HIM in Fraser Health - Health Initiative For Men (HIM)

Health Initiative for Men (HIM) Services in Fraser Health region:

Since 2014, HIM has been working with local partners in the Fraser Health region to improve the accessibility and uptake of health services for gay, bi and queer men and gender diverse (GBQGD) folks. In partnership with public health authorities, researchers, policymakers, and our communities, we mobilize the evidence, tools, and leadership necessary to ensure that GBQGD folks in the Fraser region have access to equitable and culturally competent care.

Physical Health

Whether it’s yoga, dance, running, or just a reason to meet people, HIM is constantly looking to provide ways for you to connect with your community while strengthening your physical health. Currently, HIM offers ongoing in-person yoga sessions in the Fraser region.

See Upcoming Activities

Sexual Health

Harm Reduction Resources and Supplies: HIM works with regional and provincial partners to provide the most appropriate services for community members to look after their sexual health.  Supplies including condoms and lube can be obtained at Judge Begbie’s Tavern as well as Steam 1 bathhouse in New Westminster. HIM stocks dispensers in both locations which can be accessed when frequenting these establishments. Supplies are also provided by pharmacies and local health units in your neighbourhood and can be located at Toward the Heart.

Testing and Treatment: Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing in the Fraser Health region can be accessed through the Fraser Health Authority (FHA) by calling their central intake line at 604-476-7087. More information can be found on locations in FHA offering these services HERE. You can also get access to STI testing online through Get Checked Online or by locating services near you using Check Yourself.

HIM also offers a number of Sexual Healt h Tools that are available to everyone in BC.

For information on Sex Work supports that HIM provides, click here.

Social Health

Social health is just as important as any other aspect of our health. HIM offers many ways to connect with other members of our community through regularly scheduled events, groups and programs. Get ready to fill your social calendar! Currently, HIM runs a monthly condom packing social at Judge Begbie’s Tavern in New Westminster. This is a great opportunity to meet like-minded folks while assembling packages with condoms and lubes that then get distributed by the HIM team into community. Demonstration and snacks are provided!

Life in Colour, an ongoing group currently on pause while it undergoes a refresh, is a group where GBQ men and gender diverse people of colour can connect with each other in a safe and welcoming space to discuss the triumphs and tribulations that impact their communities. More information on this group will be made available once it has resumed.

Finally, HIM conducts regular outreach in the Fraser region, including at Pride events across the region, trade shows, health fairs, and more. Look out for our HIM table and come on over to say hi, grab some free swag, and learn about our various programs and resources.

See Upcoming Activities

Mental Health

We know that mental health is an important part of staying healthy and that every person is on their own journey to mental wellbeing. That’s why HIM has curated mental health resources for all income levels, because we believe that there should not be barriers to accessing high-quality mental health services. GBQGD folks in the Fraser region can access our counselling services by contacting us by phone at 604-488-1001 ext. 235 or by email at counselling@checkhimout.ca.

Volunteer with HIM in Fraser Region

Check out our available volunteer opportunities in the Fraser Region:

Volunteer Opportunities

HIM Community Partners in Fraser Region

Health Initiative for Men values our partners in the Fraser Region and are proud to work alongside community organizations, groups and businesses to provide supports and resources. This includes Surrey Pride Society, North Westminster Pride Society, Fraser Valley Pride, Tri-Cities Pride Society and Burnaby Pride among many other pride-oriented events, groups and festivals.

We value partner organizations like EPAMA, SHER, Rainbow Events Network, and the LOVE CRN that allow us to collaborate and affect meaningful change for our communities. We appreciate our venue partners that work with us to provide safe space, like UFV, BCIT, SFU, Douglas, Judge Begbies and DiverseCITY.

Strengthening the health and well-being of ourselves and our communities is a collaborative effort and HIM appreciates our partners, peers and volunteers in Fraser Region and look forward to continuing to contribute meaningfully alongside Fraser Health Authority to meeting the needs of Fraser populations.