Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture - VAST

We assists refugees and other newcomers who have endured torture, trauma and political violence through counselling, documentation, education, and referrals.

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Services Offered

VAST provides trauma recovery services and a Healing Community, with either group support or individual counselling. VAST wellness support services are provided at no cost, for individuals or families in need. Usually VAST will refer out to one of our partners for individuals dealing with an active addiction, or for couples therapy, or family therapy (although we may be available to work with all members of the family).

Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@rosiefraser?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Rosie Fraser</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/group-therapy?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
Individual & Group Support
We provide trauma-focused psychological counselling in one-on-one and in group. Psycho-education, emotion self-regulation, and information sharing prepare  clients for the refugee claim and settlement process.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@homajob?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Scott Graham</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/paper-document?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
Support with Documentation
We provide documentation of evidence of psychological trauma for the refugee claim process. We work with our clients (and their lawyers) to document symptoms of psychological trauma to support their refugee claim.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@timmarshall?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Tim Marshall</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/community%5C?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
Community Building & Referrals
We provide referrals to health, housing, and settlement services. We work with our community partners in the health and social services sectors to create a network to support our clients’ basic needs.
Photo by <a href="https://unsplash.com/@alexisrbrown?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Alexis Brown</a> on <a href="https://unsplash.com/s/photos/education-for-work?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a>
Building Capacity & Education
We provide training and professional development workshops on refugee mental health for health and social service providers, and students. We work on committees to advance the rights of refugees.
CHECK THE COMMON QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK US!

We have support groups for you!

Support groups are available in multiple languages.

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Events

Annual Running is coming
The ScotiaBank 5K and Half Marathon will happen this year on June 23rd, 2019.
Barbecue in the Summer
VAST Annual Summer Barbecue, July 21st, 2018, 4-7 pm at the Trout Lake.

Campaigns

We are conducting campaign activities in addition to events. If you are interested in our campaigns, please search for this hashtags on social media.

#HealingIsResistance

We provide trauma-focused psychological counselling in one-on-one and in group. Psycho-education, emotion self-regulation, and information sharing prepare  clients for the refugee claim and settlement process.

#ShareYourStrength

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.

Thank You for the Support

What People Say About Us

"VAST has helped me a lot to resolve emotional problems and given me guidance in many unknown things. I thank everybody for their support"

Client

“Best thing Bridge clinic had ever done for him was to refer him to VAST. It has changed his life”

Cathy Crozier, MSW, RSW, Manager, Evergreen Addictions, Special Projects & TobaccoTreatment, Vancouver Coastal Health

"I wanted to also let you know how impressed I am with VAST. I have been working a bit with Mariana and others to assist some of my clients. It has been a wonderful experience for both me and my clients. I am very thankful for all you and your organization does. You all should be proud."

Anna Negrin, Partner Law Firm

"For me is like home all the staff have made feel like part of a family is a warm and kind place"

Client

Check our careers page!

See our open positions and be part of VAST

WE ARE HIRING!!