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Support Programs
A wide variety of women access our support services, and we use their input to guide us. We are trans-inclusive and child-friendly. Some women drop in every week, others for the lunch or grocery programs, others only attend weekend retreats. Hopefully you’ll find a fit with what we offer. If you don’t, let us know what would be helpful to you.
If you’re outside the Lower Mainland, we can connect on the phone (call us toll-free at 1.866.692.3001) or via email. If you want to find out about our ongoing and special events, check the monthly calendar.
How Can We Help You?
Here’s a list of our support services. If you want more information, please contact Bronwyn Barrett (Support Program Coordinator).
- aboriginal-specific activities
- individual support
- Weekend wellness retreats
- day retreats and outings
- drop-in centre
- foodbank
- housing subsidies
- outreach visits
- information and referrals
- lunch program
- on-line support and education for women throughout BC
- one-to-one support sessions
- peer support
- phone counselling
- prevention information
- support for family and care providers
- support groups
Aboriginal-specific Activities
We know it’s important for Aboriginal women to be able to connect in culturally comfortable ways. We offer Aboriginal women’s retreats and day programming that include going to sweat lodges, mother’s groups, sharing circles and ceremonies. We can also offer relevant information and referrals to Aboriginal members.
Individual Support
PWN Support Workers provide one-to-one support for members who are facing challenges. We respect women’s choices in helping them gain access to services and resources. We also provide referrals to a wide variety of health care services and professionals, social support services and community agencies.
Weekend Wellness Retreats
“I absolutely love coming to retreats. It is something I look forward to as a positive woman living in BC.” (Member attending a retreat on Bowen Island).
Weekend reterats are a wonderful opportunity for HIV+ women from across BC to come together for peer support, fun, relaxation and sharing information. All costs are covered by PWN, including travel costs for women coming from across the province. For more information about what happens at a retreat, visit the Weekend Wellness Retreat page.
Nervous about going for the first time? Don’t be. Retreats are magic.
Day Retreats and Outings
We like to have fun at PWN! From time to time we host events and community outings, with input from members. Events include picnics, beauty nights, wellness and self-esteem workshops, theatre outings, etc. Check out our monthly calendar for upcoming events.
Drop-in Centre
Drop-in hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. The drop-in is comfortable and confidential. Come in to meet other women, connect with a support worker, or to use the free phone and computer. We are located on the 6th floor of 1033 Davie Street, Suite #614. Buzz if the door is locked! Check out our monthly calendar for details and special events, and for the days we are closed.
Foodbank
The PWN grocery is a partnership with AIDS Vancouver. Regular grocery clients of AIDS Vancouver who are also PWN members can pick-up groceries at 1033 Davie Street. Contact Bronwyn Barrett, Support Programs Coordinator if you’d like to pick up your food at PWN.
Housing Subsidies
We have a limited number of portable housing subisdies- portable, in that they can be used anywhere in B.C. Members are welcome to fill out a one page Housing Waitlist Subsidy Application, and when a subsidy becomes available, those who still need housing will be asked to fill out a more comrehensive application.
Outreach Visits
PWN Support Workers and the Oaktree Outreach Worker will visit members who are unable to come into the drop-in where possible. We can also process new member intakes in St. Paul’s Hospital or on outreach visits. Contact Bronwyn to schedule a visit or get more information.
Information and Referrals
PWN staff provide a wide-range of information on HIV-related subjects and answers to your questions. These services can be provided in person, over the phone, via email or by mail. We also provide a wide range of community and medical service-related referrals to members and the public.
Lunch Program
Our lunch program runs every Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunches are free for PWN members and their children.
One-to-One Support Sessions
Members are encouraged to contact support workers with any questions related to HIV diagnosis and healthy living, advocacy, support programs and resources. We offer women a safe and confidential environment in which to speak openly.
Peer Support
Talk to other positive women about diagnosis, disclosure, decisions about treatment, or other challenges HIV is sending your way.
Phone Counseling
As many members or newly-diagnosed women may not want or are not able to come to our offices, PWN Support Workers will provide support and counseling over the phone, particularly on our toll-free line 1.866.692.3001. We also do pre- and post-test HIV counseling over the phone.
Prevention Information
Prevention Information can be found on our HIV: Your Body section of the site. You’ll find information one the basics of HIV, transmission, treatment options, and more. The Drop-in can be a great place to talk to other members, and retreats offer workshops on prevention too. We also work in partnership with YouthCO on prevention initiatives aimed at young women (aged 15-29).
Support for Family and Care Providers
Many friends, partners and family members of HIV+ women have concerns and questions, too. We try to meet these needs by providing up-to-date information and informal support over the phone, by e-mail, or in person.
Support Groups
PWN offers different kinds of support groups based on where women want to focus. Contact Sangam, the Support worker who leads the Support groups to find out what is available or might be coming up.