Applying skills and strengths to help others

For caregivers, feeling understood and less alone can make all the difference. That's the kind of space James Donovan hopes to create every time he volunteers as a virtual support group facilitator.

James supports adult children who are caring for a parent living with dementia. He creates an environment where caregivers can speak openly, ask questions and connect with others who truly understand what they're experiencing. “They feel less alone and more capable to handle their day-to-day or week-to-week things that they experience as a caregiver,” James says.

James brings both professional and personal experience to the role. When he moved to BC three years ago, he brought with him a background in psychology, experience supporting people with mental health challenges and a personal connection to dementia.

For James, facilitating a support group is about valuing each person and listening to what they have to share before rushing to offer advice. One session in particular has stayed with him: A participant was navigating an incredibly difficult time and as James and his co-facilitator offered support, other group members began sharing their own experiences. One person's story became a moment of understanding and encouragement. “It seemed like a real genuine connected moment,” James says. “Everybody was able to support one another and it was really a group, not just individuals meeting.”

Although James balances volunteering with work, hiking, reading, watching movies and other interests, he says the time commitment is manageable. He commits two hours a month to the support group – time that he sees is meaningful and constructive.

For anyone considering volunteering, James encourages them to recognize the skills they already have and think about how those strengths could help others. "Whatever you feel your skill set allows, utilize that and see what comes up for you."