The BC Refugee Hub will be hosting an in-person training workshops focused on mental health crisis management, specifically designed for organizations and frontline workers supporting refugee claimants. These workshops will provide invaluable resources and practical tools to help strengthen your organization’s mental health crisis response plans.

The BC Refugee Hub has developed this training in partnership with VAST as part of the BC Safe Haven Resource Network, led by AMSSA, funded by the Province of British Columbia.

Workshop Details:

The workshops will take place across BC, offering hands-on learning and collaborative discussion. Tailored for those working with vulnerable populations, these sessions provide practical insights to enhance your organization’s crisis response capabilities. The content of this workshop has been developed by the Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST), a leading organization in BC offering trauma-informed mental health services to refugees and refugee claimants dealing with psychological trauma from torture, political violence, and persecution.

Speakers from VAST will cover topics including:

• Trauma Informed Practice
• Expressive Art Techniques
• Cross Cultural Support

Workshop Dates & Locations:

Region: Fraser Valley – Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley, and Mission

• Date: March 6, 2025
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Location: Archway Community Services – 2420 Montrose Ave, Abbotsford
• Click Here to Register

For in person session – Morning light refreshments, coffee, tea and lunch will be served.

Region: Interior and North – Basin-Boundary, Kamloops, Kelowna, Penticton, Prince George, Salmon Arm and Vernon

• Date: Monday, March 10, 2025
• Time: 9:30am to 1:30pm
• Location: Online – Zoom
• Click Here to Register

Note: Priority is given to BC Safe Haven and NSP funded program team members. Community partners serving refugee claimants can register for this training.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact BC Refugee Hub Project Consultant, Bahar Taheri, at bahar.taheri@issbc.org or 604.562.9470

Completed Session:

Region: Fraser Valley – Surrey, Delta, White Rock

• Date: February 13, 2025
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Location: DIVERSEcity – 13455 76 Avenue, Surrey
• Registration Closed 

Region: Metro Vancouver – New Westminster, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.

• Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Location: ISSofBC – 2610 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, 2nd floor – Vancity Rooms
• Registration Closed 

Region: Vancouver Island – Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo, Saanich, and Victoria

• Date: February 26, 2025
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Location: Coast Capri Hotel – 146 Kingston St, Victoria – Fairfield Room
• Registration Closed