Support Groups
We host in-person and virtual supports for family caregivers looking to connect with other family caregivers in a safe, confidential and supportive way. A listing of our current support groups is here. You can also visit our online FCBC calendar page for dates and locations of our support groups.
One-on-One Support
We provide one-on-one support for family caregivers in the Greater Victoria area via in-person, telephone and online over zoom.
We currently offer two different forms of one-to-one support:
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Circle of Care: These sessions are for caregivers looking to build a network of informal support and respite. Usually 5-6 sessions, Circle of Care support sessions pair you with one of our trained Circle of Care facilitators. Each session is sequential, and our facilitators will help support you in building your own circle of care. This may look like identifying your needs as a caregiver, identifying potential people for your circle of care, discussing strategies for asking for help and more. Check out this this blog post or this podcast for more information. These sessions are by appointment only and can happen in-person, over the phone or zoom. To work with a facilitator to create a circle of care for yourself contact cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca.
- Caregiver Support Line: Our caregiver support line serves as a touchpoint for emotional support, information and resources, and referral to other services to any caregiver in BC. If you are curious about any of our Greater Victoria supports or have any questions or concerns about your caregiving role, or would like to talk to an empathetic, nonjudgmental individual, do not hesitate to contact us at 1-877-520-3267 or cgsupport@familycaregiversbc.ca.
Social Groups
Our social groups are opportunities to connect with other caregivers in social ways. These are not support groups and are led by our volunteers.
- Memory Café: In partnership with the University of Victoria, starting March 1st our volunteers will work with the Memory Café to provide social supports to caregivers who are connected to the café through their care recipients. Caregivers can participate in wellness activities with other caregivers and our volunteers (such as weather dependent walks outside). To register and learn more about the Memory Café visit their website at MEMORY CAFE VICTORIA – A Dementia-Friendly Community (uvic.ca).
- Art Therapy Group: This closed group meets every second Wednesday from 1:30-3pm. This is a chance to do art and connect with other caregivers at the same time. Facilitated by Matty Cervantes (read her bio here) at the Shambala Meditation Center (2033 Belmont Avenue). See this poster for more details and visit our FCBC website calendar for session dates, times, and registration details.