Support Groups
Sections: ALS Monthly Meetings | PLS Monthly Meeting | Caregivers Monthly Meeting | Loss, Grief, and Beyond Support Group | Becoming a Support Group Facilitator | Demographics & Quick Stats
The ALS Society of BC provides support groups for patients, caregivers, family members and friends to discuss issues related to living with ALS or PLS. These groups offer an open, friendly, and safe environment for people to share their experiences and challenges. Trained volunteers from ALS BC facilitate the groups and act as the main point of contact between the Society and the ALS, PLS, and Caregivers’ communities.
We understand that support groups aren’t for everyone, and that’s okay. However, we also recognize that these groups can be more than just a source of support – they can offer opportunities to learn, build a community, and create friendships. We understand that reaching out for help can be difficult, but please know we are here to support you. You’re not alone; we’re here to help you whenever you are ready.
ALS Monthly Meetings
The monthly ALS support groups provide an open, friendly, and safe environment for ALS patients, family members, friends, and caregivers to discuss issues related to living with ALS.
Having a diagnosis of ALS affects many areas of your life and people in this situation experience a variety of feelings. The monthly support groups are a safe place to decrease feelings of isolation, and loneliness and an opportunity to express feelings, learn about resources, build relationships, find a positive outlook on things, and talk about the challenges of living with ALS or caring for a loved one with ALS.
We welcome you to try the ALS support group whenever you feel ready. For more information, please contact our Patient Services Manager, Alexandra Guerrero, by phone: 604-278-2257 ext. 226 or email.
Meeting Regions
In-person Greater Vancouver Meetings
When: First Tuesday of the month
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Willingdon Church, 4812 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby, BC VSG 3H6
Facilitator: Mathilde Bijon
Virtual Lower Mainland Meetings
When: Last Wednesday of the month, except no meeting in December
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Hybrid Location: ZOOM
Facilitator:
Annie Wei
Kamloops Meetings
When: Third Friday of each month, and no meetings in December
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Hybrid Location: ZOOM & Oak Room Kamloops Seniors Community Centre (formerly North Shore Community Centre), 730 Cottonwood Avenue
Facilitator: Pat Tomlinson
Phone 250-319-4516
North Central Island & Northern Region Meetings
When: First Wednesday of each month
Time: 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Shirley Theriault
Kelowna & Area Meetings
When: Last Friday of each month, except 3rd Friday of June, and no meetings in July, August and December
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Hybrid Location: ZOOM & Trinity Baptist Church, 1905 Springfield Road
Facilitators:
Louise Adderley
Louise Gauthier
Victoria Meetings
When: Third Sunday of each month, except second Sunday of April (to be confirmed)
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: ZOOM & To Be Announced
Facilitator: Ellen Mahoney
Phone 250-920-9502
PLS Online Monthly Meetings
The monthly meetings for Primary Lateral Sclerosis is a free online community that helps people with PLS and their loved ones share their experiences and build supportive relationships. It is a safe and welcoming place for discussion, support, and the exchange of information about managing PLS.
We welcome you to try the PLS support group whenever you feel ready. For more information, please contact our Patient Services Manager, Alexandra Guerrero. Contact information below.
When: 3rd Wednesday of each month
Time: 1:30 – 3 PM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Alexandra Guerrero
Caregivers Online Monthly Meetings
Has someone in your family been diagnosed with ALS? Are you looking for information on caring for a loved one with ALS?
Whether your family member is in the early stages of ALS or in the later stages, you are welcome to attend this group. Members of the group discuss the practical side of caregiving with lots of information being shared on resources and coping strategies that can help. We also discuss the challenges of caregiving, including the emotional aspect of being a caregiver. The group is a safe and respectful place to bring forward any questions you might have. Caregivers tell us that attending the group helps them feel they are not alone; they appreciate the open sharing of knowledge and experience.
We welcome you to try the Caregivers Group whenever you feel ready. Please contact us by email if you have questions or want more information on whether this group would fit for you.
When: 3rd Thursday of each month
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Pat Tomlinson
Loss, Grief, and Beyond Support Group
Losing a loved one to ALS/PLS is an incredibly difficult journey, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Our monthly online Loss, Grief, and Beyond Support Group provides a safe and compassionate space for individuals who have experienced the loss of someone dear to this devastating disease.
Whenever you are ready, you are welcome to join our group to share your experiences, find solace, and connect with others who understand. You also have the choice to just listen.
When: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: ZOOM
Facilitator: Suzanne St John Smith
Interested in Becoming a Support Group Facilitator?
If you’re interested in participating in or starting a support group in your area, we provide training to help you get started.
Find Out More Details
Ground Rules
Application Form
Demographics
78
meetings in 2023 combination of in-person & virtual
Our goal is to establish at least 8 support group locations across British Columbia. Following the onset of Covid-19, these groups now operate in a hybrid model, offering both in-person and virtual sessions. In 2023, the ALS Society of BC conducted 78 support group meetins and logged 688 phone calls throughout the year.
Quick Stats
Support Group Meetings
78
2023
96
2022
98
2021