Family Caregivers of BC hosts a number of caregiver support groups to support you, as a caregiver. If you are unfamiliar with support groups, this article on “The Value of Peer Support” offers an introduction.
The most important element of any support group is to create a safe and confidential space. In a support group, shared understandings (also known as ‘ground rules’ or ‘group guidelines’) create this safe and confidential space for caregivers in group meetings.
For some examples of shared understandings that we have found helpful over our 30+ years of facilitating caregiver groups, read here.
Please check our FCBC website calendar for the most up-to-date information on all of our caregiver support groups.
Virtual Caregiver Support Groups
Caregivers Connect: BC’s Virtual Support Group
Our Caregivers Connect: BC’s Virtual Support Group, brings people together from across British Columbia each month who share a mutual experience of caregiving for a family member or friend.
Date/time: 2nd Thursday each month, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Description: We invite caregivers to our monthly peer support group. This is an open group by registration.
Registration: Online via website at https://form.jotform.com/230336162808251
Information & Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Working Caregivers Connect: BC’s Virtual Support Group
Date/time: 4th Tuesday each month, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Description: We invite working caregivers to our monthly peer support group. This is an open group by registration.
Registration Here: https://form.jotform.com/230375918320252
Information & Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Caregivers Insight Circle Fall 2024/Winter 2025 – Virtual Thematic Peer Support Group (FULL – Registration is Closed)
We invite family caregivers to join us for our virtual bi-weekly support group meetings. This is a safe learning and sharing space where caregivers can both receive and offer support to others in similar caregiving situations. Participants will have access to a library of resources tailored to the themes discussed in the meetings.
Caregivers can openly share their diverse concerns related to their current experiences. Themes from previous meetings include dealing with the emotional side of caregiving, family dynamics, and navigating the healthcare system.
Come and share in a space where you can be heard, and your voice will matter!
Date: Wednesday – October 16, October 30, November 13, November 27, December 11, and January 8
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Location: Zoom (meeting link provided upon registration)
This virtual support group is designed for adults who are navigating the complexities of caring for parents or elder family members, including uncles, aunts, and cousins. We will explore how shifting caregiving roles affect communication and interpersonal connections, offering strategies to enhance dialogue and understanding.
Navigating Elder Care: Virtual Support Group for Adult Caregivers (FULL – Registration is Closed)
Participants can share their experiences in a supportive, peer-led environment, fostering community and mutual understanding. In the initial sessions, participants will collaboratively identify key themes and topics to ensure the group’s focus aligns with their specific needs and interests. Registered participants commit to attending all four sessions.
Dates: Four sessions: 3rd Thursday of the month starting November 21, 2024, December 19, 2024, January 16, 2025, and February 20, 2025.
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location Zoom (link will be sent after registration).
Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/242896157196269
In-Person Caregiver Support Groups
Greater Victoria Caregiver Support Group
Date/time: 2nd Monday of each month, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: Yakimovic Wellness Centre 1454 Hillside Avenue, Victoria BC.
Description: Our monthly Victoria Caregiver Support Group brings caregivers together based on a mutual experience of caregiving for a family member or friend. This is a time for reassurance, where caregivers can realize they are not alone.
Registration: Online via website https://form.jotform.com/230376061819255
Information & Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Saanich Peninsula Caregiver Support Group
Date/time: 4th Wednesday of each month, 1:30 pm – 3:30pm
Location: Shoal Centre, 10030 Resthaven Drive, Sidney, In the Lounge
Description: Are you a caregiver who is feeling exhausted? Stressed? Not getting enough help? No time for yourself? Feeling alone, at times discouraged? If you are saying yes to any of the above, you might find comfort in sharing some of your stress with other people living with similar situations. Join us in a safe environment where the goal is to help lighten your load and share possible solutions. Give yourself a short break where you will find support and relief.
Registration: Online via website at https://form.jotform.com/230375767394265
Information & Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Metchosin Caregiver Support Group
Date/Time: 3rd Thursday of each month, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Location: Metchosin Seniors Resource Centre, 4495 Happy Valley Rd #1047, Victoria, BC V9C 3Z3
Description: This is a new in-person caregiver support group within Western Communities. Our monthly group brings caregivers together based on a mutual experience of caregiving for a family member or friend. This is a time for reassurance, where caregivers can realize they are not alone.
Registration: Online via website at: https://form.jotform.com/232045954536257
Information & Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Art Therapy Group for Family Caregivers – Fall (FULL – Registration is closed)
Session Dates/Time Commitment: Wednesday, September 25 , October 23, November 27, January 15 (4 Sessions, 1.5 hours each)
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: 202-4420 Chatterton Way, V8X 5J2 (located in the Birch Building)
Description: Research shows that the process of art-making can assist in overcoming many personal challenges, be a valuable tool while managing stress, help in the healing process, foster self-worth, and be a way of connecting with others. We are pleased to offer our monthly Art-Therapy Group for Caregivers with art facilitator Matty Cervantes. Explore diverse art mediums aimed at promoting mindfulness and relaxation. Together, let’s embark on a journey of positive change, one art piece at a time!
Information and Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Virtual Journal Workshop for Caregivers – Fall (FULL – Registration is closed)
Session Dates: Tuesday, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, November 26, and December 3 (6 sessions, 90 minutes each)
Time: 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm
Location: Virtual
Description: The Journal Workbook Workshop offers family caregivers a private and reflective writing process focused on compassionate self-nurturing and self-discovery. Led by Bill Israel, the workshop includes six 90-minute sessions from October 29 to December 3, each Monday at 2:00 pm. Participants use structured journal workbooks to write privately in a safe, meditative group setting. No special writing skills are required; sessions involve brief writing exercises with optional voluntary sharing. The workshop provides respite from stress and fatigue, fosters introspection, and enhances emotional and spiritual well-being. Pre-registration by Monday, October 14, is necessary to receive your journal workbook by mail.
Information and Questions: via email at cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca
Related Resources
- Caregivers Out Loud Podcast, Episode 1: Accessing Caregiver Support Networks