What we’re about
Hi, my name is Dar Debrecen. I'm a Health Educator, Counsellor and Social Worker at AVI Health and Community Services.
AVI is a not-for-profit clinic that provides a variety of much needed services to the community, including enhanced harm reduction, STI testing, HIV and HEP-C care. They also provide important education around gender, sexuality, safe sex, drug use, and drug treatment options.
My job at the clinic is to offer accessible mental health services such as:
- Free Yoga and Meditation Classes (open to everyone): Mindfulness Nanaimo (Yoga, Pilates, Dharma, Meditation) (Nanaimo, BC) | Meetup
- A monthly four week Mindfulness Based Program for Trauma and Personal Development: https://form.jotform.com/223428725539059
- An Exploring Touch group for queer men: https://form.jotform.com/241027032490243
- Free Counselling for Members of the LGBTQ+ community: https://form.jotform.com/223628330066250
WHO SHOULD JOIN THIS GROUP
- Gay and Bisexual Men.
- Cis or Trans Men.
- Masculine Identified Individuals.
WHY SHOULD I JOIN THIS GROUP
- Make New Friends and Connections
- Access Health and Wellness Resources
- Become a Member of the Queer Community
What kind of events will you host?
- A weekly Gay Men's walk at Morrel Nature Sanctuary.
- An eight-week Exploring Touch through massage program.
- More to come!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Exploring Touch with Massage (Six Weeks, Registration Required)AVI Health Centre, Nanaimo, BC
You must fill in this application if you want to join: https://form.jotform.com/241027032490243
Welcome! The Exploring Touch program has been designed for queer men wanting to learn more about connection, affection, boundaries, healthy relationships and sexual health. We hope the program will expand your ideas of intimacy, while providing the opportunity to practice these new skills through the giving and receiving of massage.
The relationships we cultivate as part of the program are purely platonic. A safe environment will be created to ensure everyone is welcome and feels included.
*Graduates of the program will be invited to join a Queer Men's Massage Exchange group to learn more about anatomy, physiology and massage techniques while giving and receiving massage!
*More information on the program will be provided via email after you have registered!
WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE PROGRAM RUN?
The program is six weekly classes that are two and a half hours.
There will be some flexibility in the start / end time of the classes. Once we have enough applications we can discuss whether a 6:00, 6:30 or 7:00pm start time would be best for everyone.- Wednesday, June 19th
- Wednesday, June 26th
- Wednesday, July 3rd
- Wednesday, July 10th
- Wednesday, July 17th
- Wednesday, July 24th
Please indicate at the bottom what time you would prefer to start the class on Wednesdays and if there are any times or dates you cannot attend.
Where: AVI Health Clinic located at 102-55 Victoria Road, Nanaimo BC.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
This program is being offered by AVI Health Clinic, a non-profit clinic.
We want the Exploring Touch program to be affordable and sustainable.
There are three payment options (a one time fee that covers all the sessions):- The Rebalancing Access is $60 and this is for those with more than enough financial resources and a desire to support access for others.
- The Fair Access is $45 and is for those with sufficient financial resources who can pay fair value for the experience.
- The Supported Access is $30 and is for those with currently limited financial resources who will benefit from access supplemented by the community.
If cost is a barrier, let me know and we can work something out.
Payment must be made by e-transfer (the details will come in your confirmation email).QUESTIONS?
If you would like more information or have specific questions about the program, feel free to reach out to the facilitators:
Nick Heather
nick.heather@avi.orgDar Debrecen
dar.debrecen@avi.org