Volunteer and Community Services – A vital organization addressing vital needs

The GHCs supports a variety of volunteer and community service initiatives on Galiano. There are a large group of dedicated individuals who volunteer their time to make Galiano a more caring and accessible place to live. Our programs focus on seniors health, mental health and wellness, chronic disease management, palliative & grieving support and services to help people stay engaged in life. We also have a Volunteer Services Committee of the Board that looks at upcoming needs in the community and how we might partner to have these addressed.

Seniors Walk & Talk is now “Chatterbox”!

Every Tuesday morning starting July 11, 2023 (rain or shine) local seniors meet at the Lion’s Field to walk around the paved track (1/4 mile loop). The walk is appropriate for people of all abilities. The walk is followed by tea, coffee and baked goodies to share while engaging in great conversation with friends. Everyone is welcome to attend including seniors, caregivers and those young at heart. Volunteers assist with driving, catering, and companionship.

Aging in Place is now Community Wellness

Community Wellness aims to link seniors with a variety of activities. To do this, Aging in Place partners with other organizations. Programs such as the Tech Café with the Galiano Library is an example. We operate the Volunteer Driver program, helping people get to appointments both on and off island. Community Wellness also works with the health professionals at the GHCS to provide educational programs such as Advance Care Planning and other health related topics of interest.

Volunteer opportunities are also coordinated by the Aging in Place staff include volunteer visitors, drivers, resource navigators and more. For information on these opportunities, call the Community Wellness office at 250-539-0970 or email communitywellnessgaliano@gmail.com

Better at Home

Visit our Better At Home page for further information about this pilot project that is making a difference for seniors on Galiano who need some assistance with chores in order to remain living in their own home.

Mental Health and Substance Use

The goal of the mental health and wellness program is to improve and maintain the mental health and wellness of the Galiano community, through advocacy and outreach, program development, fundraising for needed services, and maintaining accurate statistics of need.

Contact: Susan van Asselt, Mental Health Clinician – 250-539-0034 or susn.vanasselt@viha.ca

Transitions in Dying & Grieving

Transitions

Transitions in Dying and Grieving is a team based volunteer program that brings services related to dying, death, and bereavement into the homes of those seeking support at profound and often challenging moments within the life cycle. Confidentiality is our core commitment.

We also offer grief counselling to individuals and small groups who have lost loved ones recently or long ago. Our community services include assistance in planning and leading memorial services as well as crisis counselling for those touched by sudden deaths. Books concerning dying, death, grief or loss are available at the Galiano Library. A public forum regarding information about practical, emotional, or spiritual aspects of dying or grieving is offered to the community annually.

Our services are offered in association with The Galiano Health Care Society. Referrals come from the Galiano Health Care Centre and private individuals. Our brochure is available at the Galiano Health Care Centre.

For more information, contact Linde Zingaro at 250 539 9800 or email us at transitionsgaliano@gmail.com