There are virtual caregiver support groups weekly to support you as a caregiver during this time. If you are unfamiliar with support groups and considering attending, this article on “The Value of Peer Support” offers an introduction, read here.
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.
For examples of Shared Understandings for virtual meetings, read here.
Virtual Caregiver Support Groups
Caregivers Connect: BC’s Virtual Support Group
Our Caregivers Connect: BC’s Virtual Support Group, brings people from across the province together twice a month around 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.
2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 2-3:30pm PDT/PST
You must pre-register each week to attend.
Register in advance for this meeting here
BC Men’s Virtual Caregiver Support Group
This Virtual Caregiver Support Group is a space for men to come together to connect, receive support and share experiences as caregivers. Our group is led by experienced facilitators and takes place on the second Tuesday of each month from 7-8:30pm.
You MUST pre-register to join each session!
Register in advance here. (please use the Zoom link we have now for this group)
You will get a password and instructions to join this Zoom Virtual Group. Please note that when joining you can choose to share your first and last name or create an anonymous username.
Please note that all in-person support groups are on-hold during COVID-19. Contact each support group for information, updates and questions.
Find an in-person Family Caregiver support group in your location below. If you know of a family caregiver support group that isn’t currently listed on our website, please contact us.
- Fraser Health Area (covers Burnaby to Hope to Boston Bar)
- Interior Health Area (covers East Kootenay, Kootenay Boundary, Okanagan, and Thompson Cariboo Shuswap)
- Island Health Area (VIHA covers Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands)
- Northern Health Area (Northern BC)
- Vancouver Coastal Health Area (covers Coastal Communities, the North Shore, Richmond, Sea-to-Sky, the Sunshine Coast, and Vancouver)
Find a BC disease-specific family support group here:
Please note that support groups are facilitated by independent community volunteers or community organization staff and are not supervised or overseen by Family Caregivers of BC (FCBC), with the exception of groups specifically identified as FCBC groups. While we offer initial support group training to volunteers, we cannot take responsibility for the content of non-FCBC support groups or the conduct of facilitators or participants. Peer-to-peer support groups are not a substitute for health advice or an opinion from a qualified health practitioner.
