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.
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.Topics include:
- Understanding dementia (types, causes, progression)
- Communication and behaviour (e.g. repetitive questions, confusion)
- Planning for the future
- Self-care for caregivers
Victoria: Location details provided upon registration
Five Wednesday's May 7 to June 4 from 6 to 8 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.
Tuesday, June 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Victoria: Location details provided upon registration
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.
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 Mondays, May 5- June 9 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. (no class May 19)
Cost: $40 per pair for five sessions.
Registration: Register online through Saanich or by calling the Gordon Head Recreation Centre at 250-475-7100.
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.
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, 2024. 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).