AVI Health in downtown Nanaimo will host a weekly safe space for those worried or anxious about seeking professional help elsewhere. (Spencer Sterritt/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

grieving properly

New safe space opening to offer extra help to Nanaimo’s traumatized

Sep 13, 2020 | 7:59 AM

NANAIMO — A new space hopes to help people navigate the emotionally difficult journey of getting professional help.

The AVI Health office at 55 Victoria Rd. in downtown Nanaimo will open every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m.

Co-creator Amber McGrath told NanaimoNewsNOW it’s a space for those grieving to feel more at peace with themselves.

“I know some peers who’ve administered Narcan 100 times, saving 100 people or one person 100 times. Thinking of that trauma, we’re going to give a safe space to do some art and support each other.”

McGrath said people seeking help for their trauma often have to re-traumatize themselves when talking about their plight to a counsellor or therapist, especially when they’re not seeing a consistent person.

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Co-creator Eddy Graham stressed it won’t be therapy or counselling, but instead helping people find the strength to go to reach out for professional help.

“It’s a place for people to be seen, heard and loved. There’s going to be snacks, art healing, witnesses, meditation, yoga, anything to get into your body and finally feel safe.”

The program received $4,000 in funding from Nanaimo’s Community Action Team.

A $20 honorarium will be given to those who attend.

“That’s pretty big,” Graham said. “People are really finally offered a space but also financial support and that’s massive.”

Graham and McGrath are currently seeking donations of art supplies.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt