Community Resources
& Mutual Aid Groups
We are not alone in this work, and want to draw attention to some of the amazing advocacy groups and organizations working to support the health, wellbeing and dignity of peoples disproportionately impacted by the Canadian prison system.
Please feel free to follow the links to learn more about their initiatives and the ways that you can support their important work.
Unlocking the Gates Services Society
A Peer-led non-profit that provides support to individuals leaving prisons and jails across BC through peer-mentorship activities, including picking up people from correctional institutions, facilitating access to food, clothing, housing, harm reduction supports and legal advice, and offering emotional support from Peers who have lived experience of incarceration, release from prison and parole processes.
Based in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Pivot works in partnership with communities who are affected by policy-enforced poverty and social exclusion. They focus on 4 policy areas: police accountability, drug policy, homelessness, and sex workers’ rights.
A culturally safe, Peer-designed non-judgemental place for Aboriginal Peoples. They have a drop-in centre and offer other services, such as trauma counselling.
RAVEN Trust (Respecting Aboriginal Values and Environmental Needs) raises legal defence funds to support Indigenous Peoples who are defending their rights and the integrity of their lands and cultures.
West Coast Prison Justice Society
West Coast Prison Justice Society is the only fully legal aid clinic in Canada. Their team of legal advocates work to make sure individuals in federal and provincial prisons across British Columbia are treated with dignity and that their rights are respected.
Toronto Prisoner’s Rights Project