Yakimovich Programs and Sessions

Sessions offered in the Yakimovich Wellness Centre are virtual or in-person and free.

We hope these sessions:

  • Help you better navigate your health and aging journey;
  • Increase your knowledge, skills and access to resources in your community and within the health care system; 
  • Provide a variety of topics to help you Be Well, Be Secure, Be Connected, and Be Enriched

To register for any of these session, click "register for this session" and follow the steps required.

If you require any assistance with registration, please contact Liz McCarter at Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca.


Upcoming Sessions

June 2024 Sessions

Title: Getting Resilient to Heat and Smoke
Dates: Thursday, June 27 
Time: 1:30 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Presenters: Matt McLean is a Community Health Promoter with Island Health. Matt is committed to building healthy, vibrant communities through education, advocacy, and collaboration with local organizations and residents. Matt studied community development and has served as an executive director for several organizations and was an elected councillor in Sechelt BC. Alexandra Zajchowski is a Specialist with Health Emergency Management BC and supports the Population and Public Health portfolio at Island Health, with special interest in climate resilience. Alex studied biology and psychology and worked for many years as a clinician in the areas of mental health and substance use, and community inclusion.
Session Description: Learn some simple ways to protect yourself at home from heat and smoke and know when to make alternate arrangements to stay with a heat buddy if your home becomes too hot. Let’s get resilient to heat and smoke!

Register for this session

July 2024 Sessions

Title: Social Media and Computer/Device Security
Dates: Friday, July 12
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Presenter: Dave Bassett, a teacher of technology to many adults in Victoria
Session Description: Social Media and security – what does it all mean and what do I need to know

  • Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, Twitter (X), Skype, WhatsApp
  • Security issues for different apps/programs and devices
  • Scam reviews

Please note if you are attending online – you can ask questions but you cannot ask something about your personal device or issue. 

Register for this session

Title: The Mystery of the Aging Gut Microbiome 
Dates: Thursday, July 18
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Dr. Ed Ishiguro, Ed Ishiguro is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at University of Victoria (UVic).
Session Description: Years ago, dramatic changes in the compositions of the gut microbiota of seniors were reported. Possible causes and consequences will be discussed.

Register for this session

Title: iPads and iPhones
Dates: Friday, July 26
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Presenter: Dave Bassett, a teacher of technology to many adults in Victoria
Session Description: Bought an iPad and do not know how to use it? Or thinking of getting or giving one and want to know what the craze is all about?

Demonstrate, transferring songs to your iPad from Internet or CD, sync with your Mac or PC, playback options, transferring podcasts to your iPad, basic operation.

Register for this session

August 2024 Sessions

Title: Getting to Know Dementia
Dates: Wednesday, August 14
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Alzheimer’s Society of BC – Victoria Resource Centre
Session Description: This introductory session reviews basic information about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and the impact of receiving a diagnosis. Participants will learn about the different types of support available throughout the dementia journey, and how to begin planning for the future. People with a diagnosis of dementia, care partners and family members are all invited to attend.

Register for this session

Title: Androids
Dates: Friday, August 16
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Presenter: Dave Bassett, a teacher of technology to many adults in Victoria
Session Description: Any questions to do with your tablet (e.g. Samsung) or smart phone (e.g. LG, Samsung) are discussed.

Register for this session

Title: Computer and Printer Choices
Dates: Friday, August 23
Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Presenter: Dave Bassett, a teacher of technology to many adults in Victoria
Session Description: This session will include:

  • Uploading and downloading
  • Apps: how do you know they are safe and how much space they take up on computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones
  • What do I need - desktop, tablet, laptop, smartphone computers
  • Learning about printers – what do you want your printer for​​​​​​

Register for this session

Title: Pen to Paper: Renewal of life through a private, written narrative from your heart
Dates: Friday, August 23
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Bill Israel, Certified Facilitator, the Intensive Journal ® writing method since 2016 with coordinating and facilitating programs around Greater Victoria such as, Family Caregivers of BC, The Umbrella Society and The New Roads Therapeutic Recover Community (Our Place Society)
Session Description: Everyone is welcome to attend this introductory session about the Intensive Journal Program, developed by world renowned, Dr. Ira Progoff PhD (1927-1998) in collaboration with Dr. Carl Jung.  You will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the background of the Intensive Journal program
  •  Practice some writing using prompts from the Intensive Journal program –  (you do not need to be a writer to participate in this experiential workshop)
  • Ask questions

Register for this session

Title: Introduction to the Victoria Native Friendship Centre: Deepening our knowledge of Reconciliation
Dates: Tuesday, August 27
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Presenter:  Michele Nault Mortimer is a Métis woman originally from Saskatchewan. She has lived and worked on Lekwungen Territory of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nation for many years. Michele holds a degree from the University of Regina in Adult Education and Training and as a trained counsellor is a Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association. Michele has been a presenter and facilitator on Indigenous wellness and Cultural Safety. Michele has dedicated her career to working with Indigenous organizations and supporting Indigenous world view.
Session Description: The presentation by the Victoria Native Friendship Centre will share an overview of the Friendship Centre movement, Urban Indigenous supports and programming.  The participants will have an opportunity to learn about training and education events that can help deepen their knowledge of Indigenous World views and support their steps in Reconciliation. The presentation will also include time for questions.

Register for this session

September 2024 Sessions

Title: Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
Dates: Thursdays, September 19 – October 24 (six consecutive weeks)
Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (in-person only)
Presenter: Peers trained through Self-Management BC
Session Description: This program is for anyone living with chronic pain or ongoing pain that would like to learn strategies, skills and tools to increase their knowledge and confidence to live with chronic pain. In this six week program you will learn:

  • To understand and manage symptoms
  • Deal with stress and difficult emotions 
  • Learn to safely maintain physical activity and improve flexibility
  • Communicate effectively with your health care team

Registration is required through Self-Management BC by either calling: 1-866-902-3767 or online.

Title: Pen to Paper: Renewal of life through a private, written narrative from your heart
Dates: Friday, September 13th
Time: 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. (in-person only)
Presenter: Bill Israel, Certified Facilitator, the Intensive Journal ® writing method since 2016 with coordinating and facilitating programs around Greater Victoria such as, Family Caregivers of BC, The Umbrella Society and The New Roads Therapeutic Recover Community (Our Place Society)
Session Description: Everyone is welcome to attend this introductory session about the Intensive Journal Program, developed by world renowned, Dr. Ira Progoff PhD (1927-1998) in collaboration with Dr. Carl Jung.  You will have the opportunity to:

  • Learn about the background of the Intensive Journal program
  •  Practice some writing using prompts from the Intensive Journal program –  (you do not need to be a writer to participate in this experiential workshop)
  • Ask questions

Register for this session

General Information on Yakimovich Programs and Sessions

Referral Required?
Not required
Contact Us

If you require any assistance with creating an account or registering, contact Liz McCarter, Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca.

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