Written by Lycia Rodrigues
During this pandemic, more strain and isolation has impacted the support and wellbeing of caregivers throughout our province. Family Caregivers of BC is a provincial organization and we are here to serve and support you during these uncertain times. We offer both local (Greater Victoria) and Provincial Caregiver Support groups. FCBC offers a weekly virtual support group for caregivers throughout the province. These meetings are led by trained facilitators who are committed to offering you a space that is non-judgemental, encouraging, and understanding. The provincial caregiver support group is meeting Wednesdays 2:00-3:30 p.m. PDT (re-occurring meeting), preregistration is required for each meeting. To get details about registration please email staceydawes@familycaregiversbc.ca.
Our local FCBC caregiver support group staff and volunteers feel that this time of uncertainty and anxiety has one clear message: We’re all in this together. It is essential that caregivers in Greater Victoria have peer support available and can continue to connect and share emotional and practical support. Our courageous and committed volunteers took on the new challenge of utilizing Zoom technology to facilitate our new Virtual Caregiver Café in Greater Victoria. We plan to temporarily replace our face-to-face monthly support group with this Virtual Café giving us all the chance to connect and support each other through these weekly meetings. Each volunteer has graciously donated their time to facilitate and welcome their regular participants to this Virtual Café.
The local caregiver support group is meeting the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 2:00-3:30 p.m. PDT. There is limited space and pre-registration is required. To register email cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca or contact our Family Caregiver Support Line at 1-877-520-3267 Ext 1. This is our maiden voyage with virtual support groups, and we are thrilled that new and existing participants continue to join us by phone and online via Zoom. Thank you for joining us during these unusual times, and we look forward to connecting with you virtually!