Interconnectedness Initiative
The Interconnectedness Initiative brings together 12 mental health and settlement services agencies across Greater Victoria and Metro Vancouver to support surivivors of torture and their families.
As a coalition of agencies and individuals responding to the needs of survivors, VCST’s Interconnectedness Initiative works to increase public awareness of survivors in our communities. Our participatory action research (PAR) informs sector-wide strategies for systemic change, while our collaborative professional events share knowledge and foster trust within our community of member organizations.
Working in community
The agencies we’re proud to work alongside include:
- The Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST)
- Vancouver Island Counseling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees (VICCIR)
- DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society (DCRS)
- Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC)
- Inter-Cultural Association (ICA)
- Rainbow Refugee
- Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets – Refugee Program
- Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre (VIRCS)
- Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
- Men’s Therapy Centre
- Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS)
- Cowichan Intercultural Society (CIS)
Seminar: Making Healthcare More Accessible for Immigrants & Refugees
Thursday November 20, 2025, 10am to 12pm Where: Online, Zoom Who: Workers in settlement, counselling, mental health, healthcare, and any other sector that works with immigrants and refugees RSVP: info [at]…
VCST receives grant from the Victoria Foundation
It is thanks to the Victoria Foundation that we can launch Phase IV of our initiative.
2024-2025 Interconnectedness Initiative Year in Review
Thanks to the ongoing support from the Victoria Foundation, Phase III of VCST’s Interconnectedness Initiative came to a successful conclusion in July 2025.
Fourth Case Conference Report
The fourth case conference of the I.I. took place on March 27, 2025, with the participation of 13 people from seven organizations
Interconnectedness Initiative Research Report: Stakeholder Strengths & Opportunities
Interconnectedness Initiative research report and key findings.
Interconnectedness Initiative: Second case conference report
“Case Conferencing” was identified by stakeholders as an essential tool to address sensitive cases among survivors of torture in the region, and to bring forward the experiences of the project’s…







