Community Events and Resources

In the interest of community, we’re keeping tabs on all the cool stuff happening across BC. Check back often for updates!

Free Counselling with Counselling Practicum Student

From now until April 2025, Fathima is offering free counselling sessions as part of her practicum. Head over to Fathima’s website or check her out on the Embody Lab directory to learn more about the services she provides and all the awesome perks of working with her.

Current and Upcoming Events

  • NARSF – Unlock Your Parenting Potential Workshops – Free workshops for parents of teens aged 12-18. Topics include self-compassion, boundaries and communication, digital wellness, and self-care for parents. Nov. 12 – Dec. 3
  • Parent Support Services Society of BC – Parents and Grandparents: Finding Common Ground Workshop – Understand generational differences in approaches to parenting and find common ground between family members with this informative workshop. Nov. 13
  • Nanaimo Foodshare – Youth Cooking Class and Movie Night – Learn how to make pizza from scratch using fresh, healthy ingredients! Stick around after the lesson to watch Pirates of the Caribbean. Nov. 15
  • Parent Support Services Society of BC – Helping Kids Feel Good about Food, Eating, and Their Bodies Workshop – This workshop will explore how messages about food can affect kids’ eating behaviours and body satisfaction, ways to promote a positive relationship with food, ways to promote a positive body image, and helping kids find their strengths. Nov. 20
  • Nanaimo Foodshare – Foodsafe Level 1 Certification – Receive your level 1 foodsafe certification in just one day—a valuable skill to have on your resume! Nov. 24
  • Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre – Navigating Technology Use across Childhood and Adolescence Webinar – Explore what healthy technology use looks like across development and how children and teens meet their developmental and social needs through digital tools, while acknowledging the risks related to overuse. Nov. 27
  • Parent Support Services Society of BC – Family Relationships: Healthy Boundaries Workshop – This workshop supports families by exploring expectations and the setting of healthy boundaries between family members. Nov. 27
  • FamilySmart – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): It’s More than Overwashing Your Hands – For those living with OCD, simple tasks become overwhelming and disrupt daily life. Join us to discover ways to strengthen our understanding and support our kids living with OCD. Nov. 28
  • Nanaimo Foodshare – Youth Skills Cook and Eat – Free cooking classes for youth where you can meet chefs, learn techniques, and try new recipes! Classes are every Thursday. Aug. 15 – Dec. 19
  • Salish Storm Hockey Club – Free Hockey Program – Nanaimo’s Salish Storm are offering a free hockey program to Indigenous youth aged 6–18 at Frank Crane Arena on Wednesdays this fall. Register now! Sept. 18 – Dec. 18
  • Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society – Peer Mentor Certification Program – Youth aged 19–25 can attend this 8-week program to learn skills such as trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and personal resilience while building social connections and community. Oct. 4 – Nov. 29
  • Parent Support Services Society of BC – Parenting Book Club – Find community and learn a lot as you join other parents weekly in the reading of two great parenting books: The Power of Showing Up and The Whole-Brain Child. Oct. 8 – Nov. 27
  • Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society – Art Therapy Sessions – Youth aged 19–25 can participate in art therapy sessions with a registered Canadian art therapist every Thursday! Oct. 10 – Nov. 28
  • Ocean Protection Plan – Free Bridge Watch Rating Program – Canadian women and Indigenous people who wish for a career at sea can participate in this free Bridge Watch Rating program. Students will obtain the following certificates: Bridge Watch Rating (BWR), Small Vessel Operator Proficiency course (SVOP), Marine Basic First Aid (MBFA), Basic Safety Training, Proficiency in Survival Craft, WHMIS, Restricted Operator’s Certificate – Maritime Commercial (ROC MC). July 2024 – November 2024
  • Parent Support Services Society of BC – Parenting Book Clubs – Connect with other parents and caregivers as you learn strategies to nurture your child’s development and overcome everyday parenting struggles. Join a parenting book club today!
  • Stronger BC – Future Skills Grant – BC is offering $3500 grants to students aged 19 and up who wish to pursue short-term skills training in post-secondary school. The grants are available regardless of financial need. Apply today!
  • Nanaimo Harbourfront Library – Makerspace for Teens – Teens aged 13-19 can express their creativity in the Harbourfront Library’s makerspace. Learn new skills while utilizing 3D printers, digital design tools, a recording studio, and so much more! – Wednesdays from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm every week
  • Parenting Support Services Society of BC – Parenting Support Circles – Find a safe, supportive place to connect and share concerns, ideas, and information with others who are in a parenting role – Meetings are ongoing weekly
  • Nanaimo Foodshare – Homegrown Youth Employment Program – 12-week training and employment program for youth aged 15-30 – apply by link, email, or phone – homegrown@nanaimofoodshare.ca – 250-668-6763
  • Arts Council of Ladysmith and District – 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth Drop-in – This weekly art drop-in provides a supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth to connect with others and express themselves in their creative process – Every Thursday at 3:15 pm
  • Crimson Coast Dance – Body Talk Youth Program – The Body Talk Youth Program is open to teens who are passionate about performing arts, leadership, and First Nations culture. Weekly gatherings directed by Ecko Aleck (sacredmatriarchcreative.com) weave land-based teachings and natural ways of knowing into the practice of hosting an event. Together the Body Talk Cru produces a Spring Break Workshop that takes place in March. Email: dance@crimsoncoast.org
  • Nanaimo and Area Resource Services for Families (NARSF) – Living in Families with Teens (LIFT) – Provides services to families with youth ages 12 to 18 who are experiencing difficulties within the family unit, including parent-teen conflict, imminent family breakdown, or when youth are at risk of being out of the home.  LIFT provides a range of services over a three-month period, including parent-teen mediation, family counselling, and individual support for parents/caregivers. Complete the referral form to apply.

 

Community Resources

  • Orton-Gillingham Process – Learn all about how to get twisted with our very own Orton-Gillingham tutoring! We outline why Orton-Gillingham tutoring is often recommended, why it’s so effective, and what a typical session looks like.
  • Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre – ADHD for Parents and Caregivers Webinar Series – Learn the basics of ADHD, evidence-based treatment options, self-regulation tools for children with ADHD, tips on parenting a child with ADHD, and how to help a child with ADHD at school.
  • Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre – Rolling with ADHD – Check out this free eight-module series covering practical tools and strategies for parents and caregivers of children with ADHD.
  • Nanaimo WorkBC Website – Get help finding a job or finding employees, and participate in the many workshops and other services that WorkBC Nanaimo has to offer.
  • Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre – Tons of great information and resources for parents, caregivers, and youth who want to know more about mental health and find a support system.
  • Kelty Mental Health – Where You Are Podcast – Through real stories, expertise, and practical tips, this podcast helps families promote their mental health and wellness, navigating important topics to meet you where you are in your journey.
  • Healthy Minds BC – Everyday Anxiety Strategies for Educators (EASE) – EASE is an online course for educators and parents. A collection of evidence-informed, curriculum-aligned classroom resources help educators and parents teach K–12 students effective everyday anxiety management skills. EASE includes strategies for students to help them cope with everyday anxiety while contributing to the mental health literacy of educators and parents.
  • Grandparents Raising Grandchildren/Kinship BC Facebook Group – This Facebook group provides a larger opportunity for connection, sharing of resources, and information. Grandparents raising grandchildren and other kinship caregivers in BC can join!
  • Youth Employment Outreach Coordinator from Work BC for job opportunities – Michelle Backé – 250-714-0085 – michelleb@maximuscanada.ca
  • Power Up Sexual Health – Nanaimo-based sexual health workshops for educating children and families
  • Nanaimo FoodShare Programs – Support people with low-income, disability, rehabilitation access to nutritious food and knowledge. Workshops, employment, and volunteering opportunities for youth – 250-753-9393 – info@nanaimofoodshare.ca
  • Family Support Institute of BC – Supporting families with disabilities – 250-237-2403 – sijaz@fsibc.com
  • Nanaimo Parks and Recreation – Keep up with all the cool stuff happening in Nanaimo!
  • Ladysmith Parks and Recreation – Keep up with all the cool stuff happening in Ladysmith!
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters – In-School Mentoring Program – The in-school mentoring program pairs a qualified mentor with a mentee. They meet on school grounds for one hour, once a week, throughout the duration of the school year.  Mentoring has the power to increase self-confidence, provide stronger social and coping skills, stronger pro-social behavior, a more positive school adjustment, and higher quality relationships with adults.
  • Bladerunners Program – Youth can gain 3 weeks of construction training and 1 week of work experience – Free tools and equipment – Call 250-754-1989 to learn more
  • NARSF Transition Program – Provides withdrawal management and supportive recovery for youth ages 13-19 who would like to take a break from substances.  The programs take place in supportive, family environments we call care homes. Participants will have their own room, be provided with transportation, and will share meals, chores, and maybe even new hobbies.
  • NARSF Teen Mental Health Program – Free seven-week program for teens struggling with anxiety and stress. Facilitated by mental health professionals. Helps promote mindfulness and reduce anxiety. No diagnosis required to participate. Call Lindsey at 250-754-2773 (ext. 102) to get started. 
  • Rebel Entrepreneur – Calling all youth looking to start their own businesses! Rebel Entrepreneur is a free government-funded self-employment program which includes 10 weeks of entrepreneurial skills training and business plan development followed by ongoing coaching and support.
  • Haven Society PEACE Program – The PEACE Program (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling, and Empowerment) is a provincial intervention/prevention program that addresses the needs of children and youth aged 3 to 18 who have experienced violence and/or abuse at home. Call 250-756-2452 and ask for the PEACE team to learn more.
  • Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis: Call or Text 9-8-8 wherever you are located in Canada to connect with a trained responder who’s ready to listen without judgment. Support in English and in French, by phone and text. Quick access to support from trained responders, available 24/7/365.
  • Domestic Violence – Haven Society Crisis Line – 1-888-756-0616
  • Crisis Prevention – Vancouver Island Crisis Line – 1-888-494-3888
  • Mental Health Support and Counselling for Youth – Foundry – Safe space for youth to receive focused, non-judgmental support with mental health and substances.
  • Erase Bullying – Anonymously report bullying occurring at any school in BC.
  • Parent’s Guide to Fentanyl – Helpful and informative tips for parents regarding fentanyl and how to prevent its use. The organization is based in the US, but the information is still relevant and important!
  • Protecting Children from Online Drug Dealers – Helpful video about how drug dealers use online avenues to sell to children. The organization is based in the US, but the information is still relevant and important!

Courtesy of Everyday-Reading.com, here’s a handy reading log to keep track of all the books you’ve read! You can print out the picture and write the title of each book on the spines of the books in the picture. Feel free to add colour as you wish!