Promoting Health & Wellness:
Empowering Women and Gender-Diverse Individuals
At the Labrador West Status of Women, we are deeply committed to advancing the health and wellness of women and gender-diverse individuals in our community. We recognize that good health goes beyond just physical well-being—it encompasses mental, emotional, and social health as well. In our small but resilient community, access to comprehensive health services can be a challenge, and we believe in working together to ensure that everyone has the support they need to thrive.
Advancements in Health & Wellness for Labrador West
Since its inception, the LWSWC has played a key role in advocating for and helping establish essential services for women and gender-diverse individuals in Labrador West. We are proud of the advancements we’ve contributed to, which have significantly improved the quality of life for our residents. Some of our notable achievements include:
Labrador West Family Crisis Shelter: In partnership with other community stakeholders, we helped establish the Labrador West Family Crisis Shelter, now known as Hope Haven Women’s Shelter. The shelter offers vital support for women and children fleeing abuse. It was initially run by many of the same volunteers as the Women's Resource Center, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating safe spaces for those in need.
Women’s Wellness Clinic: Following a research project that identified a gap in gynecological services, the LWSWC advocated for the creation of a women’s health clinic. Local women expressed discomfort receiving services from male providers, leading to the formation of a women-specific clinic. A female doctor, one of only two at the time, traveled to Labrador City to provide these much-needed gynecological services, paving the way for better healthcare access for local women.
Mammography Services and Hope Network Breast Cancer Support Group: Another significant milestone was the establishment of the first local mammography services in Labrador West. Along with this, the Hope Network Breast Cancer Support Group was formed to offer emotional support and resources to those affected by breast cancer. This initiative has helped countless individuals navigate their journeys with greater support and understanding.
Collaborating with Local Partners
To further our mission, we partner with several community organizations to offer a wide range of services and programs that directly contribute to health and wellness. We believe that collaboration is key, and these partnerships help amplify our efforts. Some of the incredible organizations we work with include, but are not limited to:
Labrador-Grenfell Health: Their comprehensive healthcare services provide essential medical care and support to residents of Labrador West. By partnering with them, we help ensure that individuals have access to medical care and other health services that promote overall wellness. Additionally, we collaborate with the Mental Health & Addictions Department to host regular lunch & learns and information sessions. These events are an opportunity for community members to engage with mental health professionals and learn about a variety of topics related to mental health, addiction, and overall wellness.
Just Breathe Yoga Studio: Yoga is an excellent way to build physical strength, improve flexibility, and support mental health. Through our collaborations with Just Breathe Yoga, we offer local residents the chance to engage in mindfulness and relaxation practices that have profound benefits for both the body and mind.
Mindful Moments with Becca: We are fortunate to work with Becca, who is trained in neurodivergent-informed Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) techniques. This partnership helps increase access to stress reduction practices. Through her expertise, we can promote greater peace, mindfulness, and emotional well-being in our community, ensuring that everyone has the tools they need to manage stress and cultivate balance in their lives.
These partnerships are just the beginning of our efforts to bring holistic health resources to Labrador West. We are constantly exploring new collaborations and expanding our programming to meet the diverse needs of our community.
We are also excited to announce that we will soon be offering a Grief Support Group. This new initiative will provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals who are grieving, helping them to navigate through their loss with the support of others who understand their experience. We look forward to launching this service in the coming weeks.
Addressing Mental, Physical, and Emotional Health
Through these community-based initiatives, we aim to address a variety of health needs, including physical fitness, mental health support, and emotional well-being. The services we offer are designed to empower individuals to take control of their health in a way that feels right for them. Whether it’s a yoga class, a mindfulness workshop, or connecting with healthcare professionals, we are here to provide the resources needed to foster a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
We Want to Hear From You!
If you have any suggestions for health and wellness services you'd like to see at the center, we'd love to hear from you! Your feedback is essential in helping us continue to improve and expand our offerings to best meet the needs of our community. Whether it's a new workshop, support group, or wellness program, we’re here to listen and work together to make Labrador West a healthier place for everyone.
Please take a moment to check out our monthly events calendar for more information about what’s happening at the center and to stay updated on upcoming opportunities. We are always open to new ideas and look forward to working together to create a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
