Living with ALS Support Groups

The groups provide an open, friendly and safe environment for ALS patients, family members, friends and caregivers to discuss issues related to living with ALS.

ALS BC trained volunteers facilitate the groups, and they are a major point of contact between the Society and the ALS community.

We recognize support groups aren’t for everyone, but we also know that not too many people know exactly how fun support groups can be. We laugh and learn so much that it is hard to imagine why some people choose to “go it alone.” Just know we’re here when you need us.

Thank you to the Province of British Columbia for sponsoring the Support Group Program of the ALS Society of BC through a BC Gaming Grant.

Kamloops Meetings
When: Meetings Third Friday of the month (except in February, the meeting is in-person only on the last Friday of the month)
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM
Hybrid Location: ZOOM & North Shore Community Centre, #452 – 730 Cottonwood Ave #452, Kamloops, BC V2B 8M6
Facilitator: Pat Tomlinson
Phone: 250-319-4516
Email: [email protected] 

North Central Island & Northern Region Meetings
When: Meetings First Wednesday of the month
Time: 1:30 – 3:30PM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Shirley Theriault
Email: [email protected]

Okanagan Meetings
When: Meetings Last Friday of the month (except July, Aug, Dec)
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Hybrid Location: ZOOM & Trinity Baptist Church, 1905 Springfield Road (corner of Spall and Springfield)
Facilitator: Louise Adderley, [email protected]
Facilitator: Louise Gauthier, [email protected]

Vancouver & Lower Mainland Meetings
When: Meetings Last Wednesday of the month (except December)
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 PM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Annie Wei
Email: [email protected]

Victoria Meetings
When: Meetings Third Sunday of the month (except last Sunday of February and May; and Second Sunday of June and December)
Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: ZOOM & To Be Announced
Facilitator: Ellen Mahoney
Phone: 250-920-9502

Virtual CAREGIVERS Meetings
When: Meetings Third Thursday of the month
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 PM
Location: ZOOM
Contact [email protected] to register
Facilitator: Louise Adderley
Email: [email protected]

Virtual PLS Support Group Meetings
When: Meetings Third Wednesday of the month 
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Alexandra Guerrero
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-278-2257 ext. 226

For more information on how to participate or start a support group in your area (training is provided). To find out more details about dates and locations of upcoming events, please contact: Phone: 604.278.2257 ext. 226 or send email [email protected]

Demographics

Our goal is to establish a minimum of 8 support group sites throughout British Columbia. Since the pandemic, the support groups are now a combination of in-person and virtual formats. Last year, in 2022, the ALS Society of BC hosted 96 support group meetings, and we logged 790 phone calls throughout the year.

Quick Stats

  • Support Group Meetings

    • 96

      2022

    • 98

      2021

    • 85

      2020