Community Survey
Ripples of Belonging is a new Consumer Initiative Fund (CIF) opportunity that provides funding for free, peer-led community events designed to strengthen connection, foster a sense of belonging, and support well-being.
Survey Overview
We are seeking input from people with lived and living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges to help identify which event ideas are of greatest interest to the peer community.
Please review the event descriptions below and complete the survey (about 5 minutes). Your feedback will help inform funding decisions and ensure events reflect community interests and priorities.
Survey Closes: Tuesday Aug 4th @ 12 pm (noon)
Event Summaries
Note: Each event idea has been assigned a random number.
Event Idea #1: Underwhelming Places Cabaret
A 2-day in-person writing workshop to explore creativity through writing, poetry, comedy, storytelling, music or visual art. Participants are encouraged to challenge forced positivity by honouring their honest reactions to experiences that are supposed to be amazing, but actually feel underwhelming. Includes optional group outing to a local attraction. No prior writing experience required.
Event Idea #2: Yoga Foundations For Self-Defense
2 in-person workshops to teach a combination of yoga and self-defense. The focus is on learning foundational awareness, techniques to regulate the nervous system, and defensive maneuvers. Participants will have the opportunity to increase strength, mobility, and confidence. Light refreshments provided. Previous experience is not required.
Event Idea #3: Pidgefest Vancouver
A 1-day outdoor celebration of pigeons and the joy they can bring to people in the Downtown East Side. Pigeons symbolize outsiders and forgotten love, and the people who appreciate them are often marginalized and overlooked. Connect with community, learn how to nurture relationships with pigeons, and discover how they can benefit mental health. Light refreshments provided.
Event Idea #4: Creative Cohesion
2 in-person community dinners that combine nutrition and creativity to maintain overall well-being. Guest speakers include a peer to share their personal story, a nutritionist to promote healthier eating habits, and a recovery coach to connect physical health to mental health and well-being. Includes creative expression through card-making. Meal provided.
Event Idea #5: Live Music Karaoke for the Community
1 in-person karaoke event to connect through music, singing, and laughter. An opportunity to let down some of the walls around the heart, connect more authentically with others, and enjoy some silly moments along the way. Location is in the Downtown East Side. Light refreshments provided.