Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

RE/MEMBERING: Zine’ing Loss & Grief
2025-10-08 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Vancouver Hospice Society is hosting a 6-week in-person support group for young adults aged 18-29 who are grieving the death of a person. The support group will explore zine-making as a creative outlet for processing grief and loss, based on guided reflection prompts within a space of shared connection. A zine (from “magazine”) is a mini self-created booklet made for a small circle of distribution.
Open to Vancouver residents Virtual Orientation: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 5:30–7:00 PM In-person Sessions: Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 PMOct. 15, 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 12, 19
Registration is required. To register, please send an email to counselling@vancouverhospice.org

MOVE for Mental Health: Live Music Celebration for World Mental Health Day
2025-10-10 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sizzling Tandoor, 637 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1M7, Canada
Did you know that DANCE is the most effective way to combat anxiety/depression?
Join us Friday Oct 10th, at the Sizzling Tandoor to move & groove!
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Agenda

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Doors Open & Mingle

7:30 PM – 7:35 PM
Welcome

Care-2-Share

7:35 PM – 8:05 PM
Alle Bernardi – Live Music (Folk Pop)

Alle Bernardi

Moved by the rhythm of the ocean, Alle portrays the colours, sights, and sounds of her coastal utopia through expressive and insightful original works, painting an infectiously sunshine filled dream …
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8:20 PM – 9:00 PM
TBD – DJ Set

TBD

Upbeat DJ set to get you on your feet!

9:20 PM – 10:20 PM
Katie Hall – DJ Set (Dubstep)

Katie Hall

Katie brings her experience with mixing UKG, Dubstep, Riddim and Deep Wubs to create a unique and upbeat sound while engaging her audience – you will certainly feel this set in your sneakers!

When Sensitivity Hurts: RSD and the Neurodivergent Mind
2025-10-14 16:30 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Montreal Center for Learning Disabilities presents “When Sensitivity Hurts: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria.
Do you or someone you care about struggle with overwhelming emotional responses to perceived criticism or rejection?
Join ADHD coach and researcher Dr. Janina Maschke for a free webinar exploring Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). A powerful and often misunderstood experience common in neurodivergent individuals.
You’ll learn:

What RSD is and why it happens
How it impacts daily life, relationships, and mental health
Tools to manage emotional intensity with compassion
Practical strategies for building resilience and self-understanding

Led by a global expert with a Ph.D. in Psychology and extensive experience supporting neurodivergent minds.

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities
2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada

ADHD & Autism Series - Free webinar
2025-10-15 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
The Adult ADHD Centre & The Adult Autism Centre are launching a free webinar series, “ADHD & Autism,” featuring Dr. Anita Parhar and Dr. Gurdeep Parhar.
The inaugural session, titled “I have been diagnosed with ADHD, could I also be Autistic?” takes place on October 15, 2025, from 4:00–5:00 PM PDT / 6:00–7:00 PM CDT / 7:00–8:00 PM EDT.
This interactive event is open to individuals, families, and professionals seeking expert insight on dual diagnoses, with opportunities for practical guidance and live Q&A.
Registration is free, and all are welcome to attend this informative session on the overlap between ADHD and autism.

RE/MEMBERING: Zine’ing Loss & Grief
2025-10-15 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-22 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-10-29 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-05 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-12 17:30 - 20:30, 2025-11-19 17:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Vancouver Hospice Society, 4615 Granville St., Vancouver, BC, Canada

PSS Parenting Workshop Registration
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
This workshop will explore: how parenting has changed, when parenting styles collide, and how to find common ground.

Young Sibling Peer Support Network
2025-10-21 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Find support for children and youth aged 8-11 who have a sibling with a disability! The Young Sibling Peer Support Network hosts free, monthly online peer groups for siblings of people with a disability or chronic health condition. For now, online groups are open to siblings living in the Victoria, Vancouver, and Prince George regions.
Siblings anywhere in BC can also check out the following resources:

Sibling Resource List: A collection of supports and information created to help families.
Recommended Books: A curated list of books for siblings and families, available through the BC Children’s Hospital Family Library in person or online.

To learn more about the peer support groups, you can watch this Information Video on YouTube, or contact 604-875-3594 or siblingcentre@cw.bc.ca
Victoria:
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Vancouver:
Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Prince George:
Friday, October 24, 2025, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm

Mental Health First Aid Course
2025-10-22 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging and impactful full-day Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification Course, designed to equip you with essential skills to assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or decline in well-being. Taking place in-person, this interactive training is scheduled from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and will provide you with hands-on techniques to recognize, support, and guide individuals toward recovery.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to:

Recognize early signs of mental health declines or crises
Encourage open discussions about mental health and well-being
Guide individuals to appropriate professional or community supports
Offer support in mental health or substance use crises
Use MHFA actions to maintain your own mental health

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Mental Health First Aid certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC).
Pre-Course Requirement:
Before attending the in-person training, participants must complete a self-directed online module (Module 1), which introduces key concepts and strategies to be explored in the live training (Modules 2 and 3). The online module takes approximately 2 hours to complete, and proof of completion is required prior to the start of the in-person modules. Completion of Module 1 is mandatory to participate in the in-person course. Failure to complete the online module by the specified deadline will make the participant ineligible for a refund or transfer of registration.
Important Note: A minimum of 8 participants is required for the training to proceed. If fewer than 8 participants are confirmed 48 hours prior to the session, the course will be rescheduled in accordance with MHCC’s group size policy.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be submitted via email (training@csshsa.ca) at least 5 business days before the scheduled course to receive a refund or reschedule.
Late cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.

Community ASIST Workshop individual registration
2025-10-23 09:00 - 2025-10-24 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Need2 Office, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC, V8N 1V7, Canada
ASIST is a two-day workshop that provides suicide first aid training to participants. This training provides participants with the competencies needed to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, providing a skilled intervention, and developing a safety plan to keep someone alive.
You do not need to work in the health or mental health field to take ASIST. We need people in all roles in the community to be ASIST trained to create a suicide-safer community!
The cost of the workshop is $325. Student rate is available upon request.

The workshop will take place at the NEED2 office.
Lunch, coffee/tea and snacks will be provided

To register visit our website here
Questions; email communityeducation@need2.ca

Heartspace Gentle Movement
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Join Tyra Skibington, certified yoga instructor, for a 45-minute gentle movement program, accessible for all abilities. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a comforting beverage, have a clear space on the floor with a chair or couch nearby for support, but otherwise no special equipment required!
Tyra has been a yoga teacher for over 10 years. She is passionate about caring for the caregiver because she is one. She knows the power of pausing through breath work and loves to share restorative movement as part of that practice. Join Tyra by inviting space and more breath into your body. This will help clear the mind, calm the nervous system and bring awareness to the body.
Register Here

FASD - Thinking Outside of the Box
2025-10-23 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-30 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
September is FASD Awareness Month, and International FASD Day is on September 9!
When we talk about FASD, the conversation often focuses on the challenges—but there’s so much more to the story. There are incredible strengths, talents, and successes worth celebrating.
Join us for an uplifting event where we shine a light on the achievements and unique abilities of individuals living with FASD. This is a chance to hear powerful stories from those with lived experience, as well as the people who support and love them.
Come be part of a joyful conversation—one that honours the gifts that come with FASD and invites you to share your own moments of pride and hope.
Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 7:00 pm
This Family Hangout takes place weekly.
Register Now

Engage at Every Age
2025-10-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual Event
Engage at Every Age: When young and old connect, great things happen!
Join us for a free webinar presented by Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. In this session, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (Ottawa) will be sharing their insights and reflections acquired over the past few years, facilitating intergenerational programming between children ages 0 – 4 and diverse older adult populations in a variety of settings. Participants will have an opportunity to learn from their challenges and successes and ask questions about the early stages of developing an intergenerational program.
Intergenerational programming offers a powerful opportunity to foster meaningful, everyday connections between children and older adults. Both generations benefit from time spent together, enjoying shared interests and forming lasting friendships. Rather than limiting these moments to occasional, planned visits where seniors passively observe, we’re exploring what’s possible when interactions are naturally embedded into daily routines within an early learning and care setting.
Open to anyone developing or considering an intergenerational program with children up to 4 years of age.
Presented By:
Neeka Barnes – Director, Special Projects Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Neeka Barnes has worked in the early learning and care field for 46 years. She has a diverse background that includes roles as a consultant, life skills coach, and college professor. For the past several years, she has worked as the Director of Special Projects at Andrew Fleck Children’s Services.
José Alejandro Fernandez Cruz – Intergenerational Program Assistant, Andrew Fleck Children’s Services
Jose Alejandro Fernandez Cruz (RECE, Bach. Early Learning and Community Development) is the Intergenerational Program Coordinator with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services. As part of the Engage At Every Age Intergenerational Child Care Project, he conducts research into the best practices of shared-space intergenerational programming and facilitates the involvement of older adults in the program.
Email: jfernandez@afchildrensservices.ca
REGISTER HERE

SEA: For Adults online workshop
2025-11-03 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
A 90 minute online suicide prevention workshop developed by NEED2 to provide foundational information about suicide that is accessible and relevant to adults; no matter their role in the community.
November 3, 2025 6:30-8pm
Once you’ve registered you will receive the zoom link the day before the workshop.
Register Here.

Mindful Parenting
2025-11-04 09:30 - 2025-12-16 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Men’s Therapy Center, 301-3491 Saanich Rd., Victoria, BC, V8X 1W8, Canada
Learn to embrace the beautiful chaos of single parenthood with presence and self-compassion, nurturing both your child’s well-being and your own.

Substance Use and the Power of Support
2025-11-06 12:00 - 13:30, 2025-11-18 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual Event
Connection and relationship can make a difference in substance use and addiction. Guy Felicella, a renowned advocate and international speaker who has overcome a two-decade substance use disorder, passionately promotes harm reduction, trauma therapy, and faster access to treatment using his story of resilience and recovery. Learn how we can show care not just for our kids, but for the broader community impacted by substance use disorder.
Join us and other families for this video presentation and discussion that’s facilitated by a FamilySmart Family Peer Support Worker.
12:00pm-1:30 pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
1:00pm-2:30 pm Mountain Time (Alberta)
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the Province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you .
REGISTER HERE

Empowering Families through Knowledge and Connection
2025-11-07 - 2025-11-08 | Sportsplex, 1800 S Alder St., Campbell River, BC, V9W 7J1, Canada
Families from the Campbell River area will gather for two days of learning and connecting. You will learn ways to strengthen your advocacy and access resources to help build a good life for your loved one with a disability. You will join other families in sharing knowledge and developing community support. Sessions will cover topics such as self-determination, advocacy, and future planning – session details will be released in the summer

Cost: FREE – Financial support is available for travel, child care or other expenses (see details and application after the program description)
When: November 7 & 8, 2025
Where: Sportsplex – 1800 S Alder St, Campbell River, BC V9W 7J1
Who: Families and caregivers living in and near Campbell River who support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Register Here

Armstrong/Online: Attend this professional opportunity on grief and loss
2025-11-10 09:30 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sage Cottage, Armstrong BC, 9931 Cathedral Drive, Vernon, BC, V1B 3Y9, Canada
This is a one-day workshop for professionals who work with children, youth and families. The workshop offers practical tools, insights, and approaches on supporting young clients navigating experiences of grief and loss. Attend in-person in Armstrong, BC in November, or virtually in December.
Location:
Sage Cottage | Armstrong, BC
Monday, November 10, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm
Virtual workshop:
Monday, December 8, 2025, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Mother's Mental Health Toolkit
2025-11-12 10:00 - 2025-12-17 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Quadra Village Community Centre, 901 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
Mother’s Mental Health Toolkit group will begin on Wednesday Nov.12th and run until Dec 17th from 10am-12pm. Lunch will be served 12-1pm. If you would like to attend this group, contact Sue at families@quadravillagecc.com ASAP as there is great interest in this group and only 12 spaces. Please note that you must be available to attend ALL 6 sessions.
MORE INFO HERE

Issues of Substance Conference
2025-11-17 - 2025-11-19 | Halifax Convention Centre, 1650 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS, B3J 0E6, Canada
CCSA’s Issues of Substance is the flagship event of the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), an organization that addresses issues related to substance use and addiction that affect the health and safety of Canadians.
The biennial event is Canada’s only national conference that brings together addiction workers, healthcare professionals, researchers, policy makers, knowledge brokers, and people with direct or indirect, lived or living experience with substance use or a substance use disorders from across the country.
CCSA’s Issues of Substance is unique because this three-day event provides an unparalleled opportunity to share new research and best practices, network with peers, and receive practical training related to substance use and addiction prevention, treatment and recovery.

How to Register
Register for our Issues of Substance 2025 conference through the CCSA registration portal, beginning Tuesday, April 8.
Registration Fees
All registrants (including students) are entitled to:

Attend all sessions, and
Three full breakfasts, three lunches and break refreshments.

Early-Bird Registration Fee
Pay only $1,150 if you register online by Friday, September 19 at 11:59 p.m. EDT!
Regular Registration Fee
Pay $1,295 between Saturday, September 20 and Thursday, November 6 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
You can also complete and pay for your registration in-person, at the regular rate, beginning Sunday, November 16 (if spaces are still available).
Student Registration Fee
Student registration fee: $595
To register at the student rate, provide proof of your full-time enrolment as an undergraduate, master’s or doctoral student at a Canadian higher education institution in a program related to substance use health, addiction or behavioural addictions. Please upload a photo of your student card displaying the current year at the time of registration.
Registration for Conference Presenters
Presenters must complete and pay for their registration by Wednesday, May 28, to secure their spot in the program.
Questions
If you have questions about registering for CCSA’s Issues of Substance, please contact CCSA Event Planner, Andrea Wagner at AWagner@ccsa.ca. Thank you!

Mental Health First Aid Essentials Training
2025-11-20 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Harbour Room, 722 Cormorant Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1P8, Canada
Join us for a transformative full-day workshop designed to equip you with the essential skills and confidence to support mental health in yourself and others. The MHFA Essentials course offers practical knowledge to help you recognize, respond, and intervene in mental health challenges, from everyday signs of stress to crisis situations.
This course, delivered over 7 hours with breaks, is perfect for individuals wanting to learn how to support those experiencing mental health struggles, while also enhancing their own mental well-being. Whether you’re a workplace leader, community volunteer, or just someone passionate about mental health advocacy, this course will deepen your understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and build a strong foundation in supportive communication.
Throughout the course, participants will learn how to:

Recognize mental health changes: Understand the differences between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions. Learn to spot signs of declining mental health across its continuum.
Respond to mental health crises: Master the ALGES framework to apply empathy, reassurance, and appropriate responses in real-world scenarios, including crisis situations like suicidal thoughts.
Support others with respect: Practice effective communication techniques that challenge mental health stigma and emphasize recovery-oriented support.
Self-care strategies: Discover essential self-care practices to maintain your own mental health while helping others.

By the end of the course, you’ll be empowered to provide mental health support to those in need and take proactive steps to care for your own mental health.
Important Note: A minimum of 8 participants is required for the training to proceed. If fewer than 8 participants are confirmed 48 hours prior to the session, the course will be rescheduled in accordance with MHCC’s group size policy.
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations must be submitted via email (training@csshsa.ca) at least 5 business days before the scheduled course to receive a refund or reschedule.
Late cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for refunds or rescheduling.
