Vancouver Women’s Health Collective (VWHC) is a non-profit women’s health organization whose mission is to empower self-identified women to take charge of their own health. We strive to offer a safer and more inviting space for all women seeking health information and services, and to provide voice, value and opportunity for all women.
”I chose to apply to the VWHC because I wanted to volunteer with a purpose and I feel I can do that here.”
“The Collective has helped open my eyes and heart to others without judgment.”
“I feel as though I am a part of a community, a very unique one at that. People from all different backgrounds are coming together to help make difference in women’s lives.”
Volunteers are at the core of VWHC’s daily operations and dedicate their time and expertise in various capacities:
- Resource Centre (RC) volunteers: welcome women accessing our drop-in centre, help them access resources on site or in the community; support the Community Clinic run by Nurse practitioners from BC Women’s Hospital;
- Workshop Facilitators: offer one-time or recurring activities on a specific topic. Past topics have included menstrual health, self-esteem, energy healing, nutrition, art therapy, creative writing, mindfulness…
- Wellness instructors: joint the team of yoga or Pilates instructors, counsellors, or any other wellness program you may want to start
Our volunteers are friendly, open-minded and are comfortable working in the Downtown Eastside and must be able to commit for at least 6 months. Some knowledge of health and social services is an asset. RC volunteers provide a minimum of a one-time 5 1/2-hour shift per week in our drop-in centre; facilitators and instructors’ commitment is based on the chosen activity.
“Working together with everyone as part of this small but devoted team feels incredibly gratifying.”
“It gives me a sense of fulfillment and a feeling that I can have a positive impact on someone else’s day.”
“The collective has truly helped me prepare for what is to come in my future practicums and practice once I am a registered nurse. You simply cannot beat hands-on experience in a non-judgmental, low-stakes setting.”
All RC volunteers are interviewed by our Volunteer Coordinator and are provided with hands-on orientation, plus ongoing training at our monthly volunteer meetings.
Please complete the below form to submit your application and for more information, contact us at 604-736-5262 or drop-in@womenshealthcollective.ca or visit us at 29 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC.