Online programming

Online education

Learn about dementia from anywhere by participating in one of our webinars or online workshops. You can attend a webinar live or watch a recording of it after the fact. Our online workshops are smaller groups with more discussion and are only available live. Learn more about our dementia education.

Webinar: Research connects: Better nights for better days: The role of sleep for brain health | Good sleep is essential for health and well-being at every stage of life—but many people struggle to get the rest they need. Research shows sleep disturbances like sleep apnea and insomnia are risk factors for developing dementia. Join Dr. Elizabeth Keys, who heads up UBC Okanagan’s SLUMBER Lab, for this informative session. Learn why sleep is important for brain health and how to better manage common sleep challenges. For the general public.
Wednesday, November 26 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Preparing for the holidays | The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone – but especially for people on the dementia journey. Explore strategies for adapting your plans and learn tips on minimizing stress and maximizing connection with meaningful activities. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Wednesday, December 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Workshop: 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.
Tuesday, December 9 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Lived experience | Navigating love and loss in long-term care | Join us for an insightful panel discussion with caregivers, who will share their experiences supporting a family member living with dementia in a long-term care home. This engaging conversation will highlight the importance of maintaining meaningful connections, fostering collaborative relationships with care staff and prioritizing self-care. Together, we’ll explore the intricate balance of navigating grief and loss while celebrating moments of joy. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, share and connect with other caregivers who are  supporting a family member or friend in long-term care. For caregivers.
Wednesday, December 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: An Introduction to brain health | It’s never too late to make changes for a healthier brain. Learn how to maintain or improve your brain health by exploring topics including natural aging changes, dementia, risk reduction, memory, brain training and more. For the general public.
Wednesday, December 17 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: We can be your guide: Get to know the Alzheimer Society of B.C. | What does the Alzheimer Society of B.C. do? What happens when I call the First Link® Dementia Helpline? Why should I donate? How do they support research? If you would like to learn more about our organization or have questions that need answers, this webinar is for you. Join us for an insightful panel discussion with staff, moderated by a lived experience partner. 
Wednesday, January 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Dementia-friendly communities | Join us to learn more about dementia and explore simple strategies that can create a more supportive, inclusive and welcoming community for people affected by the disease. For the general public.
Wednesday, January 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Webinar: Lived experience: What you should know about dementia | Everyone’s experience with dementia is different, but there are things our people living with dementia and caregivers think you should know. Join us during Alzheimer’s Awareness Month for a panel discussion moderated and in conversation with lived experience partners to learn more about their experience and how you can support people affected by dementia in your communities.
Wednesday, January 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Click here to register

Workshop: Dementia diagnosis: What’s next? | Explore how to navigate life after a dementia diagnosis alongside others who are also on the dementia journey. Discuss the disease’s impact on family, learn practical strategies to live well and access resources that are available at any stage of the disease. For caregivers and people living with dementia.
Thursday, January 29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Click here to register

Coffee and Chat

We offer a social program to help you meet new people, engage in social activities and have fun. Learn more about the program.

When: Every second Thursday, 11 a.m. to noon.
For people living with early-stage dementia.

Register: Call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.
 

Minds in Motion^®

Discover our fitness and social program tailored for individuals with early-stage dementia, promoting wellness and connection. Weekly online groups are free to attend. Learn more about the program.

When:

• Mondays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. (English)
• Fridays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (English)

Register: Call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English).

Online Support Groups

Join our virtual support groups for caregivers and connect with an online community that understands and supports you. Learn more about our support groups.

Please note: Due to the high level of interest in our support groups for people living with dementia and caregivers, we are only listing groups with space for new members. If you're interested in joining a support group not listed here, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline.

General support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are currently caring for a person living with dementia.
2nd Monday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
1st Tuesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
2nd Friday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
3rd Thursday of the month, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

General support group (Punjabi/Hindi)
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who speak Punjabi or Hindi and are currently caring for a person living with dementia.
For more information, call the South Asian First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-833-674-5003.

General support group (Mandarin)
Open to anyone in B.C. who speaks Mandarin and is currently caring for a person living with dementia.
For more information, call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033 (English) or 1-833-674-5007 (Cantonese and Mandarin)

Adult children support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a parent living with dementia.
2nd Wednesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Young onset support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a person living with dementia who was diagnosed before the age of 65.
For more information, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Long-term care support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a person living with dementia in a long-term care home.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
3rd Tuesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

2SLGBTQIA+support group
Open to 2SLGBTQIA+ caregivers or caregivers of a person living with dementia who identifies as 2SLGBTQIA+ anywhere in B.C.
1st Wednesday of the month, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

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.
Every other Wednesday, 10 to 11 a.m. *telephone only*

Lewy body dementia support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for a person living with Lewy body dementia.
For more information, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

BvFTD support group
Open to caregivers anywhere in B.C. who are caring for someone with behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia.
For more information, please call the First Link^® Dementia Helpline at 1-800-936-6033.

Online Campus

Our online campus is designed to deliver engaging, accessible and relevant education to people impacted by dementia through online e-learning courses. 

An e-learning course is similar to an online workshop, where participants learn about dementia through videos, readings and interactive activities. The difference is an e-learning course can be taken anytime, anywhere you have access to an electronic device and internet connection, and at your own pace, because we understand that flexibility is important. Visit our online campus here.

For our in-person programming, click here.