Abbotsford residents have once again demonstrated extraordinary care and teamwork in supporting neighbours affected by flooding. As our community begins shifting from crisis response to recovery, Archway Community Services is offering free Canadian Red Cross Psychological First Aid (PFA) certification training. This training is designed to help volunteers, community members, and frontline helpers continue supporting others and themselves in healthy, sustainable ways.

Upcoming Training Sessions 

Please choose one of the sessions to receive certification. Training occurs over two days and you must attend both days to receive certification.

• Session 1: April 4th and 18th
• Session 2: May 2nd and 3rd
• Session 3: May 23rd and 24th
• Location of all: Archway Montrose (2420 Montrose Ave, Abbotsford)

Please note: Each day runs 9am to 5pm and participants need to be able to attend both days to earn certification. Doors will be open at 8:50am.

Additionally, participants have a 30 minute lunch break and should pack a lunch as the break is not long enough to travel to get lunch.

To sign up or learn more about upcoming sessions:

• Contact Dione Klassen – Psychological First Aid Coordinator
• Email dione.klassen@archway.ca or phone 236.380.0117

What the Training Offers

Participants will learn the following:

• Practical ways to manage stress, build resilience, and offer calm, supportive listening.
• Gain tools to help friends, neighbours, and colleagues cope after stressful events.
• Strengthen your own self-care and emotional readiness for ongoing community recovery.

Who Can Participate

Open to Abbotsford residents or local volunteers who have been part of helping during or after the recent flooding, or who simply want to be ready to support others in future events.

Participants must be 16 years or older.

Volunteer

Those who choose to sign up will be added to a contact list for Archway Community Services, which may reach out during future emergencies for community wellness support. Participation in any activation will always be voluntary.

Certification and Partnership

This training provides a Canadian Red Cross PFA Certificate, valid for three years and recognized nationally. Archway’s Disaster Resiliency Program delivers this opportunity in collaboration with the City of Abbotsford Emergency Program as part of our shared commitment to long-term community wellness.

How to Register for Training

To sign up or learn more about upcoming sessions:

• Contact Dione Klassen – Psychological First Aid Coordinator
• Email dione.klassen@archway.ca or phone 236.380.0117