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PEER GROUPS

by Millie Strom

Pan Asian Group

Matthew Nguyen facilitates the Pan Asian group. Matthew is Vietnamese and re-started the group over five years ago. The nine members of the group meet on the first and third Saturday each month for social activities.

"In the winter, we hibernate a lot, going out only to eat: Vietnamese, Japanese, or Chinese food," says Matthew, "but in the spring and summer the group goes to the PNE, to see movies, to Coal Harbour for walks along the seawall, or to English Bay."

Matthew enjoys his peer support role and the people in the group. One member's father is a Chinese doctor, a herbalist. Another was in a Japanese concentration camp. There is also an artist, a nurse, and another member, an indigenous Vietnamese. Matthew explains, "Well, everyone is indigenous, but I mean of a tribe, someone who keeps the traditions of the tribe alive and doesn't change with technology."

The group provides activities to help the member adapt to modern technological life in Canada.

Twysted Sisters, Vancouver Women's Group

The Vancouver Women's Group, also knows as the "Twysted Sisters," meets twice a month on Sunday afternoons, usually between 4-6 pm. On occasion they may meet at an earlier time as needed to attend specific events, like the Jazz Festival, for example.

Roberta Sciarretta facilitates the group. She is a mental health survivor with experience as a Community Recreation Worker for Coast Foundation and a consumer Support Worker at Vancouver Mental Health Services, an arm of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.

"I have many years experience working in the social services field as an educator, coordinator, support worker and facilitator. I have worked with adults, youth and children and families. I am a committed advocate and supporter of women living with mental health issues. I would like to seem more alternative models for the cre, support and treatment of people living with mental health issues."

Since becoming the facilitator of the group last May, Roberta and other members of the Twysted Sisters have enjoyed outings to the Art Gallery, Science World, TinselTown Cinema, VanDusen Botanical Gardens, the Jazz Fest and the PNE.

Shakti Group

Shakti means strength in Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu. Nighat Shahnaz has facilitated the Shakti group for Indian women since 1997. It meets twice a month on Sundays for support, information, education and leisure activities. If there is any important event in the South Asian community, the group participates accordingly. They also attend educational seminars on alternative health.

"Our focus is to achieve better health and confidence to deal with life's challenges," says Nighat. Women from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Punjab and those whose ancestors migrated from India to Africa are welcome to join the group.

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