Helping Women Connect with Healthcare Resources

Imagine being a mother, a newcomer to Canada, or someone with a chronic health condition who is struggling to find a family doctor. This is the reality for one in five Canadians who lack access to primary healthcare providers.

When women come to North York Women’s Centre (NYWC) for empowering women’s programs and 1:1 support, some need help navigating or accessing Toronto services – including healthcare. NWYC doesn’t offer healthcare services, but when requested, we can direct women to available city or community programs or even help them fill out forms to access them.

“When requested, NYWC acts as a bridge to help women become aware of and connect with available healthcare, housing and other Toronto services,” says NYWC’s former program manager, Diamond Antwi-Mansah. “There is a lack of knowledge on how to navigate the system. A lot of the women who access the Centre are newcomers who aren’t familiar with how the system is structured.”

Navigating Challenges & Barriers For Toronto Women

Access to primary healthcare providers has become increasingly difficult for many Canadians, who increasingly rely on walk-in clinics. Many systemic barriers also prevent women from accessing healthcare, such as geographical location, poverty and the complexity of the healthcare system. The cost of transportation, childcare and language issues can also be problematic. Without translation services, for instance, some women may be unable to communicate their needs.

Diamond says that women who access the Centre sometimes talk about healthcare needs that can range from reproductive health needs to mental health support. Some women look to the Centre to help them find services that they require, such as referrals and education on programs and services that they can access.

“Accessing city services, such as housing and healthcare programs, can be challenging for many,” says NYWC Executive Director Iris Fabbro. “When requested, NYWC can act as a link to them.” 

The Redwood Mobile Healing Centre

Accessibility is one of the primary things people look for in healthcare. NYWC invites the Redwood Mobile Healing Centre to visit us at 116 Industry Street regularly for this reason. The Redwood Mobile Healing Centre, housed in a custom-outfitted RV, brings basic healthcare, anti-gender-based violence counselling and other services directly to NYWC participants. This is meaningful because NYWC service users often want an accessible, low barrier and non-judgmental space that can cater to their identity and needs. 

“The Redwood Mobile Healing Centre is impactful because they are able to meet survivors and women where they’re at and provide the care they need,” adds Diamond.. 

The mobile healing centre is especially important given the difficulty of finding a dedicated family doctor in Toronto today, and the fact that women are less likely to be heard or diagnosed than men.

Offering Support to Toronto Women

While some women need help connecting with City and health services via our 1:1 support program, this is just a small part of the many services that NYWC provides. Our Women’s Lounge events and motivating, free in-person and online programs, such as STEPS to Work and the Women’s Empowerment Series, make a big difference in women’s lives. For example, the latter series – divided into three modules – helps women gain strength, knowledge and connections with other participants. (Sign up today.) Call 416-781-0479 to find out more about North York Women’s Centre’s free offerings for women, woman-identifying and non-binary people in Toronto.

NYWC is committed to providing empowering and accessible programs and resources for women. Please spread the word and consider donating today! 

Curious about NYWC? Learn more about our programs, read about our organization, bookmark our volunteering page and connect with us!