Regional programming - Greater Victoria Area
Explore the most recent in-person programs and services in Greater Victoria Area.
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Below, you'll find information about in-person programs and support services available to people in North and Central Vancouver Island who are living with dementia or caring for someone who is.
We also offer online programs for people who prefer to access support and education from home, which you can learn about here.
To register call our First Link® Dementia Helpline unless otherwise noted:
- English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Education
Our in-person education programs empower people living with dementia, along with their families and friends, through knowledge and support. Unless otherwise noted, location details are provided upon registration. You can also learn more about our dementia education.
October
Shaping the Journey | Explore the journey ahead in a positive, informative and supportive environment with others who are going through similar experiences. Topics include: the brain and dementia, strategies for coping with changes, maximizing quality of life and planning for the future.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Four Thursday's. October 15 to November 5, from 10 a.m. to noon
November
Family Caregiver Series | An education series for family members who are caring for a person living with dementia that covers understanding dementia, communication and behaviour, as well as planning for the future and self-care for caregivers.Topics include: Understanding dementia (types, causes, progression), Communication and behaviour (e.g. repetitive questions, confusion), Planning for the future, Self-care for caregivers.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Four Mondays, November 9 to 30, from 6 to 8 p.m.
First Link Info Session | Learn more about First Link supports and services available through the Alzheimer Society of B.C. & Yukon, Understand how First Link Services may support you, and connect with others during the session who are experiencing dementia during our social portion at the end of the presentation.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Thursday, November 26, from 1 to 2 p.m.
January
What is Dementia? | Learn how dementia affects an individual’s brain and behaviour. General topics include different types of dementia, stages and progression and dispelling some common myths.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Friday, January 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Accessing Dementia Services and Support | Navigating health-care systems and looking for support services can be overwhelming. Learn about community supports – including home care, respite and adult day programs – as well as how to address challenges in accessing them.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Friday, January 29, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Coffee and Chat
We offer a social program to help caregivers and people living with dementia meet new people, engage in social activities and have fun. Learn more about the program. Both the person living with dementia, and the caregiver must attend.
Victoria: Victoria Resource Centre, 202 – 4420 Chatterton Way
When: Bi-weekly Fridays (six sessions) September 18 to November 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: Free of charge. Donations graciously accepted.
Registration: Please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033
For Person living with dementia and their care partners.
Victoria: Victoria Resource Centre, 202 – 4420 Chatterton Way
When: Every two weeks on Monday starting January 18 to June 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: Free of charge. Donations graciously accepted.
Registration: Please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033
For Person living with dementia and their care partners.
Minds in Motion®
Discover our in-person fitness and social program tailored for people with early-stage dementia to attend with a care partner, promoting wellness and connection. Learn more about the program.
Saanich: Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Way
Six Mondays, November 9 to December 14, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $48 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich or by calling the Gordon Head Recreation Centre at 250-475-7100.
Saanich: Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Way
Five Mondays, January 18 to February 22, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 per pair for five sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich or by calling the Gordon Head Recreation Centre at 250-475-7100.
Please note: These groups typically fill quickly. Registration opens on December 2 for the January to February series.
Saanich: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
Five Wednesdays, November 18 to December 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $40 per pair for five sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich Recreation or by calling Pearkes Recreation Centre at 250-475-5400.
Saanich: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
Six Wednesdays, January 20 to February 24, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $48 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich Recreation or by calling Pearkes Recreation Centre at 250-475-5400.
Please note: These groups typically fill quickly. Registration opens on December 2 for the January to February series.
Oak Bay: Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave
Six Thursdays, November 12 to December 17, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $59 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register through Monterey Recreation Centre at 250-370-7300.
Oak Bay: Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave
Six Thursdays, January 21 to February 25, from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $59 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register through Monterey Recreation Centre at 250-370-7300.
Please note: These groups typically fill quickly. Registration opens on December 2 for the January to February series.
Colwood: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, Fieldhouse Building, 1767 Island Highway.
Five Wednesdays, November 18 to December 16, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $45 per pair for five sessions.
Registration: Register through Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 250-478-8384.
Colwood: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, Fieldhouse Building, 1767 Island Highway.
Six Wednesdays, January 20 to February 24, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $54 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register through Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 250-478-8384.
Please note: These groups typically fill quickly. Registration opens on December 10 for the January to February series.
Support Groups
Dementia can leave people affected by dementia feeling isolated, but you don’t have to face it alone! Join our in-person support groups and connect with a community that understands you. Below are all support groups in your area. Learn more about our support groups.
Greater Victoria in-person caregiver support group
Open to anyone in the Greater Victoria area who is currently caring for a person living with dementia. Our family caregiver support groups offer a safe place to learn about dementia and community resources. Connect with other family members on the dementia journey.
Victoria: Tuesdays October 6 to November 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Victoria: Wednesdays, January 20 to February 24, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
In-person early-stage support group (This Group is full!)
Open to people living with early symptoms of dementia to discuss the impact of the disease, share stories, experiences and learn from one another about how to live well with dementia.
Victoria: Every second Monday, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
New! Early-Stage Support Group Series: First and third Thursdays of the month, September 3 to December 10th. Open to people living with the early symptoms of dementia to discuss the impact of the disease, share stories, experiences and learn from one another about how to live well with dementia.
Please Note: If you are interested in joining this Early Stage Support group and live in the Victoria area please call the First Link Dementia Helpline to put your name on the interest list.
For our online programming, click here.
If you need dementia support, please call the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English), 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin) or 1-833-674-5003 (Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu).