Nanaimo Women Helping Women was founded in October 2021. The first members of the group were inspired by watching the popular Netflix series “Maid”. This series depicted the obstacles faced by women in crisis who are trying to escape domestic abuse and homelessness. NWHW is led by our Admin team, Nanaimo residents who are passionate about supporting women in crisis.
Mission
Nanaimo Women Helping Women is a safe and respectful grassroots women’s collective. We support women with their immediate next step when fleeing intimate partner violence by providing them with resources via partnerships with organizations and non-profits in the mid-island region.
Vision
NWHW works collaboratively to make our community safer for women and families. We are focused on supporting single women, with or without children, who are experiencing intimate partner violence (including but not limited to financial, emotional, mental, sexual and physical), those who have left these relationships and women who have experienced sexual violence.
We collaborate with 25+ referring agencies.
Currently, we do not take self-referrals.
Media Links
Netflix’s ‘Maid’ sparks idea for Nanaimo group to support women leaving intimate partner violence. May 2, 2025
Nanaimo News Now – Cell Phones Needed for Nanaimo Group Helping Women in Difficult Situations. February 15, 2024
On The Island with Gregor Craigie – Blankets, tampons, flashlights. These are the essential items for vulnerable women, living in their cars – We’ll find out about a new campaign in Nanaimo that aims to help provide them. January 8, 2024
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society Newsletter, December 2023. Page 4.
Shoe and Sock Drive to Warm People’s Soles. CHLY 101.7FM. November 22, 2023
Nanaimo artists combine efforts in auction to benefit Nanaimo Women Helping Women – Nanaimo News Bulletin. April 4, 2023.
Nanaimo women helping women group supports women in need (thediscourse.ca). September 15, 2022.
New advocacy group for vulnerable Nanaimo area women gains early traction | NanaimoNewsNOW. November 7, 2021.
Nanaimo Women Helping Women 