MEMBER BOOKING ONLY. PLEASE READ.

If you have not submitted the client-member application form + health-care worker referral form AND completed an in-person intake interview, you DO NOT have permission to book our services

Please refer to https://www.vancouverfriendsforlife.ca/join for more information on eligibility and member application.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on the body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain and overall wellness, including stress management.


Expressive Art Therapy In-person Counselling

Expressive Art Therapy In-person Counselling combines the creative arts with psychotherapy to enhance emotional, mental and physical well-being. It facilitates engagement with the creative process providing clients the opportunity to express emotions, develop self-awareness, and connect with internal and external resources through the use of imagery, colour and shapes. Sessions will be 50 ... Read More

Expressive Art Therapy In-person Counselling combines the creative arts with psychotherapy to enhance emotional, mental and physical well-being. It facilitates engagement with the creative process providing clients the opportunity to express emotions, develop self-awareness, and connect with internal and external resources through the
use of imagery, colour and shapes.

Sessions will be 50 minutes in length and participants will have a chance to explore different materials and themes while guided and supported by the student art therapists. No previous art experience is necessary, and all materials will be provided. We welcome you to come and explore through creative
expression!


Counselling

Counselling is a way of helping people cope with their current emotional, personal or interpersonal problems. This is done through the purposeful use of relationship to facilitate improved self- awareness, coping strategies, mood, personal relationships, emotional regulation, and the optimal development of personal resources. Counselling provides an opportunity to be listened to without being j... Read More

Counselling is a way of helping people cope with their current emotional, personal or interpersonal problems. This is done through the purposeful use of relationship to facilitate improved self- awareness, coping strategies, mood, personal relationships, emotional regulation, and the optimal development of personal resources. Counselling provides an opportunity to be listened to without being judged in a supportive, trusting, and accepting environment.


Lunch

We are very proud of our lunch program and our wonderful lunch crews – the meals they craft are fit for top restaurants and we are grateful for their time, skill, and care in preparing our weekly lunch. Currently, on Wednesdays our volunteer-led lunches are aimed at providing meals that are well balanced, nourishing and easily tolerated. The meals provided are especially crucial to many... Read More

We are very proud of our lunch program and our wonderful lunch crews – the meals they craft are fit for top restaurants and we are grateful for their time, skill, and care in preparing our weekly lunch.

Currently, on Wednesdays our volunteer-led lunches are aimed at providing meals that are well balanced, nourishing and easily tolerated. The meals provided are especially crucial to many of our members who live on limited incomes such as disability benefits. Lunches also provide an important time for social interaction, countering the isolation that often accompanies living with life interrupting illness.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic – we are currently offering a bagged-lunch service served through the dining room door located on the veranda. Client-members are welcome to sit and enjoy their lunch on the veranda or the nearby garden until it is deemed safe to reopen the house for a sit-down meal.


Massage Therapy

Massage is rubbing the soft tissues of the body, such as the muscles. Massage may be helpful in reducing tension and pain, improving blood flow, and encouraging relaxation. Massage therapists usually apply pressure with their hands, but they can also use their forearms and elbows.


Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Clinics at Friends For Life The naturopathic teaching clinic provides practical, clinical experience to naturopathic medical students from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus (CCNM-Boucher). The students conduct appointments and treat patients while under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors. What is naturopathic medicine? “Naturopat... Read More

Naturopathic Clinics at Friends For Life

The naturopathic teaching clinic provides practical, clinical experience to naturopathic medical students from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Campus (CCNM-Boucher). The students conduct appointments and treat patients while under the supervision of licensed naturopathic doctors.

What is naturopathic medicine?

“Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care profession, emphasizing prevention, treatment, and optimal health through the use of therapeutic methods and substances that encourage individuals’ inherent self-healing process. The practice of naturopathic medicine includes modern and traditional, scientific, and empirical methods.” (American Association of Naturopathic Physicians).


Reflexology

Reflexology therapy is a natural therapeutic method based on the principle that there are reflexes in the body that map to other parts, glands, and organs of the body. Through the application of pressure on these reflexes, reflexology therapy can help to relieve stress, improve circulation and support the body’s efforts to function optimally.


Reiki

Reiki is a meditative practice that promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and encourages a positive mental state through gentle touch.


Spirituality

Spirituality encompasses various viewpoints and is a comprehensive notion. Generally, it entails recognizing a connection to a higher power or entity beyond our individual selves, and usually involves seeking purpose and significance in life. Therefore, it is an experience that is shared universally, impacting everyone. Individuals may characterize a spiritual encounter as sacred or transcenden... Read More

Spirituality encompasses various viewpoints and is a comprehensive notion. Generally, it entails recognizing a connection to a higher power or entity beyond our individual selves, and usually involves seeking purpose and significance in life. Therefore, it is an experience that is shared universally, impacting everyone. Individuals may characterize a spiritual encounter as sacred or transcendent, or as a profound feeling of vitality and interconnectedness.


Cooking Class

Join us on the second Wednesday of every month for an online cooking class from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The Zoom information to join is below. The first six members who sign up can pick up free groceries the day before class. Please email info@vancouverfriendsforlife.ca or call 604-682-5992 if you're interested in picking up groceries to cook along. Meeting ID: 825 2016 4690... Read More

Join us on the second Wednesday of every month for an online cooking class from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The Zoom information to join is below. The first six members who sign up can pick up free groceries the day before class. Please email info@vancouverfriendsforlife.ca or call 604-682-5992 if you're interested in picking up groceries to cook along.

Meeting ID: 825 2016 4690
Passcode: 240057
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kSuol1Lk


Christmas Dinner

We’re excited to announce that Dinner with the Father will take place on Thursday, December 19th, from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Vancouver Friends For Life House. All members must arrive by 6 PM; late arrivals will not be able to join the dinner after that time. Dinner will be served promptly at 6:30 PM.
Please sign up via your online VFFLS booking account. If you experience any difficulty.


Wellness Workshop

Our wellness workshops focus on using natural ingredients to create everyday products without the harm of unknown chemicals. From personal care items to cleaning solutions, we guide you through hands-on activities to promote a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable environment.


Physical Fitness

This class is designed for all abilities and is intended to get your body moving in a gentle manner through stretching, mobility, and exercises using body weight and resistance bands. Participants will be encouraged to use slow, controlled movements, and to work at their own pace. Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, improving circulation and mood, this class will leave you feeling both ... Read More

This class is designed for all abilities and is intended to get your body moving in a gentle manner through stretching, mobility, and exercises using body weight and resistance bands. Participants will be encouraged to use slow, controlled movements, and to work at their own pace.

Enhancing physical and mental wellbeing, improving circulation and mood, this class will leave you feeling both relieved of tension and invigorated.


Karaoke with Paula !

We’re excited to invite you to our Karaoke Night with Paula Parker, exclusively for our members!
Every month, join us for a fun-filled evening of music, laughter, and community. Whether you're looking to show off your singing skills or just enjoy the performances, it’s the perfect opportunity to unwind and connect with fellow members in a relaxed and welcoming environment


Dietetics

Nutrition and food related services, including workshops and individual consultations


Movie Night with Todd Clarke

Join us for a monthly Movie Night at Vancouver Friends For Life! This fun and relaxed event will be held once a month, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's a great opportunity to unwind with friends, watch a movie, and enjoy delicious refreshments that will be provided. Whether you're a movie enthusiast or just looking for a fun time with friends, come by for an evening of entertainment and great comp... Read More

Join us for a monthly Movie Night at Vancouver Friends For Life! This fun and relaxed event will be held once a month, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It's a great opportunity to unwind with friends, watch a movie, and enjoy delicious refreshments that will be provided. Whether you're a movie enthusiast or just looking for a fun time with friends, come by for an evening of entertainment and great company. We can't wait to see you there!


Letting the Body Speak | Dance, Art & Poetry

Join this workshop series to connect with your body in new and empowering ways. Using the tools of the arts—movement, drawing and words —you’ll uncover resources to support your personal wellness and expression. This workshop is for all abilities and ages. No prior dance experience is necessary. Through simple, accessible body/movement-based practices, you’ll learn to build self-awareness an... Read More

Join this workshop series to connect with your body in new and empowering ways. Using the tools of the arts—movement, drawing and words —you’ll uncover resources to support your personal wellness and expression. This workshop is for all abilities and ages. No prior dance experience is necessary.

Through simple, accessible body/movement-based practices, you’ll learn to build self-awareness and trust, manage stress and anxiety, and tap into your body’s natural wisdom. Discover how to regulate your mood and energy, feel more grounded, and embrace a sense of ease and confidence. Together, we’ll explore how art and life mirror each other, helping you connect more deeply with your sense of wholeness. This workshop is ideal for anyone seeking greater resilience, self-trust, and a deeper connection to their body.

Please note: This program is not a form of therapy or counselling, and the facilitator is not a trained mental health professional.

Allison Coutts is a Certified Personal Trainer, Holistic Nutritionist, and long-time West Ender.

She is passionate about fitness because of the benefits it provides not only to our bodies, but also our minds, and spirits.

Allison Coutts is a Certified Personal Trainer, Holistic Nutritionist, and long-time West Ender. ... Read More

Katherine Craig is a certified therapist who volunteers at Friends for Life and works one-to-one with members to address issues including grief and loss, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relationships and stress management.

Katherine Craig is a certified therapist who volunteers at Friends for Life and works one-to-one ... Read More

Larisse is a registered clinical counselling hypnotherapist and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Faster EFT practitioner. She has worked with clients of every imaginable variety. Her integrative approach has proven results across a wide range of issues including trauma, phobias, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, pain management, smoking cessation and more. She can help you navigate challenges and create beliefs that make it possible for you to experience wellbeing.

Larisse is a registered clinical counselling hypnotherapist and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)... Read More

MAX 2 TREATMENTS PER MONTH WITH ED

As some of you may remember, Ed had been providing acupuncture services at Friends for Life for about ten years until all the changes of the pandemic. Now, after a two-year hiatus, Ed has returned to resume his acupuncture treatments every Thursday.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, single-use, medical needles into specific points on the body to help the patient return naturally to a balanced state of mind-body energy. Typically, a series of 3 to 8 treatments are necessary to evaluate if acupuncture is going to be an effective strategy in any particular case. For some people, acupuncture works very well, while for others it is less dramatic. However, in all cases, it is a safe procedure that provides an alternative viewpoint to help understand the overall health situation of the patient. There is very little discomfort involved in an acupuncture session and there is always time to ask questions.

Ed is looking forward to seeing some of his previous clients, as well as meeting some of the newer faces at Friends for Life.

MAX 2 TREATMENTS PER MONTH WITH ED As some of you may remember, Ed had been providing acupunctur... Read More

B.Sc. Reg. Physical Therapist is a body-focused counsellor who helps people lessen the toll that stress takes on our bodies. Learn to pick up early stress signals and ease that tightness in your neck or stomach or wherever it is to restore your sense of wellness.

Shayna has 20+ years of combined education, research and professional practice in treating people with chronic illness. During COVID-19, Shayna is available by video conference and by telephone. She will contact you at your appointment time. If these times don’t work for you, she can accommodate other times. Please write to info@vancouverfriendsforlife.ca to set up a time.

B.Sc. Reg. Physical Therapist is a body-focused counsellor who helps people lessen the toll that ... Read More

KEVIN JESUINO Artist/Educator

Kevin has a multifaceted path driven by bridging: bridging between various communities, between the different internal bodies and the outside world, and between different contexts of dance-making-thinking. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Arts (Performance & Community Practice) from Simon Fraser University. He is a graduate of the Anna Halprin Tamalpa Institute Life/Art Process Educator program and a registered Somatic Educator with the International Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association (ISMETA).

Kevin is passionate about guiding individuals toward greater connection and ease within their bodies and experiences. Through body-focused practices, Kevin helps folks cultivate a more loving relationship with their body, allowing the body to speak its needs. Together, using the language and tools of the arts—movement, drawing and words—Kevin helps uncover resources for personal wellness and resilience.

KEVIN JESUINO Artist/Educator Kevin has a multifaceted path driven by bridging: bridging between... Read More

Tim Kanik has over 20 years of experience bringing Reiki, Japanese energy work, to client members of Vancouver Friends For Life Society. Rieki is a gentle way to bring relaxation to the body and mind. Each session is hands-on and lasts one hour, and many clients fall asleep. All he asks is that you bring an open mind and an open heart.

Tim Kanik has over 20 years of experience bringing Reiki, Japanese energy work, to client members... Read More

Erika brings over six years of workshop experience across Mexico, Guatemala & Canada to her latest offering. Expect immersive guided visualizations, tailored themes, and a supportive environment for relaxation and self-discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or new to practice, Erika welcomes you with open arms.

Erika brings over six years of workshop experience across Mexico, Guatemala & Canada to her l... Read More

Sandra is the owner/operator of eco-home-goods firm “Refill Road.” She’s a longtime supporter of VFFL, and an overall groovy woman! Share her passion for making her own personal products at home - and smell good while doing it!

Sandra is the owner/operator of eco-home-goods firm “Refill Road.” She’s a longtime supporter of ... Read More

Our annual Member BBQ is Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Sign up now!

Our annual Member BBQ is Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Sign up now! Read More

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Located at: 1459 Barclay Street, Vancouver
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