Community
Community Connections
VICCIR’s community work helps newcomers build connections and support beyond the counselling room. We run free support groups with community partners and offer training to the people who welcome newcomers to Vancouver Island.
Our groups give people a regular place to meet, share a meal, learn something new and talk with others who understand what it is like to start again.
Immigrant Seniors in Action
Reducing isolation and promoting health and wellness
Starting over in a new country can be lonely, especially later in life, away from family and the language you grew up with. Our community programs give people a regular place to meet, share a meal, learn something new and talk with others who understand.
In this short film from our Immigrant Seniors in Action series, Anita talks about what taking part has meant to her.
Community groups
Groups that bring people together
Each group is shaped by the people who come to it. Here are the groups VICCIR runs with community partners.
Vietnamese seniors, 55+
Victoria Vietnamese Seniors Group
Developed in partnership with the Van Hanh Temple, this group is a place for Vietnamese seniors to build connections with others, learn new skills and talk about healthy aging.
VICCIR staff and volunteers bring information and activities, and there is always time for conversation, reflection and refreshments together.
- For Vietnamese seniors aged 55 and over
- Held at the Van Hanh Temple, 933 Colville Road, Victoria
- Free to take part
Chinese community, 55+
Chinese Community Group
Developed in partnership with the Victoria Chinese Seniors Association and Broad View United Church, this group brings members of Victoria’s Chinese community together to share food, celebrate, and talk with people who understand what it is like to settle somewhere new.
Sessions are relaxed and social, and they give people a regular place to meet, catch up and support each other.
- Held at Broad View United Church, 3703 St. Aidans St., Victoria, BC
- Cooking and sharing food together
- Time for conversation and friendship
Hispanic community, 55+
Connection Corner
A gathering for Spanish-speaking newcomers and their families to meet, share music and stories, and support each other through settling into life on Vancouver Island.
People come from many different countries, and the group is a place to celebrate where they are from as well as the community they are building here.
- Held at G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd, Victoria, BC
- Music, stories and shared celebrations
- A chance to connect in Spanish
Youth, peer-to-peer workshops
Youth Resilience Program
Youth Health and Cultural Ambassadors deliver peer-to-peer workshops that help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health concerns and bring practical tools to support youth well-being.
- Programming held at the University of Victoria and SD61
- Refreshments always provided
- Adaptable to different topics and themes
Volunteer with us
Health and Cultural Ambassadors
Health and Cultural Ambassadors are trained volunteers who reach out to cultural communities, share information about mental health and help counselling clients with one-to-one support when they need it.
If you have academic or practical experience supporting others and would like to help immigrants and refugees settle into life in Canada, we would like to hear from you.
- Training is provided before you start
- Advocate for culturally safe, accessible counselling
For organizations and community groups
Run a group or event with VICCIR
If your community or organization would like to partner with us on a support group, workshop or event, we would like to hear from you. We can help with planning, facilitation and interpreters.