Thank you to the Campbell River Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grant Program for supporting my project.
The purpose of the workshop was to provide practical information, encouragement, local resources, and an opportunity for caregivers to connect with others who understand the journey of supporting someone living with dementia.
The workshop was guided by a PowerPoint presentation that combined personal caregiving experiences, practical caregiving strategies, interactive discussion, and community resources. My goal was to create an afternoon where caregivers could not only learn practical ideas but also feel heard, supported, and less alone in their caregiving journey.
One of the most encouraging outcomes of the afternoon was the number of participants who approached me afterward to ask whether I would be offering additional workshops. Several expressed that they would definitely attend future sessions and appreciated having a welcoming place where caregivers could learn, ask questions, and connect with others who truly understood what they were experiencing. Their comments reinforced that there is an ongoing need for caregiver education and support within our community.
Overall, this project strengthened our community by bringing caregivers together in a welcoming environment where they could learn, share experiences, support one another, and leave with practical ideas they could begin using immediately. Caregiving can often feel isolating, and one of the greatest successes of the afternoon was watching strangers become a supportive community, sharing experiences, encouraging one another, and realizing they were not alone.
I am sincerely grateful to the Campbell River Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grant Program for making this workshop possible. Because of your support, I was able to offer this workshop free of charge, making it accessible to everyone who wished to attend. Your investment created an opportunity for learning, connection, encouragement, and community that I hope to continue building through future workshops.
