Okanagan Support groups, & BC

WANTED: People with Crohn’s or Colitis for Research Study
Tell us how IBD has changed how you view yourself in this University-based online study. Visit us at www.uwindsor.ca/IBDstudy

Arthritis & Well-being Research Study
Has Arthritis has changed how you view yourself and your life? Tell us how in this University-based online survey. www.uwindsor.ca/Arthritis_study

Not a drug company research - University-based Studies

Sahaj Marg Meditation
a system of Raja Yoga, is a heart centered practice which is offered free of charge. Easily integrated into daily life it leads to a calmer, more balanced mind. “First you have to learn to love yourself. That is why perhaps we meditate on our own heart. We learn to love what we find inside.” Article - More about Sahaj Marg and Meditation To find out more about the practice of Sahaj Marg, please visit www.srcm.org or www.sahajmarg.org. Contacts in the Okanagan: Oliver: Tom McLaughlin 250-498-2310, Penticton: Leslie Westgate 250-492-4458, Nelson: Eleanor 250 352 3366.
In Western Canada: Christine Prisland 604-888-6941 In Eastern Canada: Kim Hansen 416-590-9454.

Weekly Meditation & Discussion With Norma Cowie
Every Wednesday - 7.30 – 9.15pm in Penticton. By Donation. [see upcoming workshops]
Facilitator: Norma Cowie - Norma is a spontaneous, fun-loving person who believes that life is here to be lived to the fullest. She enjoys teaching what she has learned through her years of being a student on the “journey of life”. She is a well-known radio and T.V. personality and her books have been well received by people who want to learn the many different techniques she has personally learned and adapted to support their spiritual, metaphysical journey. Phone. 250 490 0654 or norma@normacowie.com for more details Web Site: www.normacowie.com

Sadhana Inspirations
South Okanagan Yoga Association presents: FREE Asana and Satsang!
Satsangs will be the first Saturday of every month in October, November and December and SOYA will hold them at Reflexions Yoga Studio, 645 Wade Avenue West, Penticton. 9am One hour of beautiful stretches and 10am One hour of chanting and meditation. Bring a blanket for meditation and savasana. Call Carla at 493-0054 for more information.

Kelowna Meditation Centre - Free meditation classes, meditation philosophy, vegetarian cooking info, hatha yoga & retreats. 250-765-4406 kelownameditation@hotmail.com

Women's Cancer Support Group - This new group of 4-14 women meet monthly to provide support related to the experience of going through treatments, assisting families, physical support to get where you need to go, accompaniment if needed during treatments, sound experienced and professional resource around your emotional path, and laughter. We all need support medically, loved ones, comfort, and experience. We bring into speakers regularly. We meet every 3rd Monday every month at Penticton Health Unit at 550 Carmi Ave, Penticton. Hosted by Joan Moffet. She is a physical therapist (40 years) with a masters degree in education, and a fully certified Healing Touch practitioner over 15 years. Please phone us for the time for 6 or 7 pm. Joan 250 492-6743 or Jennifer 250 770-0205

BC Bereavement Helpline. A BC province wide accessable phone line for grieving individuals providing immediate telephone support and referral to community based grief support that best suits their needs. Also providing a network of support and information for caregivers as well as the bereaved. The service is free, anonymous, and confidential. Since its establishment in 1988, the Helpline has assisted well over 26,000 callers with compassionate care and referral to its members. The BCBH also provides grief support information upon request. www.bcbereavementhelpline.com

BC NurseLine. British Columbians have 24-hour, toll-free access to registered nurses specially trained to provide confidential health information and advice on the telephone. BC NurseLine. Within Greater Vancouver, call (604) 215-4700 Toll-free elsewhere within B.C., call 1-866-215-4700
Deaf and hearing-impaired toll-free throughout B.C., call 1-866-889-4700

Eating Disorders Anonymous Women Twelve Steps
Our primary purpose is to recover from our eating disorders and to carry this message of recovery to others with eating disorders. In EDA, we try to focus on the solution, not the problem. Solutions have to do with recognizing life choices and making them responsibly. Diets and weight management techniques do not solve our thinking problems. EDA endorses sound nutrition and discourages any form of rigidity around food. * Balance- not abstinence - is our goal. * Contact Judy Holden in Penticton at 1-250-493-4774 , Email
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/EatingDisordersAnonymousWomenTwelveSteps/

Is your eating out of control? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is a Twelve Step program for anyone suffering from food addiction, overeating, bulimia, under-eating or food obsession. If you have trouble controlling the way you eat, are obsessed with weight/dieting, are underweight/overweight, bulimic/anorexic and need help, please feel free to email. No dues, fees, or weigh-ins. For more information call Glenna at 1-250-513-1131, or email whisper_fa@hotmail.com or visit www.foodaddicts.org Strictly confidential.

Sunny Okangan FM-ME Association (SOFA) - fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome monthly meeting - 1st tuesday of every month from 10AM -12 Noon at the Rec & Wellness Centre, Boardroom, 439 Winnipeg Street. Contact: Sheryl Ann Wilson, Founder & President Phone: 250-493-2002 Email: sofa_fm_meok@hotmail.com Fibromyalgia National Awareness Day is May 12

Problem Gambling Help Line BC Toll Free: 1 888 795-6111 Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week Deaf and hard of hearing callers: TTY 604 875-0885 (collect calls accepted) or Text 604 836-6381

Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service 604 660-9382 or BC Toll Free: 1-800-663-1441 Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week. Deaf and hard of hearing callers: TTY 604 875-0885 (collect calls accepted) or Text 604 836-6381

VictimLINK BC Toll Free: 1 800 563-0808 Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week For deaf or hard of hearing callers: TTY 604 875-0885 (collect calls accepted) or Text 604 836-6381. VictimLINK is also available to Yukon residents. VictimLINK is a province-wide telephone help line for victims of family and sexual violence, and all other crimes.

Youth Against Violence Line BC Toll Free: 1 800 680-4264 Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week. Deaf and hard of hearing callers: TTY 604 875-0885 (collect calls accepted) or Text 604 836-6381. The Youth Against Violence Line is a 24 hour, province-wide help line that offers young people one-on-one support and information to help them deal with issues of youth violence or crime. It is a safe and anonymous way for them to report - or prevent - violent incidents and criminal activity, or get assistance with other problems such as bullying, gangs, harassment, intimidation, or sexual exploitation. They can talk anonymously - and in their own language - to a trained support person.

Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division Has a wide variety of info and resources including fact sheets on mental health and addictions issues. Have several branches in the lower mainland. Run the BC Mental Health Information Line 1-800-661-2121 or 604-669-7600 a province-wide, toll-free, semi-automated information and referral service with automated scripts and resource lists during business hours, you can also get more help from a volunteer.

Alzheimers - Support group for care-givers & family members of those with Alzheimers or related dementias at Oliver Senior`s centre 1pm call Laurie ar 1 888- 318 1122

BC Schizophrenia Society - Penticton Branch, 221 Martin St., Penticton, BC V2A 5K2, Canada. Meetings every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month beginning at 7pm. Call Dee at 1 250-494-7511 for more info.

The Celiac Support Group meets every second month on the third Friday at the Penticton Health Centre main floor meeting room, 740 Carmi Avenue. Family members are welcome to attend. Contact volunteer Les Erucker 493-6381
Also See OKinHealth's Special CELIAC page

Good Grief - Support Group 7pm United Church, Penticton. call 492 4588 for more info

MS Coffee Time group meets every Tuesday at 2:30pm at the Cherry Lane Shopping Mall Food Court in Penticton and

MS Oliver/Osoyoos Peer Support Group meets the second Thursday at 10:00 am of every month in the Red Cross Building in Oliver. For more information people can contact the office on Tues, Wed Thurs, from 9-2:30. (250) 493-6564 e-mail info.penticton@mssociety.ca

Mental Illness Family Support Group Every second Thursday at 7pm. 221 Martin St., Penticton. E-mail: bcsspenticton@shaw.ca or (250) 493-7338

SOWINS - South Okanagan Women in Need Society. We are a registered non profit society. Our mandate is to provide services for abused women and their children. What we do: - Offer support and counselling for women and their children. - Operate a twenty-four hour crisis line for those needing information on abuse. - Assist families to start over again by giving them clothing, food and household items through WINGS. - Advocate with local, regional and provincial services on behalf of our clients. - Inform clients of their rights and responsibilities in relationship breakdown. - Refer those needing additional assistance to other community or provincial agencies. Our Transition house provides shelter for up to 14 abused women and children. - Our Outreach program offers help to women not needing the residential portion of our program. - Our Children's program offers counselling and "fun" for kids from abusive homes. - Our Family Support program assists abused women and their kids through parenting skills, community information and support. - Our Children Who Witness Abuse groups assist children to develop safety plans and skills. - Our Silent and Invisible program offers abused women who are over 50 with special services. - Our second hand store, WINGS, offers clients free clothing and household goods. The store supports our other services financially by selling to the public. Tel: (250) 493-4366 ~ Fax: (250) 493-3158 ~ sowins@telus.net ~ #218-246 Martin Street ~Penticton, BC, V2A 5K3

South OKanagan Breast Cancer Support Group meets every 3rd Monday of the monday at 7pm, at Penticton Health Center. ( No meetings in July & August). Call 490 9681 for more info

Sunny Okangan FM-ME Association (SOFA) - fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue syndrome monthly meeting - 1st tuesday of every month from 10AM -12 Noon at the Rec & Wellness Centre, Boardroom, 439 Winnipeg Street. Contact: Sheryl Ann Wilson, Founder & President Phone: 250-493-2002 Email: sofa_fm_meok@hotmail.com

Synergy Breakfast for Women meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Synergy Breakfast offers the opportunity for ladies in Kelowna to meet others. We share positive ideas and experiences, we build relationships and friendships, we make business connections and we share and support each other. Please attend Synergy Breakfast to open your opportunities! Contact: Lisa Jaffary (250) 861-5166 or lisa@pointswest.ca

The Wise Women's Circle meets weekly and is a support group for women who are 50 years and older and who have been, or might still be, in an abusive relationship. At the South Okanagan Women in Need Society, we define abuse as emotional, psychological, sexual, neglect, financial and physical. For most women who have been abused, physical abuse is usually a small part of an abusive relationship. We also know that abuse can come from people other than intimate relationships, including adult children and caregivers. To learn more about this Penticton-based weekly support group, call Brigid Kemp, the Older Women's Liaison at 493-4366. e-mail owl@sowins.com

Walking in Penticton
Yahoo Group Online group for walkers in Penticton and local area to find a walking buddy. If you are looking for a walking partner or would like to find a few people to walk with regularly this group is for you. It's not always easy to motivate yourself and go out for a walk but if you have made a commitment with someone else you're more inclined to follow through. This group would also offer an opportunity to meet new people. Let's provide each other support and motivation. All fitness levels welcome. Come on Penticton, LET'S GET WALKING! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/walkinginpenticton/ or call Lorrie at 493-4843 stlucia@shaw.ca

Diabetes Adult Support Group; held the 4th Wednesday evening of every month except July, August, December and January; 7:00pm at the Seniors Centre on Water Street in Kelowna. For more information call Ed at 860-7099 or e-mail glenna.armstrong@diabetes.ca website www.diabetes.ca

Healing Touch Local Meeting Tuesdays 7pm. Rehab. rm.125 Kelowna General Hospital. Sharing of an advanced technique will be spotlighted at this gathering.

Seniors Computer Classes Only six students per class with two instructors. Register in person at the water street senior centre or call Marie at 762 4108

Canadian Celiac Assoc. Kelowna meetings are held the second Sunday of Sept, Nov, Feb, April & June at the Health Unit, Ellis St., Kelowna at 1:00pm. Call Susan 769-7163. Pot Luck Lunch will be Sun Feb 8, 12:30
Please bring a gluten free dish. Call Katrina, 546-3298
See OKinHealth's OKanagan & BC Celiac Support Page

Kelowna Caregivers Support Group meetings are as follows: South Okanagan Health Unit, 1340 Ellis St. Tues. & Thurs. 9:30-11:30am. Alternate Fridays for Caregivers with a family member in a Care Facility. Meeting - 1:00-3:00pm. Windsor Manor, Terrai Crt. 9:30-11:00am. Westside Care Centre, Old Okanagan Hwy Tues.-9:30-11:30am.

Rutland Caregivers Support Group meetings are held every Thursday, 9:30-11:30am at the Rutland Health Unit 155 Gray Rd. (Clinic Room) For information call Shelley 491-3734.

Okanagan Visually Impaired Society meets the last Monday of each month at the CNIB office at 247 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna.

Kelowna Stroke Recovery Club meets every Thursday at St. Aidans Anglican Church 10:30am to 2:30pm. Call Eva at 763-0556.

Canadian Cancer Society:
Breast Cancer Support Group meets the 3rd Wed. of the month at 7:30pm, at the Cancer Lodge next to the Cancer Clinic. A group meeting is held the 4th Tues. of the month from 1:00 - 3:00pm for those dealing with a recurrence of, or ongoing cancer.

The Kelowna Prostate Cancer support & awareness group meets the second Saturday of the month, 9:00am at the Kelowna Health Unit, 1340 Ellis St. For information contact Bren Witt at 762-3168.

Note: The following programs are on-going and available to cancer patients upon request. All programs are sponsored by the Canadian Cancer Society, 539 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna.

---Breast Cancer Visitor Program This is a ‘one on one’ visit from a trained and caring volunteer who has experienced the concerns of having breast cancer herself. Call the Society at 762-6381 for a referral.

---Cancer Emergency Aid Program
To ensure that no cancer patient misses treatment for financial reasons. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Phone 762-6381.

The Arthritis Society loans videos, books & cassettes. 201-1815 Kirschner Rd. Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7; 868-8643. Meetings held at Senior Centre, 1360 Water Street, 4th Monday of month at 7:00pm.

Lupus Support Group for individuals with lupus and their families - will meet monthly, 1st Wednesday at the Water Street Seniors Centre starting in September. There are no meetings in July or August. Contact Abe Hamm 868-9627 or Debra Camilleri 764-1234.

The Kelowna & Dist. Genealogical Society hold their meetings the first Monday of the month, in the Oak Rm, Hawthorn Park, 867 KLO at 7:00pm. Doors open at 6:30pm. Call Marie 763-7159 or our website www.rootsweb.com/~bckdgs/index.html

The BC Old Time Fiddlers will hold a dance Friday, May 27th at the Rutland Seniors Centre from 7:30pm - 10:30pm. For more information call 763-4406. Everyone welcome. Lunch free.

The Kelowna Newcomers Club holds meeting with guest speakers the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm at the Water Street Centre, 1360 Water St. For info call Brian Galton 768-4687.

Post Polio Support Group will meet on the first Saturday of the month (not July, Aug, Dec, Jan), 2:00pm at the Parkinson Recreation Centre, Kelowna. For further information call Jeanette 768-5659 or John 878-5082.

The Al-Anon Family Program is for persons who are confused, angry, sick at heart or just plain interested because a loved one or a friend drinks too much or too often, and you don't know what you can do about it. An Al-Anon Family Group meets every Friday night at 7:30pm. in the basement of the Westbank United Church, 3672 Brown Rd. Westbank.

The Kelowna & District Safety Council holds Senior Driver Refresher courses the second Saturday of each month. Learn to build a safety cushion around your car. Call 765-3163.

Scandinavian Folkdancers, an evening of fun and folkdancing takes place every Monday, 7:00pm at the Seniors Hall, 1353 Richter St., Kelowna. Beginners of all ages are welcome. For info call 762-6284.

Kelowna Chapter of the Okanagan & Area Eating Disorders Assoc. meets the third Tuesday of each month, 7:00pm at the First United Church, 721 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna.

The Kelowna Respiratory Club holds their monthly meetings every second Tuesday at 2:00pm at the Dorchester, 863 Leon Ave. Kelowna. Anyone with a lung problem is welcome to come & join in, this is a support group for Lung Health. For info call Todd Gale at 979-2157 or Publicity Chairman Walda Reszitnyk at 860-9165.

The Crohn’s Colitis Foundation of Kelowna will meet regularly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at The Dorchester, 863 Leon Ave. (Library 4th floor) Kelowna, 7:00 - 9:00pm. Call Shaun Foster at 979-5549 for information.

Volunteers needed to visit isolated seniors! One or 2 hours a week with a lonely senior in your neighbourhood. Call Seniors’ Outreach Services Society 861-6180 or email seniorsos@silk.net

Neighbourhood Meals for Seniors “Enjoy a nutritious meal served in a warm, friendly atmosphere in your neighbourhood” $4 Meal, $6 Meal & Transportation. For information or reservations call 868-7707.
Kelowna - Tuesday & Thursday 11:45, St. Paul’s United Hall, 3131 Lakeshore Road; Wednesday 4:30pm, First United Hall, Richter & Bernard
Rutland - Monday and Wednesday Noon, Tuesday and Thursday 5:00pm, May Bennett Wellness Centre 135 Davie Road, (corner of Hwy 33 & Davie)
Westbank - Wednesday at Noon, St. George’s Anglican Hall, 3690 Brown Road

The Interior Alzheimer Society runs a social recreation day program for people in the early stages of Alzheimer disease or related dementia. The program is offered Mondays from 9:00-2:00pm, and Thursdays from 9:00am-12:00pm. Caregivers are welcome to participate or use the time for respite. We are looking for volunteers to help clients to participate in exercises, singalongs, outings, reminiscing, and preparing coffee. We also would like to find someone with cooking experience to help prepare a light lunch on Mondays. There are also openings in the program for new clients. For more information, call Joyce at 762-3312.

Your local Health Units are looking for Volunteer drivers to take people to medical appointments and for grocery shopping. A couple of hours per week can make a difference in many senior’s lives. Please call Bev Dahl at 868-7707 for more information.

TOPS #BC825 meets Thursday from 6:15-8:00pm at the Kelowna Health Unit, 1340 Ellis St., Kelowna. For more info call Cathy at 862-2801.

WESTSIDE HEALTH NETWORK is looking for volunteers. Make a difference in your community. Call Sylvia at 768-3305

Gamblers Anonymous If gambling is a problem we are here to help. Call 864-1213. Weekly meetings are Tuesday, 8:30pm, Crossroads Treatment Centre, and Thursday, 7:30pm at 1815 Krischner Road, Kelowna.

Seniors Contact Program Supported by the RCMP, this program contacts the elderly who live alone and who would like a volunteer to call each morning. This is a free call. If you would like to receive this service phone 764-5004.

Seniors Outreach Okanagan North
There is no reason for a senior to be lonely in Vernon. Several social programs are waiting to have new participants, talk time/Wheels to Meals happens every Thursday at 10:00am at Schubert Centre, in the Wellness Clinic. If you are feeling isolated, you are welcome to have one of our Peer Counselors visit you. For those you want to have the excitement of learning the basic computer skills or the Internet. Volunteers are always welcome. (Seniors Outreach Okanagan North is a member agency of United Way.) Call Elsa today at 250-545-3717.

Vernon & District Hospice Society Caregiver Support Group
Caregivers talk about the concerns they have in giving moral and/or physical support to the terminally ill. Meetings are every Wednesday from 10am to 12 noon at the Vernon & District Hospice office. Please phone 558-1322.
If you have time on your hands, give us a hand. We are always in need of Volunteers. We have positions available in Concession, Coffee Shop and in many other areas. A variety of hours are available: 1/2 or 1 day a week, 1/2 or 1 day a month or whatever time you have available. If you are interested, please call Schubert Centre at (250) 549-4201.

Vernon Better Breathing Bunch meet the third Wednesday of the month (except July & August) 1:00pm at the People Place, Vernon - for people with chronic lung diseases. We have speakers and guests are welcome. For info phone Fran 545-0233.

‘Champs’ Canadian Weight Awareness - Champs Club Inc. is a non-profit weight loss support organization which meets weekly. We are open to Sr. men & ladies who share a common concern of managing their weight sensibly. For info call Elaine 832-7671.

Vernon Jubilee Hospital Auxiliary meetings are held the second Monday of each month (September to June) in the Education Rooms in the hospital at 6:30pm. Go to the Gift Shop to be escorted to meeting. For information call 545-4508.

Vernon and District Hospice Society - Grief & Bereavement Support Groups Lunch Group Mon 12-2pm 6 weeks $30, Finding My Way - Wed 7-9pm 10 weeks $50, Chapter 2 - Men’s Cooking Group - Mon 10 - 1 (no charge- just a willingness cook) Walking Group - Thurs 9-11am. Groups will be starting the last week of September . For more information call 503-1800.

KAMLOOPS MEALS ON WHEELS For information on receiving meals or to volunteer to deliver meals call 554-3134 Meals are delivered Tues and Thurs at a cost of $5.50

KAMLOOPS COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAMME Starting March 1, volunteers will help seniors complete their tax returns. - #30-789 Fortune Dr. Kamloops. Tel:554-5458

Nonviolent Communication - facilitated weekly study groups (ongoing) Grand Forks. Contact: Peter and Heather (250) 442-2061 Email: info@shifthappensbc.ca

Men's Drop-in Support Group Contact: Peter and Heather Grand Forks. (250) 442-2061 Email: info@shifthappensbc.ca

Fibromyalgia Well Spring Foundation. We meet in Langley on the first Wednesday of each month. 12:30 - 2 pm @ the Murrayville Library Community Room. Info contact Cheryl @ 604-530-4173. website: www.fibromyalgiawellspringfoundation.org

Richmond Chinese Mental Health Support Group. Richmond Chinese Mental Health Support Group. Minoru Boulevard, Richmond, BC V6X 2A9 (604) 273-1791

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Okanagan and BC Support Groups, Practice Groups, and Meetings

Okanagan and BC
Support Groups, Practice Groups, and Meetings