PEACE Program

Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling, and Empowerment.Supporting children and youth ages 5 to 18 who have witnessed or been impacted by family violence or abuse through counselling, education, and community connection.

Who it is for?

Children and Youth ages 5-18

Location(s)

Lantzville, Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Gabriola (Greater Nanaimo Area)

How to Access

Self-referral by non-offending parents or caregivers and mature minors. Also community-based referrals with parent/guardian permission.

The PEACE Program is not a crisis program

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. For 24/7 emotional support, call our crisis line: 1-888-756-0616 or the Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

1-888-756-0616

24/7 Crisis Line

Who This Program Is For

The PEACE Program is for children and youth ages 5 to 18 who may have witnessed or been impacted by family violence or abuse. This may include seeing, hearing, or being affected by conflict, abuse, or unsafe situations within their family or home.

The program also provides support for non-offending parents and caregivers who are navigating the impact of family violence on their children.

Are You a Youth Looking for Support?

You do not have to deal with difficult experiences on your own. If you have experienced violence at home or in a relationship, are worried about your safety, or just need someone to talk to, our PEACE Program can help. Reach out to us or talk to a trusted adult about getting connected.

PEACE Program

Intake Line: 250-585-9393Email: peace@havensociety.com

Kids Help Phone

Call 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.

What We Offer

Our PEACE Counsellors are trained to work with children and youth using age-appropriate, trauma-informed approaches. We meet kids where they are, emotionally and developmentally.

PEACE counselling sessions are short-term and psychoeducational. Sessions are tailored to each child. Some children benefit from one-on-one counselling, while others thrive in small groups with peers who have shared similar experiences. We work closely with the non-offending parent and caregiver throughout the children’s services.

The PEACE Program supports children and youth to understand their feelings, build healthy relationships, and develop skills to cope with difficult experiences.

Our Program Focuses On

Emotional support and healing
Building self-esteem and confidence
Learning healthy ways to express feelings
Developing coping and problem-solving skills
Understanding healthy relationships and personal boundaries
Creating a sense of safety, belonging, and connection

All services are free, confidential, voluntary, and tailored to the needs of each child or youth.

This Program Is Made Possible By

Services Within This Program

One-on-one counselling sessions with a PEACE Counsellor
Group counselling with children of similar ages
Violence Is Preventable (VIP) presentations in schools
Education about healthy relationships, emotions, boundaries, and coping skills
Support and consultation for non-offending parents and caregivers
Safety planning for children and youth as needed
Referrals to other community programs and services as needed

All PEACE Program services are confidential and free of charge.

How to Access the Program

The PEACE Program serves children and youth in the greater Nanaimo area, including Lantzville, Nanaimo, Gabriola, and Ladysmith. Referrals can be made by the child or youth themselves, parents and caregivers, schools, social workers, or community agencies.

To make a referral or for more information, please contact our intake line at 250-585-9393 or email peace@havensociety.com.

Not Sure If This Program Is Right For You?

Haven Society offers a range of programs depending on your situation.

If you’re looking for immediate shelter, counselling, or support for your children, we can connect you with the right service.