Book Launch - At Power To Be
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Prospect Lake, 4633 Prospect Lake Rd., Victoria, BC, Canada

Community ASIST Workshop individual registration
2025-09-22 09:00 - 2025-09-23 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

Lunch and Learn
2025-09-22 10:00 - 2025-09-26 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Truth and Reconciliation Week is coming up September 22 to 26, followed by National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, on September 30.
For some, this is a time of new learning. Some may experience feelings of discomfort, guilt, shame or shock. For yet others, this is a difficult time that may resurface trauma and deep grief. We hold space for each person who may be processing the significance of Truth and Reconciliation in their own way.
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation is offering virtual webinars to support you in un-learning the myths of colonial history. Each day of Truth and Reconciliation Week, Residential School Survivors and other speakers will share about important topics like the impacts of residential school, denialism, and more.
REGISTER HERE

Therapeutic Photography
2025-09-22 16:00 - 18:00, 2025-09-29 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Mental Health Recovery Partners – South Island (MHRP SI), 941 Kings Rd, Victoria, BC, V8T 1W7, Canada
Capture your world, only as you see it. FREE to anyone who self-identifies as living with a disability.
Register Here

Mental Health for All National Conference
2025-09-23 06:00 - 2025-09-25 16:45 (America/Toronto) | Hilton Toronto, 145 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 2L2, Canada
And we’re back! After years of virtual events, CMHA will host the Mental Health for All Conference September 23-25, 2025—live and in person. And this time, you’re invited!
This is more than a simple conference—it’s where ideas come to incubate and lead to change. It’s where leaders, people on the frontlines, experts, and champions for mental health come together to make change happen.
Imagine it… a Canada where everyone has access to the mental health and substance use care they need, wherever they live, whoever they are. That’s what we’re building, and you can be part of it.
Come connect with great minds exchanging great ideas. Come share your story. Or just come and soak it in. Because when you show up for the conference, you’re showing up for change. Real change.
Please join us for the Mental Health for All Conference from September 23–25, 2025 at the Hilton Toronto.

Parents in the Know
2025-09-23 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | BC
For those that prefer a structured program, parents of teens attend this 10-12 week professionally-facilitated education and support program to learn more about adolescent development, boundary setting, healthy communication, teen mental health, and other common issues. In a non-judgmental setting, this program helps parents connect with others experiencing similar issues while developing new skills and knowledge that can help decrease conflict in the home and help parents feel better equipped to parent their teen.
A more in-depth, structured group experience focused on parenting teens.
Start Date: Monday, September 23, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: In person (Location details provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Register Here: https://bgcsvi.org/programs/parenting/

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities
2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:30, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada

Unlocking Potential - Tools to Support ADHD & Executive Functioning
2025-09-24 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Foothills Academy (Calgary), 745 37 St NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4T1, Canada
Is your student or child struggling to stay organized, focused, or motivated this school year? This practical, interactive workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers understand and support learners with ADHD and executive functioning challenges.
Led by expert ADHD coach & former educator Rhiannon Carter, this session offers insight, empathy, and actionable support.
Learn more & register here

Mindful Parenting
2025-09-25 09:30 - 2025-11-07 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.

the good canadian - a film about 'truth before reconciliation'
2025-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Reconciliation isn’t just about our own beliefs and actions. It is about the inequalities embedded into our systems and institutions.
The Good Canadian is a film that challenges us to look past the national myth to the realities of systemic inequity, from the Indian Act to residential schools, to modern-day family separation. This film, directed by Leena Minifie (Gitxaala/British), points toward the possibility of a more honest Canadian identity and guides the journey toward truth and reconciliation.
A private screening will by held at SFU Harbour Centre in Vancouver on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 pm. You can register here to attend the screening.
The Good Canadian debuts on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Tuesday, September 30, at 5:00 pm Pacific (8:00 pm Eastern) on CBC and CBC Gem or 6:00 pm Pacific (9:00 pm Eastern) on APTN
WATCH THE TRAILER

FASD Together 'Unconference'
2025-09-27 09:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Thompson Rivers University, 805 Tru Way, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C8, Canada
Learn and Network with the FASD Community.
The FASD Together ‘UnConference’ is taking place next month, during FASD Awareness Month, at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. This event is free to parents and caregivers of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Register now for this opportunity to network and learn with other families!
Questions? Contact Jay at jgoddard@tru.ca or 250-852-7220
Location:
Thompson Rivers University
805 Tru Way
Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8
Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

More Than Luck - Cultivating a Resilient Mindset
2025-09-27 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Prospect Lake, 4633 Prospect Lake Rd., Victoria, BC, Canada
Why Register for this Workshop:

Because life is full of unexpected bumps!
Because it can help me support someone else in my life!
Because I do not have all the answers!
Because I could use a little support right now!
Because the topic of resiliency interests me, and I want to learn more!
Because I would like more resources to use in my professional practice!

By the end of the workshop, you will be equipped with a set of practical tools and strategies. These can be easily applied to your personal life and professional practice, empowering you to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
REGISTER HERE

three twenty-one Summit
2025-09-27 09:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Harris Barn, 4140 Arthur Dr., Delta, BC, Canada
This event is a one-of-it’s kind day celebrating and centering the Down syndrome community. At Down syndrome BC we aim to make our community events as accessible as possible, and are committed to making the cost to this wonderful day as low as we can. Your ticket includes morning snacks, coffee, tea and refreshments throughout the day, a beautiful lunch and a day packed full of information, connection and discovery. We will be offering a larger Market this year with more vendors, as well as a growing information center, giving you the opportunity to learn about supports and resources through out our province.
Ticket = $65 per person
Ticket with Attendant = $65 for one youth or adult with DS and caregiver (intended for youth (13+) and adults with Down syndrome attending with support)
Kids 12 and under = Free (please note, we are not able to provide child care and parents will be responsible for their child during the event. We will have a small area that is designed for kids to enjoy)
Please note, if the cost of a ticket is a barrier to attending, please contact us for subsidized tickets.
BUY TICKETS

Family Leadership Series - Kootenays
2025-10-02 - 2025-10-03 | Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort, 209 Van Horne St, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 6R9, Canada
Stay tuned for registration details coming soon.
Families from the Kootenay region 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:
October 2 & 3, 2025
Where:
Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort
209 Van Horne St S, Cranbrook BC V1C 6R9
Who:
Families and caregivers living in the Kootenay region who support loved ones with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Introduction to Individualized Funding for Families
2025-10-02 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Victoria Association for Community Living, 3861 Cedar Hills Cross Road, Victoria, BC, V8P 2M7, Canada
Join us for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized Funding.
Registration will allow you to join the in-person session virtually.

Join Vela Canada, CLBC, The Family Support Institute and The Victoria Association for Community Living for an informative session designed to help families learn about Individualized funding: what it is and how it works, the different ways families can use it to support the unique needs of their family member and the resources and supports available.

If you live in Victoria and would like to attend the session in person, please register here.

Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base.
FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Learn to Cope with Stress
2025-10-07 18:00 - 2025-11-25 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | YMCA, 202-1314 Lakepoint Way, Victoria, BC, V9B 0S2, Canada
Mental health challenges shouldn’t get in the way of doing what you love. Our programs help overcome barriers and get you on the right track to where you’d like to be.
Our free mental wellness programs, Y Mind and Mind Medicine, help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety (individuals experiencing severe anxiety and stress that significantly impacts their ability to perform daily activities likely require more support than what Y Mind is intended to provide). Our programs are evidence-based and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.
To participate, you may self-refer, you do not need a diagnosis of anxiety, and you do not need to be a Y member
MORE INFO HERE

Mental Wellness - Y Mind Teen (13-18) & Youth (18-30)
2025-10-07 18:00 - 2025-11-25 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Mental health challenges shouldn’t get in the way of doing what you love. Our programs help overcome barriers and get you on the right track to where you’d like to be.
Our free mental wellness programs, Y Mind and Mind Medicine, help participants learn how to manage stress and mild-to-moderate anxiety (individuals experiencing severe anxiety and stress that significantly impacts their ability to perform daily activities likely require more support than what Y Mind is intended to provide). Our programs are evidence-based and teach Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness.
To participate, you may self-refer, you do not need a diagnosis of anxiety, and you do not need to be a Y member.
Y MIND TEEN – AGES 13-18
Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week program delivered across BC. This program supports teens ages 13 to 18 who are experiencing symptoms of stress and worry to learn and practice evidence-based strategies to cope with stress. Y Mind Teen is led by trained mental health professionals and educators and gives teens the chance to connect with others who are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings.
Registration Information:
The Y Mind Groups are being offered in person at the Westhills Y (Langford) and Downtown locations. If you are not able to attend these for any reason, both virtual and in person groups are available to those in other parts of BC and Vancouver Island. Please contact us at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca so we can support you in accessing a group (either in person or virtual) in your area.
The dates and times for our next information sessions and a registration link are below:
Westhills Y In Person Information Session:
Tuesday September 16th at 5:45 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA
or
Tuesday September 23rd at 5:45 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA

Westhills Y In Person Program Sessions:
Tuesdays October 7th – November 18th, 2025 at 6 pm -7:30 pm @ Westhills YMCA-YWCA
OR
Downtown In Person Information Session:
Wednesday September 24th at 5:45 pm @ Location TBD
or
Wednesday October 1st at 5:45 pm @ Location TBD

Downtown In Person Program Sessions:
Wednesdays October 15th – November 26th, 2025 at 6 pm -7:30 pm @ Location TBD
The registration process for Y Mind Teen includes attendance at an Information Session (either online or in person, depending on the site) and a brief intake meeting with one of our facilitators to determine if the group is a best fit for the teen.
REGISTER ONLINE
*Expecting an email from the Y team… please ensure you check your junk email folders occasionally emails may be flagged as spam.

Y MIND YOUTH – AGES 18 – 30
The Y Mind Groups are being offered in person in Winter 2026 Location TBD. Please contact us at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca so we can support you in accessing a group (either in person or virtual) in your area.
*Note: With enough interest we can offer a Youth group this Fall 2025. Please register for an information session through the link below if you are interested and we will contact you.
All participants must register and attend one of our information sessions and a one-on-one intake to register for the program. The dates and times for our next Victoria information sessions and a registration link are below:
Downtown Y In Person Information Session:
Tuesday February 3rd 2026 at 5:45pm @ Location TBD
or
Tuesday February 10th 2026 at 5:45pm @ Location TBD
Downtown Y In Person Program Sessions:
Tuesdays Feb 17th – March 31st, 2026 6pm – 8:30pm @ Location TBD
Y Mind Youth is being offered in the Westshore by Pacific Centre Family Services at 324 Goldstream Ave. If you are interested in that group, please contact Julia at jleggett@pcfsa.org
REGISTER ONLINE

Seated Dance (Fall 2025)
2025-10-08 10:15 - 2025-11-26 11:00 (America/Vancouver) | Garry Oaks Room, 1335 Thurlow Rd., Victoria, BC, V8S 5K2, Canada
This high energy program is designed to get your body moving. We’ll be dancing together to a soundtrack spanning different musical genres including pop, latin, jazz, and more. Taught from a seated position, this class is designed in a way to be suitable for adults of all abilities and fitness levels.

Program Details
– Wednesdays from 10:15 – 11:00am
– October 8th – November 26th
– Garry Oaks Room (1335 Thurlow Rd) in partnership with the Fairfield Gonzales Community Association
– For adults (ages 18+)
– $60.00 for 8 weeks
​
Registration opens on August 1st on the Fairfield Gonzales Association Website.

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!
——————————–

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 …
View More

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!

Belonging
2025-10-14 09:00 - 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Little Fernwood Gallery, 1923 Fernwood Rd., Victoria, BC, V8T 2Y6, Canada
Led by people with disabilities featuring art by people with disabilities from across BC.
Little Fernwood Gallery
1923 Fernwood Rd.
Every Tuesday in October
9am – 5pm

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

Creative Arts Workshop For Caregivers
2025-10-15 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Take a moment to pause this fall to creatively explore and nurture your wellness.
This one hour workshop offers a welcoming and supportive space for you to explore and choose simple materials (which may include : fabric, pastels, paints, natural materials etc. ) through art making processes. With guidance, you will be invited to explore art making processes as an opportunity to pause, rest your nervous system, and explore your own creativity. Participants will explore how your own creativity can be effective strategies for supporting their personal wellness.
Art making is accessible for all abilities, focuses on personal expression, and no previous art experience is needed to participate.
Supplies: Please bring any art supplies that you have : markers, colours, pens, pencils, paper, natural materials, yarn, fibres, fabric etc.
FACILITATOR Asha Rao- M.A (RCC),DVATI- Asha has been working in the disability field for over 20 years and is honoured to work in our community alongside children, youth and their families in supportive, strength-based ways. She is a registered art therapist, registered clinical counsellor and inclusive educator. Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY
Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) is a provincial not-for-profit society committed to supporting families who have a family member with a disability. FSI is unique in Canada and the only grass roots family to family organization that has a broad volunteer base. FSI SUPPORTS AND SERVICES ARE FREE TO ANY FAMILY

Canada FASD Conference 2025
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Hilton Toronto, 145 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 2L2, Canada
The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research network, with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. It started as an alliance of seven jurisdictions and operated for seven years as the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network.
The Canada FASD Conference will return to Toronto, Ontario on October 21-23, 2025. The 2025 theme is Shaping the Future of FASD: From Evidence to Action.

“This conference is going to serve as a seminal moment in the evolution of FASD awareness. Considering the exponential growth in Canadian and global FASD research and programming in the past decade, this conference will enable the sharing of a greatest amount of FASD best practices and strategies ever seen…” says speaker, Robert More.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and be part of the movement toward FASD-informed change.

Register Here
Click here for Program Review

Inclusion Art Show & Sale (Lower Mainland)
2025-10-22 10:30 - 2025-10-23 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancover, BC, V6Z 2W3, Canada
Families in the Lower Mainland, you’re invited to the Inclusion Art Show & Sale for a vibrant celebration of social inclusion and diversity! This art show features the creations of around 200 artists with disabilities, showcasing media from paintings and photography to pottery, jewelry, and textiles. This year’s event includes an Indigenous Artist Showcase. This annual community event is organized by posAbilities and admission is free.
Location:
Roundhouse Community Centre
181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC
