May is National Caregiver Month, a time to celebrate and raise awareness about the experiences of Canada’s 8+ million people who provide care to a family member or friend. This month serves as a reminder of the vital role caregivers play in the well-being of our communities and offers an opportunity to highlight the many challenges they face.
While half of Canadians will provide care at some point in their lives, many people don’t identify themselves as caregivers—often seeing themselves simply as daughters, husbands, children, neighbours, or friends supporting someone they love. Caregiving is a natural part of relationships, yet many are unaware of the supports and resources available to help them along their journey.
Below, we are sharing a list of events across British Columbia as part of our community awareness activities.
Upcoming Events
Care Partner Celebration – BC Brain Wellness Program
- Location: Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC, Room 3402 (third floor) at 2215 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC.
- Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
- Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Description: Join us to celebrate care partners in our BC Brain Wellness community during National Caregiver Awareness Month. Connect in person, enjoy music, speakers, and refreshments in a welcoming space. A supervised room will be available for care receivers. Please register them as well.
Caregiver Celebrations – Family Services of the North Shore
North Vancouver City Library
- Location: North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver, BC
- Date: Fridays, May 1, 8, 15 & 22, 2026
- Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Description: Caregiver information table with resources, handouts, and treats.
Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Centre
- Location: Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Centre, North Vancouver, BC
- Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
- Description: Caregiver information table at the Caregiver Expo with resources, handouts, and treats.
Caring in Canada Webinar – Canadian Caregiver Centre for Caregiving Excellence
- Location: Virtual (Zoom)
- Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- Time: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Eastern Time / 10:00 am – 11:30 am Pacific Time
- Description: In recognition of National Caregiver Month, the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence is releasing Caring in Canada 2026, our second data-focused report on the state of care across the country. Drawing on our National Caregiving Strategy and new insights from a pan-Canadian survey, the report highlights the realities caregivers face today and the urgent need for federal action and policies that value care.
Courage to Care: Connecting Through Caregiving Stories – Hosted by Family Caregivers of BC
- Location: Trout Lake Community Centre at 3360 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC
- Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
- Description: Join us for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and community as we celebrate National Caregiver Month. This special gathering brings caregivers together to share stories, enjoy food, and recognize the vital role caregiving plays in our communities. We will also feature the soon-to-be-released book Courage to Care: Ripples of Love in Action, a collection of reflections, poems, stories, and artwork exploring the lived experience of care across Canada. The project is supported by the Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, and informed by the work of community organizer and author Al Etmanski. Guests featured in the collection will share their experiences, creating a meaningful space for connection.
Taking Care of Yourself: Self-Compassion for Caregivers – Webinar
- Location: Virtual via Zoom
- Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
- Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
- Description: In honour of Caregiver Awareness Month, Family Caregivers of British Columbia is hosting a special webinar on Self-Compassion for Caregivers, led by Caregiver Volunteer Ambassador Cole Little. This session creates space to pause, reflect, and explore how self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience can support caregiver well-being. We’ll discuss practical ways to recognize stress, recharge your “caregiver battery,” and connect with free supports available through Family Caregivers of British Columbia. Presented by Cole Little, a Victoria-based caregiver, mental health therapist, and writer, this session combines professional expertise with lived experience to offer a grounded and supportive perspective. Join us for a thoughtful conversation and leave with practical tools to support your day-to-day caregiving.
Caregiver Walk & Connect – Hosted by Family Caregivers of BC
- Location: Victoria West Community Association – Fireside Room at 521 Craigflower Rd, Victoria, BC.
- Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
- Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Description: Join us for a relaxed gathering where caregivers can connect, share, and recharge. Enjoy coffee, snacks, and conversation, with an optional short group walk. Drop in anytime or stay for the full event as we celebrate Caregiver Awareness Month and launch our new biweekly Caregiver Walking Group.
‘Like a Mountain’ Virtual Screening by the Young Caregivers Association
- Location: Virtual
- Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2026
- Time: 4:00 – 5:00 pm
- Description: In recognition of Young Caregivers Day (May 28), the Young Caregivers Association presents the premiere of Like a Mountain: Mindfulness for Young Caregivers, a 25-minute documentary following young caregiver Sam’s journey exploring resilience and mindfulness on a Yukon trek with Dr. Mike Lang and Dr. Linda Carlson. The screening is followed by a panel with Sam Norman, Rebekah Gold, and Cayleigh Sexton, moderated by Dr. Mike Lang, plus a guided mindfulness practice with Dr. Linda Carlson, highlighting young caregivers’ lived experiences and the role of mindfulness in supporting wellbeing.
Family Caregiver Month Proclamation
