations, educational institutions, health and municipal agencies, provincial ministries, local community establishments to facilitate the integration of immigrants and refugees. BIPT increases awareness of information and resources available, identifies and addresses gaps in services, and enhances community interagency collaboration and coordinates pursuit of funding to create opportunities for engagement of the whole community to improve outcomes for newcomers.