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.
First Link Presentation Social | Learn more about the services we offer and get to know others along the dementia journey! For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Victoria: Location details provided upon registration.
Friday, July 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
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. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Wednesday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Shaping the journey (Young onset) | 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. For caregivers and young onset people living with dementia.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Accessing Services | 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.
Tuesday, August 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.
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. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Five Wednesday's, September 10 to October 8 from 10 a.m. to noon.
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. For caregivers.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration
Four Monday's, September 15 to October 6 from 1 to 3 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.
New! Coffee and Chat Walking Group: for people living with early-stage symptoms of young onset dementia.
People living with Young Onset dementia can connect with others on the dementia journey while enjoying the great outdoors. This group meets weekly for casual conversation and coffee before walking along Rithet's Bog Trail. Companions are encouraged to attend. For more information contact Tara Speirs at (778) 746 – 2019 or [email protected].
Where: Victoria Resource Centre, 202 – 4420 Chatterton Way, Victoria
When: Six Tuesdays, July 15 – August 19 from 10 a.m. 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
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.
Colwood: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, 1767 Island Highway
Eight Wednesdays, May 7- June 25 from 10:30a.m to 12 p.m.
Cost: $72 per pair for eight sessions.
Registration: Register by calling Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 250-478-8384.
Saanich: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
Eight Wednesdays, May 7 - June 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $64 per pair for eight sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich Recreation or by calling Pearkes Recreation Centre at 250-475-5400.
Oak Bay: Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Avenue
Seven Thursdays, May 8 - June 19 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $62 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register through Monterey Recreation Centre at 250-370-7300.
Saanich: Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Way
Six Mondays, July 14 and August 25 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: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
Four Wednesdays, August 6 – August 27 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $32 per pair for eight sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich Recreation or by calling Pearkes Recreation Centre at 250-475-5400.
Colwood: Colwood Community Hall, 2219 Sooke Road, Victoria
Seven Wednesdays, July 16 – August 27 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: This modified series will be fully hosted by the Alzheimer Society and feature recorded fitness videos rather than a live fitness instructor. As such, there is no cost to participate, but donations to help cover the cost of the facility rental are greatly appreciated.
Registration: Register by calling Tara Speirs at [email protected] or call 778-746-2019.
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: 1st Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m. to noon
2nd Thursday of the month, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
New Time Limited Young Onset Caregiver Support Group
New Caregiver Support Group Series for those caregiving a family member or friend with Young Onset dementia
(diagnosed at or before the age of 65) in the early years of living with the disease. This is a time limited group meeting for one year beginning January 28, 2025. This facilitator lead group will discuss topics related to young onset caregiving and provide resources to help you move forward.
January to November 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In-person early-stage support group
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: 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
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).