Osanis Inclusion Services Inc.

Drop-in Floor Hockey for Individuals with Diverse Abilities (18yrs+)
2025-01-08 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-12-18 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-12-11 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-12-04 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-27 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-20 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver) | SJ Willis High School, 923 Topaz Avenue, Victoria, BC, V8T 2M2, Canada
This is a FREE event. Participants of all levels and abilities welcome!
All the equipment is provided and all that is needed is athletic wear and water bottle.
This is an opportunity to meet others, be active and have fun. It is held every Wednesday from 1:00 – 2:30 at SJ Willis Educational Center in Victoria. If an individual has a support worker, they are welcome to come as well.
Please note: The volunteer staff does no personal care.
At SJ Willis, the gym is huge and if you want to just come and hang out in the gym during this time without playing floor hockey, this is also an option.
When: Every Wednesday from 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Where: SJ Willis High School (Gym)
2970 Glasgow St,
Victoria, BC
V8T 5B9

Parents Together Program
2025-01-07 18:30 - 20:30
Boys & Girls Club – (BGC) Parents Together Program (13-19yrs) Sometimes parenting challenges can feel overwhelming. This program is for parents of teens and provides ongoing support. A manual and materials are provided to participants. Parents may stay in the group as long as they feel they need support and help in their daily parenting.

Topics include:

Attachment and relationship-based practices
Communication and 6 critical messages
Developmental changes in pre-adolescence
Adolescent brain development
Boundaries, and turning over responsibility as appropriate
Self-care – taking back your life
Adolescent mental health
Substance use and teens

Date: Tuesdays, Ongoing – Daytime 12-1:30PM (Online) or Evening 6:30-8PM (In-Person)
Cost: Free
Register: https://bgcsvi.org/programs/parenting/

Connect Parenting Program
2025-01-07 12:00 - 2025-03-11 13:30
Connect Parenting Program: is an evidence-based 10-week attachment-based program that helps parents support youth. This program is for families and caregivers of children ages 8-15 with depression, anxiety, and/or intense emotional difficulties. Or children who are getting into trouble and having severe behavioral difficulties.

Dates & Times: Tuesdays Jan 7 through to and including March 11 from 12-130pm in person
Information:https://www.connectattachmentprograms.org/
To Register: Sylvia Mason: smason@thrivevictoria.org or Haley Kimmel: hkimmel@thrivevictoria.org
Cost: Free

Community Days
2025-01-06 10:00 - 2025-01-12 18:00 | Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Str, Victoria, B.C., V8W 9W2
Community Days are back at the Royal BC Museum!
From January 6–12, enjoy admission-by-donation and explore the galleries.

Ignite conversation about the everyday products you grew up with Canadian Modern – a stunning exhibition of Canadian mid-century design 🖼️
Check out Forgotten Landscapes – a new exhibit featuring beautiful recently rediscovered paintings from the early 1900s
Rediscover old favorites like Old Town, New Approach and HMS Discovery
Immerse yourself in the coastal rainforest, visit the tide pools and see who’s living in the Ocean Station

Plus, join us for Letter Writing Week (Jan 9–13) and relax at various wellness stations in collaboration with Destination Greater Victoria for ‘A Wellness Getaway in Victoria”
Don’t miss this chance to rediscover your provincial museum and support the important work that we do.

Y Mind Teen (13-18)
2025-01-04 17:45 - 18:30
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.
For participants Ages 13 – 18 and Ages 18 – 30
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.
The Y Mind Youth programs are delivered in person, in Victoria, at the Downtown Y on Broughton St. Online groups are available with enough interest or through our partner sites on Vancouver Island as well as other Y’s across BC.
For more information and registration, go here: https://vancouverislandy.com/program-services/community-health/mental-wellness/
We invite you to attend information sessions for Winter Teen (ages 13-18) on Tuesday evenings at the Downtown Y and Wednesday evenings at Westhills. The information sessions and groups will be held in person at both locations.
Y Mind Teen (13-18) | Upcoming program times and dates:

In person – Downtown Victoria YMCA-YWCA
851 Broughton St.

Information & Intake Sessions:
Tuesday January 14 and January 21st, 2025
5:45-6:30pm
Individual intake sessions after the info session

Group Program Dates:
Weekly on Tuesdays, February 4- March 18th, 2025
6:00-7:30pm (In person)
Virtual sessions:

Online via Zoom (offered through partner and other Y sites across BC)
Program Dates:
Dates TBA
Information & Intake Sessions:
Email Lana at mindfulness@vancouverislandy.ca
* note your interest in an online group.

In person – Westhills Association Services office
202-1314 Lakepoint Way
Information & Intake Sessions:
Wednesday Jan 15th and Jan 22nd, 2025
5:45-6:30 pm
Individual intake sessions after the info session

Group Program Dates:
Weekly on Wednesdays, January 29th– March 12th, 2025
6:00-7:30pm (In person)
Youth groups will be offered in the Spring at the Downtown Y.

If you are interested in a Westshore Youth group, please contact Pacific Centre Family Services.

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-12-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm 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
Watch video now: https://youtu.be/Qhqrbrw62Tg?si=Hpl_QjjBu2ph6-1D

Suicide Education & Awareness (SEA) - For Adults
2024-12-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
SEA: For Adults is a 90 minute 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.

In this workshop we will discuss the stigma that surrounds suicide, the importance of normalizing conversations around the topic and how we can support those around us that may be struggling.

December 10th, 6:30-8pm
Delivered over zoom
$25/person

Please email communityeducation@need2.ca to register.

Webinar: Strategies for Coping with the Winter Blues
2024-12-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for an engaging one-hour webinar designed to help you navigate the challenges of the winter months. We’ll work on individualized activity plans that align with your core values and support overall well-being. You’ll leave with actionable strategies help increase enjoyment and resilience during the shorter colder days.

Distinguish between the Winter Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), identifying the key differences and symptoms of each.
Examine how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence our mood and well-being during the winter months.
Gain practical knowledge of behavior activation and activity monitoring as tools for managing mood and enhancing mental health.

Our Presenter

Suncha Satney is a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant at CSSHSA. She is passionate about guiding organizations in creating environments where people feel their best and do their best work. With many years of experience in Community Social Services as a frontline worker and Clinical Counselor, she brings awareness, education, and strategies to support workplace mental health within the sector. She is a CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor.

Winter Art Market
2024-12-07 13:00 - 16:00 | Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 1G6, Canada
Join us for the Winter Art Market!
Celebrate the season with us and explore beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations crafted by artists from the recovery community. This special event is the perfect opportunity to find unique holiday gifts, support local talent, and enjoy an afternoon of art, music, and community.
When: Saturday, December 7th, 1-4 pm
Where: Fernwood Community Centre, 1240 Gladstone Ave, Victoria, BC
What to Expect:
– A wide array of handmade arts, crafts, and holiday treasures
– Live music to keep the festive spirit going
– Delicious snacks to enjoy while you shop
– A warm and welcoming space to connect with local artists and support the recovery community
Whether you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift or just want to experience a joyful, creative afternoon, we’d love to see you there!

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
6:30pm-8:00pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
7:30pm-9:00pm 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

Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
ONLINE EVENT: Now What? A beginning conversation to support families moving from reacting to responding when our kids begin experimenting with substances.
Learning that our kids are trying substances can be scary. As families, we are a valuable resource to help them navigate the choices they are making, but it can be hard to know how to respond. This video introduces parents and caregivers to some ways that can help us move from reacting to our fears about substance use and towards a more thoughtful response that supports connection with our kids.
Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience hosts a conversation with Douglas Hardie a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Program Coordinator with Island Health supporting Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and Substance Use Programs.
Come together and watch a video presentation and stay for a facilitated conversation by our Family Peer Support Workers.
12:00pm-1:30pm Pacific Time (most of British Columbia)
1:00pm-2:30pm 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
Watch video now: https://youtu.be/Qhqrbrw62Tg?si=Hpl_QjjBu2ph6-1D

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2024-12-03 - 2024-12-04 | Need2 Office, 2390 Arbutus Road, Victoria, BC, V8N 1V7, Canada
We are now registering for our upcoming ASIST workshop taking place on December 3/4, 2024.

ASIST is a two day workshop that provides suicide first aid training to participants. This training provides participants 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 or for more information email communityeducation@need2.c

Esquimalt Celebration of Lights
2024-12-01 15:00 - 19:00
Esquimalt’s Celebration of Lights is a magical event for the whole family. Lights, Music, Food, Santa and it is FREE to the whole community. It is a community event where people can come together to celebrate the holiday season with lights and festivities. We also feature a Music Bingo in the spring of each year to help support our upcoming Esquimalt Celebration of Lights.
Hope to see you all there for the start of the parade at 5 pm on December 1st, 2024 for the parade and at the Arena right after for a visit with Santa, a hot dog from the Lions and singing with your neighbours.

42nd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade
2024-11-30 17:00 - 19:00 | Downtown Victoria, Government + Belleville, Victoria, BC, V8W 1W5, Canada
The 42nd Peninsula Co-op Santa Claus Parade presented by Chek will kick off at 5:00pm on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Government and Belleville.
We will once again be collecting food and cash for the Mustard Seed Street Church and Food Bank. They will be giving out hot chocolate at Douglas and Humboldt starting at 4:30pm.
The Victoria Disability Resource Center will have live audio description this year at their location at Government and Belleville. Please reach out to https://drcvictoria.com/ to find out more information.
Santa and Mrs Claus will be taking pictures by donation following the parade. Centennial Square. Join everyone as the DVBA kicks off Lights of Wonder November 30th. Come and enjoy the lights and bring the family!

Teens In Control
2024-11-28 16:00 - 17:30, 2024-11-21 16:00 - 17:30 | Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society, 511 Constance Avenue, Victoria, BC, Canada
This workshop is for youth ages 13 – 18 years old who have a family member or friend with a mental illness or substance use disorder. Each session gives youth the opportunity to connect with peers who share similar experiences while learning about mental illness, self-care techniques, and skills for communicating with a loved one with mental illness.

Dates: Thursday, November 21 & 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: Esquimalt Neighbourhood House Society

RVSP: Mary Beth Hall: manager@bcssyouth.org | 236-335-0917

CSSHSA First Aid Webinar
2024-11-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual Event
Join us for an informative webinar on November 26th at 10 AM as we cover essential topics such as understanding your workplace’s first aid needs, new first aid requirements effective November 1, 2024, developing and maintaining first aid procedures, and more. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay up-to-date and ensure your workplace is prepared for any emergency. Register today!

Esquimalt Farmers Market
2024-11-24 11:00 - 17:00 | Esquimalt Recreation Centre, 527 Fraser Street, Esquimalt, BC, V9A 6H7, Canada
The EFM Holiday Market is where food lovers do their Christmas shopping, showcasing over 90 beloved EFM vendors from this Summer, Fall, and seasons past. From gourmet treats and artisanal condiments to culinary-inspired gifts like handcrafted pottery, linens & kitchenware, you’ll discover a treasure trove of foodie finds. You will also find handmade jewelry, children’s clothing, ornaments, greeting cards, artwork, youth vendors and so much more.
While you shop, enjoy live music and indulge in a delicious selection of bites from our curated food trucks, offering flavors as unique as the gifts you’ll find. It’s a celebration of local talent and tastes, all under one festive roof!
When: Sunday, November 24th, 11am-5pm
Where: Esquimalt Recreation Centre at 527 Fraser Street.
Who: Over 90 makers, bakers, growers and creators, & food trucks
Admission: By donation

Creative Wellness for Caregivers
2024-11-23 13:00 - 16:00 | Community Options for Children and Families, 1595 Bay St., Victoria, BC, Canada
Join a small group of parents (or other caregivers) for a cozy and comforting break in November.

SASS Monthly Caregiver Support Meeting
2024-11-21 19:00 - 20:00 | Sooke Autism Support Society, 6489 Beechwood Place, Sooke, BC, V9Z 0Y7, Canada
SASS MONTHLY CAREGIVER SUPPORT MEETING – Thursday, November 21 at 7 pm @ the Seaparc Boardroom (with new dimmer switch for better lighting)
Special Topic: Sexual Health & Education – For All Ages
Guest Speaker: Lexi Kosick, M.Ed., BCBA FIVE Behaviourial
A big THANK YOU to our meeting sponsor this month Bosley’s Pets who has graciously donated a Gift Certificate for our Door Prize : )
We will be distributing the Holiday Craft & Care Packages at this meeting
There will be Final Registration for Sensory Santa in December which takes place on Friday, December 13 from 5:00 pm – 8:30 pm

SASS FESTIVAL OF TREES FAMILY EVENT – Sunday, November 24 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm @ Seaparc
Come help us decorate the SASS-sponsored Tree at the Festival of Trees
Also enjoy a Family Swim or Skate compliments of SASS!

Accessible Workplaces: Supporting People with Disabilities: In-Person & Online
2024-11-21 10:00 - 11:30
This key note will provide everyone with a better understanding of how to communicate, support and work with people with various types of disabilities.
Marco will share some of his personal lived experiences as a person with a disability in the workforce and include specific tips on how to navigate some of the barriers that have been experienced by staff and the community both in-person and online.
Topics Covered:

Understanding Disability – General language, definitions and the use of Person First Language

Breaking Down Attitudinal Barriers – My first job and the importance of innovation

Overcoming Physical and Virtual Barriers – How simple changes can make all the difference

Communicating with Confidence – Tips on language and interacting with people with disabilities

Creating Authentic Connections – Getting to know your team and community members in a meaningful and authentic way

What you can do to support inclusion – As managers and team members

Q & A Period – Time Answer Your Questions

Date: November 21st, 2024
Time: 10:00AM – 11:30 AM (PST)
Location: Virtual session via Zoom
*Once registered the link to the session will be sent out the day prior to the event.
Registration closes two days before the event at 4:00 PM. To ensure your participation, please register before this deadline.
To Register:
Visit our website at www.homesharingbc.ca, under the “Events” tab from the main menu, and click on the session link to sign up.
WHO IS MARCO?
Marco Pasqua is an award-winning Entrepreneur, Accessibility Consultant and Inspirational Speaker. After graduating from the Art Institute of Vancouver, he spent 5 years in the video game industry. During the recession of 2010, he lost his job, which turned out to be the biggest blessing in disguise. Marco decided it was time to use his voice to make a positive impact on the world, so he built his own brand as a professional speaker and entrepreneur. As an entrepreneur, he has remained focused on social impact, keeping a philanthropic approach to the work that he does. Some of his most memorable talks include TEDxStanleyPark, The United Way as an impact speaker and The Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Throughout his life, Marco has also been involved with a number of organizations as a spokesperson, helping to spread advocacy for persons with disabilities across Canada.
As an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant, he has worked with some of BC’s biggest change-driven business leaders who are champions for more accessible, inclusive workplaces. It’s through these experiences that he is helping to pave the way for all Canadians to have universal access to the programs, services and places that they live, work and play.

Examining BC's Response to Sexual Assault
2024-11-19 12:00 - 13:00 | theDock: Centre for Social Impact, 100-722 Cormorant Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1P8, Canada
Trigger Warning: This workshop will discuss sexual assault, systemic racism, systemic failures in the area of sexual assault response and gender-based violence.
Join us for an engaging workshop that explores the current landscape of sexual assault response in British Columbia. This session will provide an overview of the existing support systems, challenges, and opportunities within the province. Attendees will have the chance to share their perspectives, discuss desired changes, and collaboratively brainstorm ideas to enhance sexual assault response over the next five years. Together, let’s envision a more supportive and effective approach for survivors and communities across BC.
Please note that participants will not be asked to share their individual experiences with gender-based violence.
Chloe Hunt
Chloe Hunt is a social impact entrepreneur and former tech product manager with a deep commitment to advancing gender-based violence initiatives. Drawing from years of experience in the sector, Chloe is actively involved in government-funded research focused on overcoming barriers to accessing care in northern Canada. Her passion for social change drives her ongoing efforts to improve access to care across the country.

Behaviour Interventionist Basic Training Workshop
2024-11-16 09:30 - 2024-11-17 16:30 | Virtual Event
This interactive, online foundational workshop will teach you the basics of ABA and behaviour intervention. You will leave the course with practical tools you can use in the classroom or home environment. Past attendees have included parents, community group leaders, students, educators, classroom assistants, and other individuals who work with or support children on the spectrum.
Topics include:
Day 1

Introduction to ABA
Core elements of Discrete Trial Training
Functions of behaviour
Reinforcement techniques
Prompting and prompt-fading strategies
Challenging behaviour
Ethics
Data collection

Day 2

Motivating operations
Preference assessments
Token economies
Language Strategies
Maintenance and generalization of learned skills

November 16th, 9:30 – 4:30 Saturday AND Sunday
Upon completion of this two-day course, you will be sent a certificate to confirm your attendance.
Cost: $125 (plus fees) per attendee.
