The Women’s Counselling Service, a program of Sunshine Coast Community Services Society, is launching Connections, a new, facilitated weekly support group for women who have experienced or are experiencing abuse in intimate relationships.
Connections will start Feb. 6 and will run for eight weeks on Thursdays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. There is no charge for the group and subsidies will be available to help with child care costs. The two facilitators are both counsellors with the Women’s Counselling Service and have years of experience and expertise in the field of violence and abuse.
The Connections group will provide a safe and confidential place for women to meet others who have similar experiences. Women will be able to connect and share knowledge, ideas, and strategies for recovery that have contributed to an improved overall sense of well being. Other benefits of the group include reduced feelings of self-blame and inadequacy, enhanced understanding of abuse and how it works, and increased safety.
“Abuse can be devastating and isolating, and can continue to impact women’s lives even years after they have left a partner who has been abusive,” says Lin Patfield, lead counsellor of the Women’s Counselling Program. “Participants in previous groups we have offered say that the group made a huge difference in their lives.”
To register or find out more about the group please call the Women’s Counselling Service 604-865-0105 or email womenscounselling@sccss.ca, or contact Lin Patfield at lpatfield@sccss.ca or 604-865-0105.
Please register by Jan. 30. Diverse identities welcome.
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