Health and Wellness Workshops: Stopping the Violence Fall Program
Details
Event Description
An empowering space for self-identifying women who have experienced violence. We offer free drop-in workshops, including expressive arts, yoga and self-care.
All workshops are based in East Vancouver, close to the Broadway-Commercial Skytrain Station. Please check the location for each workshop as locations may change. In-person only.
To register, click "Register Now" below. You can select one or more workshops on the same form. You only need to complete the form once.
Upcoming Workshops
Self-Advocacy by Mabel Taunu – YWCA
Tuesday, September 8 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Do you find it difficult to speak up for yourself? Do you find it hard to ask for what you need? What is getting in the way of asking? Knowing what self-advocacy is, how it works, why it is important and how to prepare to do it, will give you some skills and knowledge that you can use and may help build confidence in asking for what you need.
Followed by Cafe Connections for a 1:1 conversation.
Email Mabel directly mtaunu@ywcabc.org to arrange a meeting.
Energy & Sound Healing with Rachel Hayek – Certified Leadership Coach / Reiki Master
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00pm
Join Rachel for another workshop with immersive sound and breath. Learn simple breathing techniques for daily life to bring a sense of calm and stillness. Be supported by the healing frequencies of sound and experience deep rest in community. These workshops explore a different aspect of energy and resources to support regulation, self-healing and stress management. Dress comfortably.
Energetic Boundaries: This is especially helpful to those who are sensitive to energy. Learn about where you end and others begin and how to navigate this with awareness and intention. Followed by a sound bath to integrate your learning.
Assertiveness and Boundaries with Syeda Nuzhat Nuary – YWCA
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Get real with what it means to use your voice and set boundaries. Beginning with the basics of assertiveness training. “Using I statements” then moving into an actual boundary setting situation using your voice, your body and your whole self.
Nuary is a community Development coordinator with the YWCA and has background social work. This workshop will be based on an understanding of domestic violence and presented through a trauma lens.
Self-Advocacy – Assertive Communication with Mabel Taunu – YWCA
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 (the day after Thanksgiving) | 10:30am – 12:00pm
How do you communicate with others? How do you express your thoughts, feelings and needs? When you are asking for what you need, being able to communicate effectively is important. Assertive Communication can be a really useful tool in self-advocacy and we will be looking at what it is and how to use it.
Followed by Cafe Connections for a 1:1 conversation.
Email Mabel directly mtaunu@ywcabc.org to arrange a meeting.
Energy & Sound Healing with Rachel Hayek – Certified Leadership Coach/ Reiki Master
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00pm
Join Rachel for another workshop with immersive sound and breath. Learn simple breathing techniques for your daily life and bring a sense of calm and stillness. Allow yourself to be supported by the healing frequencies of sound and experience deep rest in community with others. Dress in comfortable clothes. Supplies provided.
Easy Self-Healing: Many experiences in our daily lives cause stress and tension, affecting our well-being. What if there were techniques you could practice yourself to regulate, calm yourself and lower stress? Learn and practice some basic hands-on Reiki techniques. Create your own practice and integrate your experience with a nurturing sound bath.
Self-Defense Strategies with Alix Mintha – YWCA
Tuesday October 27, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
This workshop is led by someone skilled and trained in working with youth and self-defense. Beginning with vocal warnings, body postures and physical self-defense, participants will learn practical skills in a supportive environment.
Come dressed to move. This workshop is offered with a trauma-informed approach.
Grief Walk with Lisa Hartley – YWCA
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
A discussion around loss of any kind, followed by a gentle walk around Trout Lake. Poetry, silence and quiet conversations.
Lisa Hartley is an experienced Grief Facilitator.
Self-Care by Mabel Taunu – YWCA
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Exploring the role Self Care plays in our physical and emotional wellbeing, looking at self-care strategies and activities that promote and enhance our wellness.
Followed by Cafe Connections for a 1:1 conversation.
Email Mabel directly mtaunu@ywcabc.org to arrange a meeting.
Sound Bowls and Healing with Rachel Hayek – Certified Leadership Coach
Tuesday, November 24, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00pm
Join Rachel for a third workshop with immersive sound and breath. Learn simple breathing techniques for your daily life and bring a sense of calm and stillness. Allow yourself to be supported by the healing frequencies of sound and experience deep rest in community with others. Dress in comfortable clothes. Supplies provided.
Deep Centering: Life can throw us off centre. Learn practices to connect you with your centre of gravity, no matter what. Access your centre through different techniques rooted in mindfulness-based practices, breath and energy management. Integrate your experience with the uplifting resonance of crystal sound bowls.
Blue Holidays with Lisa Hartley – YWCA
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
The holiday season can be challenging after a loss of any kind: death, divorce, lifelong dreams and expectations. A quiet walk and contemplation of how the added stress of loss at this time of year may be impacting you. Alternatively, making small decorations to honour the loss you are experiencing.
Movement and Meditation with Lori Last
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 | 10:30am – 12:00pm
Join Lori for a gentle yoga-based class with breath and movement.
Lori has her 200-hour YTT and Yoga Outreach Yoga with a Trauma Lens certificate. She currently teaches at Open Door Yoga and brings a kind heart and gentle approach to her classes.
What you need to know
- Location details will be shared once you have registered.
- Please dress for the weather, as some workshops will take place outdoors.
- All supplies will be provided.
- Transit passes and childminding are available upon request.