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.
January
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 Tuesday's January 20 to February 17 from 10 a.m. to noon.
February
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.
Thursday, February 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.
March
My Wishes My Care | A guided conversation to help you start thinking and talking about the values, beliefs and wishes that matter most to you when planning for your future health and personal care.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Tuesday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.
April
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.
Victoria: Location provided upon registration.
Four Wednesday's April 22, 29, May 13, and 20 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. (No class May 6)
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 Friday's (eight sessions) January 23– May 1 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
Victoria: Victoria Resource Centre, 202 – 4420 Chatterton Way
Young Onset (Person Living with Dementia Only to attend)
When: Bi-weekly Monday’s (six sessions) February 2 to April 13, 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
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
Five Monday's, January 19 3 to February 23 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: Gordon Head has now opened registration for the upcoming series May 4 – June 15.
Saanich: Gordon Head Recreation Centre, 4100 Lambrick Way
Seven Monday's, March 9 to April 27 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $56 per pair for seven 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
Six Wednesdays, January 21 to February 25 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: Pearkes has now opened registration for the upcoming series May 6 – June 17.
Saanich: Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Road
Seven Wednesdays, March 11 to April 29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: $56 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich Recreation or by calling Pearkes Recreation Centre at 250-475-5400.
Colwood: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre - Fieldhouse Building, 1767 Island Hwy
Seven Wednesdays, January 14 to February 25 from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost: $63 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register through Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 250-478-8384.
Colwood: Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre - Fieldhouse Building, 1767 Island Hwy
Seven Wednesdays, March 11 to April 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $63 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register through Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre at 250-478-8384.
Oak Bay: Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave
Seven Thursdays, January 15 to February 26 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $64 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register through Monterey Recreation Centre at 250-370-7300.
Oak Bay: Monterey Recreation Centre, 1442 Monterey Ave
Seven Thursdays, March 12 to April 30 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost: $64 per pair for seven sessions.
Registration: Register through Monterey Recreation Centre at 250-370-7300.
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: Every Tuesday February 24 to March 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Victoria: Every Thursday starting March 5 to April 9 from 6-7:30 p.m.
In-person early-stage support group (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.
Please Note: If you are interested in joining an 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).