Calling all Care Partners!

 Join us as we learn with and from others. The BC Brain Wellness Program will host expert speakers  to support, educate and broaden the care partner's toolbox of coping strategies.

Care Partner Workshops

New Program

The PAIRS Project: Partners Assemble In Resilience and Strength Wed Sept 17, Monday Oct 27, Monday Nov 24

Instructors:
Natasha Dash, Zentangle, Sept 17
Joanna Wilke, Gardening and Cooking in Season, Oct 27
David Greeenshields, Mindfulness, November 24

Living with a health condition and caring for someone with a health condition can often be an isolating experience, within the relationship and in the broader community. 

We are piloting a new program this fall designed for partners! A time for couples/ partners/ pairs/ companions to disconnect from all that is happening in health, in life and the world and reconnect with each other in a different way….experiencing a class together. With our various BC Brain Wellness Program (BCBWP) instructors, we plan to hold a class each month (music, art, writing etc) designed with both of you in mind to engage you and your partner (spouse, adult son/ daughter, niece/nephew/, helpful neighbour, or close confident ) in an experience where you can disconnect from your daily roles and reconnect in new meaningful ways. 

7 Keys for more choice and control when facing a serious illness Monday Sept 15 10:00-11:30am

Instructor: Dr. Sammy Winemaker

Dr. Winemaker is co-author of the new book ‘Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest’ and co-host of the podcast ‘The Waiting Room Revolution,’ which are designed to make a palliative care approach accessible to all patients and families. Based on researching and caring for thousands of patients, she will share 7 keys that can activate patients and families to have a better illness journey.

These keys are simple to understand, easy to implement, and applicable at any stage in the illness journey. In this talk, providers will learn about the 7 keys that can lead patients and families to an ‘in the know’ experience. She will discuss specifics of how providers can use the 7 keys to be more proactive and less crisis-driven, by working more upstream and patient-facing.

“Men have feelings too”…. a gathering space for men who care for their partners
Thursday Oct 16, 10:00-11:30am

North Shore Community Resources (NSCR) has run a Men’s Caregiver Support Group for over 4 years now. It is specifically for men with partners either at home or in care, and has grown to 20+ members in that time. Feedback from participants is overwhelmingly positive.

Please join Vic Gailiunas, Caregiver Support Program Coordinator at NSCR and current group facilitator, Pat D. (NSCR Men’s Group founder and original facilitator), and Richard E. (long time group member) to hear an overview of their program and learn about the group, its benefits and related resources. There will also be time for questions and discussion.

Walking Through Loss Together: A series of Support for CarePartners
November 3, 10, 17, 10:00-11:30 am

Instructor: Amy Freeman and Olivia Bauer

Caring for a partner with a health condition can often come with ambiguous loss and grief—when your loved one is physically present but not the same. The grief is real, even though it can be confusing and hard to understand. It affects different family members in different ways and the loss can be ongoing.

This workshop series offers carepartners a compassionate space to explore the concept of ambiguous loss and ways to recognize and care for these feelings. We’ll look at practical ideas to help manage difficult moments and build resilience.

It’s okay to grieve losses that aren’t always visible or final. Step by step and with support, even in the middle of deep uncertainty, it’s possible to find little moments of space, light, and air to catch your breath. You’re not alone.

Partners Who Care: A Chance to Talk and Connect
September 22, October 20 and November 24 — 10:00-11:30 AM

Instructor: Jean Ward


These sessions will revisit the care partner workshop content from the previous week and offer you an opportunity to bring to the group any thoughts or reactions. All care partners are welcome to join regardless of workshop attendance. Come and connect with folks who get what you are going through. Feel free to bring your questions, your ideas, your feelings and your laughter.