Sessions offered in the Yakimovich Wellness Centre are virtual or in-person and free.
We hope these sessions:
Download this info sheet to learn about and register for upcoming sessions.
If you require any assistance with registration, please contact Liz McCarter at Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca.
All sessions are free; registration is required. You have a choice to attend in-person or via Zoom unless otherwise noted below.
Title: Pen to Paper: Renewal of life through a private, written narrative from your heart
Date: Friday, January 10th, 2025
Time: 1:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Presenter: Bill Israel, 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:
Title: Introduction to Advance Care Planning – 2-part series
Dates: Mondays, January 13th, and 20th, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Presenter: Gabi Townsend, Advance Care Planning volunteer with Island Health. Prior to this, Gabi worked with Alzheimer’s BC – Victoria Resource Centre supporting families impacted by Alzheimer’s/Dementia, which included sensitive conversations about planning for the future. Liz McCarter, Coordinator Yakimovich Wellness Centre, Community Health Services – Community Resource Team, Island Health
Session Description: We plan our birthdays, weddings and even dinner – so why don’t we plan out health care? Advance Care Planning lets you have a say in the health care you will receive if you are unable to speak for yourself.
Everyone is welcome to attend this information session about what is an advance care plan, why it is important, how to get started and resources you can use to learn more about advance care planning. Discussing and documenting your wishes with your loved ones and health care providers mean they will be better able to speak on your behalf when needed.
Title: Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Aging
Date: Friday, January 24th, 2025
Time: 10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Nadine Bartels, interim Public Health Registered Dietitian for the Greater Victoria Area with Island Health, combines her love for food with a passion for empowering others to build a healthy relationship with eating. She is interested in helping support healthy eating across the lifespan and is very fortunate to be able to share her knowledge with a variety of audiences, including youth, young parents, older adults, and other health care professionals. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, crocheting, and playing with her two cats.
Session Description: Join this presentation to learn about the ins and outs of plant-based eating, including:
Title: 55 Plus BC Seniors Games – Nanaimo 2025
Date: Friday, January 24th, 2025
Time: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Presenter: Jennifer Zbinden, 40 years service in managing Recreation Facilities for the Comox Valley Regional District. Jennifer has a great passion for customer service and helping our community stay healthy. I plan to keep moving my passion forward as retirement nears through volunteering initiatives such as holding the Zone 2 Director role (I represent the area from Ladysmith and north to the top of Vancouver Island including Port Alberni & Powell River) for the 55 Plus BC Senior Games.
Session Description: Learn about the 55+ BC Senior Games. The largest annual multi-sport event for the 55+ population of BC. The Games offer an opportunity to volunteer and/or participate in a wide variety of sports and activities. Hosted in Nanaimo 2025!
Participating in sports and competition is for all ages. Being part of a team or sport can bring purpose to one’s day, foster camaraderie, create new friendships, cultivate a sense of belonging, improve health, and offer lots of fun!
Title: Sex and Seniors (in-person only)
Date: Wednesday, January 29th, 2025
Time: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Presenters: Brianna Konkin has been an RN for over 10 years, working in mental health, med/surg, hospice and eventually landing in Primary Care where she has been for the last 3 years. In that time Bri has gotten certifications in Remote Nursing, as well as STI and Contraceptive Management. Bri has enjoyed facilitating group medical visits and cultivating relationships with patients in her primary care role. Dr. Leah Tidey, (she/her) is a certified sexual health educator and received her PhD in Applied Theatre at the University in Victoria in 2020. She utilizes her theatre training to create engaging workshops and online content for people of all ages about sexuality, intimacy, and relationships. Leah is also a sessional instructor at the University of Victoria where she teaches HLTH 251: Healthy Sexuality and HLTH 352: Promoting Healthy Sexualities.
Actors: Phyllis and Penny from Target Theatre
Session Description: Everyone welcome, to attend this interactive, inclusive, and engaging session to learn, share and discuss the following:
Title: Spirituality and Health
Date: Thursday, January 30th, 2025
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Presenter: Darren Colyn is the manager of Island Health’s Spiritual Health program which consists of 10 Spiritual Health Practitioners located at 8 hospitals across the island. For a decade prior to this management role Darren served as the Spiritual Health Practitioner at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Darren is passionate about the vital, caring work that his team provides to patients, families and staff helping them navigate health care and workplace challenges.
Session Description: This presentation will explore:
If you require any assistance with creating an account or registering, contact Liz McCarter, Elizabeth.McCarter@islandhealth.ca.
