Regional programming - North and Central Vancouver Island

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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

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.
Nanaimo: Location provided upon registration.
Four Wednesdays, October 28, November 4, 18, and 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. (No session on November 11)

November

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.
Nanaimo: Location provided upon registration.
Monday, November 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 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.
Campbell River: Location provided upon registration.
Wednesday, November 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.

December

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.
Comox: Location provided upon registration.
Monday, December 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

January

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.
Comox: Location provided upon registration.
Four Mondays, January 18 to February 8 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon

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.

Parksville: Location provided upon registration.
Six Tuesdays, October 27 to December 1 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Registration: Please call the Minds in Motion^® Coordinator at 778-746-2017.

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.

Nanaimo: Beban Park Social Center, 2300 Bowen Road
Five Thursdays, October 29 to December 3 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 1 - 2:30 p.m. (No session November 19)
Cost: $48 per pair for five sessions.
Registration: Register through Nanaimo Rec at 250-756-5200.

Nanaimo: Beban Park Social Center, 2300 Bowen Road
Five Thursdays, January 14 to February 18 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 1 - 2:30 p.m. (No session February 4th)
Cost: $48 per pair for five sessions.
Registration: Register through Nanaimo Rec at 250-756-5200.

Parksville: Parksville Community Centre, 223 Mills St
Six Tuesdays, October 27 to December 1 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $48 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register through Oceanside Rec at 250-248-3252 (Registration Opens Sept 15!)

Ladysmith: Frank Jameson Community Centre, 810 6th Ave
Seven Wednesdays, September 9 to November 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $60 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register by calling 250-245-6424.

Ladysmith: Frank Jameson Community Centre, 810 6th Ave
Six Wednesdays, January 13 to February 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $60 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register by calling 250-245-6424.

Campbell River: Strathcona Gardens, 225 S Dogwood St.
Six Wednesdays, October 21 to December 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $60 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register through Strathcona Gardens at 250-830-6777.

Courtenay: Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave
Six Wednesdays, October 7 to December 2 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. *No sessions October 21, November 11, and 18*
Cost: $60 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register by calling 250-338-1000.

Courtenay: Native Sons Hall, 360 Cliffe Ave
Six Wednesdays, January 13 to February 17 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $60 per pair for six sessions.
Registration: Register by calling 250-338-1000.

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.

North & Central Vancouver Island in-person caregiver support group
Open to anyone on Vancouver Island 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.

Nanaimo: Location provided upon registration.
Six Wednesdays, October 21 to December 2 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon. (No group November 11)

Comox: Location provided upon registration.
Six Mondays, November 9 to December 14 from 1:30 to 3 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.

Nanaimo: 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (This group is currently full!)

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).