Personal Support
– Referrals to community resources
– Advocacy
– Food Security
– Support navigating various governmental systems (MCFD, Youth Justice, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction)
– Support with making and getting to crucial appointments

Education
– Employment readiness (resume writing, job applications)
– Education and Alternate Education Plans
– Life skills

Health
– Mental health, substance use, sexual health, and referrals
– Help accessing harm reduction/sexual health supplies
– Support navigating health care system
– Pregnancy and parenting support
– Helping 2SLBTQIA+ individuals access gender affirming care
– Access to sports and recreation

Housing
– Support with housing applications

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Camosun College offers upgrading classes at the Friendship Centre, a partnership that began in the early 1980s. Indigenous students are invited to join the program to obtain or improve high school skills and get ready for post-secondary education or employment. Classes are self-paced and designed to meet the needs of students in a culturally friendly and supportive environment. An Indigenous advisor is available to help students make education and career decisions. Students also have access to all the benefits and services provided by the college, including fitness and recreation, a library and media centre, and counselling.

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The Métis Nation of Greater Victoria Métis Nation of Greater Victoria (MNGV) was established in 1990 and is the local organization representing Métis People in BC’s capital region. Their community stretches across the Southern tip of Vancouver Island: from Port Renfrew to Oak Bay, Metchosin to North Saanich, and includes the Southern Gulf Islands, West Shore Communities, and East Sooke. There are more than 1,300 MNGV members and approximately 7000 Métis identified through the 2022 Census in the CRD region.

Becoming a member of MNGV, not only connects you to local Métis, but they share many exclusive opportunities to enhance your connection to Métis’ culture and community.

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The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction focuses on providing British Columbians in need with a system of supports to help them achieve their social and economic potential.

Featured Services

Income Assistance – Apply for B.C. Employment and Assistance (BCEA).

Disability Assistance – Apply for Persons with Disabilities Assistance.

My Self Serve – Secure online access to income and disability assistance programs and services in B.C.

WorkBC – Committed to help British Columbians successfully navigate B.C.’s labour market.

Bus Pass – A reduced cost, annual bus pass for low income seniors and individuals receiving disability assistance.

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The post Primary Care Clinic appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The VNFC Wellness Clinic provides access to healing and wellness modalities for Indigenous community members and people accessing VNFC services. We have partnered with the Pacific Rim College (PRC), the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) and local health providers to bring services in a culturally friendly and supportive environment. All services are free of charge and are by appointment.

Herbal Medicine

Pacific Rim College students provided information and consultations about herbal and plant medicines. Herbal tinctures, teas and capsules are offered to treat a range of conditions.

Acupuncture

Pacific Rim College students provide acupuncture specific to your health needs. Along with acupuncture, your session may include fire cupping, gua sha and tui na massage. Monday 8:45am – 2:15pm

Community Massage

Students from West Coast College of Massage Therapy provide 50-minute massages. Thursday 10:00am – 1:00pm

Foot Care

Footcare clinics are offered to Indigenous Community members by Registered Nurses and are for people with diabetes and elders. They are scheduled once a month, are by appointment only, and cannot be booked through reception. Please contact Scott or Isobel to sign up (scott.i@vnfc.ca or isobel.d@vnfc.ca).

How to Access the Wellness Clinic

Appointments for the VNFC Wellness Clinic can be booked through VNFC Reception (except foot care – see above). Call 250-384-3211 or email reception@vnfc.ca. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

How to Reach Us

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The Parent Legal Centre provides a free lawyer and an advocate to help address the social worker’s concerns about your children’s safety (child protection) early on. Together they can help you find solutions that work for you and your family.

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The VNFC Health Services team includes Indigenous Health Support Workers, Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellors, and a Mental Health Liaison. Our Health Services team provide holistic and culturally safe health and wellness services to people who identify as Indigenous and their families.

Health Support Workers

Provide one-on-one support for people with health challenges, including:

• Navigate access to health care and wellness services
• Advocate on client’s behalf within the health care system
• Assist with accessing health benefits funding for services, equipment, and medications
• Provide transportation to appointments for clients with mobility issues

Provide group support and education, including:

• Lunch & Learns
• Drop-in monthly information sharing about health issues and resources
• Footcare
• Services and assessment provided by a Footcare Nurse for Elders and people with diabetes. Registration is required
• Health Support Circles and Cultural Sharing
• Sharing circles and cultural activities (art, music, food) help to support mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellbeing

Mental Health and Substance Use Supports

• One-on-one counselling for people with substance use issues in all stages of change
• Client-centred goal setting and help with developing healthy living skills
• harm reduction, abstinence, setting boundaries, stress management
• Information about and referrals to other mental health and substance use services for healing and recovery, such as support groups, other agencies, and residential treatment centers
• Advocacy and support in navigating the mental health and substance use systems
• Culturally safe group supports, including talking circles, grief support circles, and cultural activities and teachings
• Community education on mental health and mental health resources and services

How to Access Health Services

To access our one-on-one Health Services, an intake is required. Intake can be completed from 1pm –4pm, Monday to Friday, by either coming in person to the VNFC or calling us at (250) 384-3211. Details about drop-in and group programming can be found on our Health calendar.

How to Reach Us

8:30am – 4:30pm Monday – Friday
Intake is required*

231 Regina Avenue
Victoria, BC
V8Z 1J6

Tel: (250) 384-3211
Email: intake@vnfc.ca

Director: Grey Showler
Coordinator: Christina Kante

*Intake is by phone (250) 384-3211 or in person between the hours of 1:00pm and 4:00pm Monday to Friday. All referrals must go through intake.

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