Winter/Spring 2022

Please contact your Recovery Coach or the Program Director regarding Interest, registration Info or other questions 

Due to Covid-19 regulations and safety protocols our “Support Groups” are often changing. 

Current Groups

Peer-led Open Art

When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 – 3:30 pm

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Art Rom (please register with Peer Supporters)

Group Description:

Any skill level is welcome to attend this open art group. It is supported by trained artists, people with lived experience, and peer facilitators. All art supplies are provided. This group provides a safe and supportive space for anyone 19+ who identifies as having lived experience with mental illness to come together and create!

Feet First

When: Fridays, 10 -11 AM commencing July 22 for 5 sessions and ending August 19th

Group size: 10 participants.

Setting/location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group description:

Take your body, & the mind will follow. Research says that physical activity activity has huge potential to enhance wellbeing – from improved mood, energy and self-esteem, to reduced anxiety. Join us for a fast- paced walk on & around the Galloping Goose Trail in Vic West, incorporating distance, hills and stairs. The level of activity will be moderate.

CBT For Depression

When: Mondays, 1:30-3:00 PM commencing July 4th for 8 sessions ending August 29th, no session on August 1st

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Room 118 (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

The Changeways Clinic Core Program is an evidence-based 8-week workshop to learn Cognitive Behavioral Therapy skills. The program provides illness education, thinking strategies, & lifestyle management skills for people who experience depression. Anxiety management skills will also be touched on.

Summer Talk and Step

When: Fridays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm commencing July 8th for 8 sessions ending August 26th

Group Size: 10 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, off site meeting at 125 Skinner Street parking lot.

Group Description:

Join us for a leisurely walk and talk around the Vic West Area. This group will aim to provide exercise and social connection. The level of activity will be light.

Brain Workout: Social Cognition Module

When: Wednesday, 1:00-3:00 pm, commencing July 27th for 4 sessions and ending August 17th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Room 117 (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

Do you like playing computer games? Do you sometimes have trouble remembering, organizing, or socializing? With a combination of computer games, role playing activities, and strategy discussions, we will target thinking skills in separate 4-week modules. Sign up for 1 or more!

Modules being offered: 1. Memory; 2. Organization & Planning; 3. Speed & Attention; 4. Social Skills.

Future Groups

Adult Upgrading Camosun College

When: Mondays, 9:00 – 12:00 pm and Wednesdays, 9:00 – 11:00 am ending on April 20th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, upstairs in the Bridge Centre.

Group Description:

You can upgrade your Math and/or English in a safe supportive environment. An instructor from Camosun College comes to Grow to teach adult upgrading courses, grade 8 to 12 English and Math.

Perhaps you are wanting to finish your high school diploma or improve your Math and English skills before starting a program at college.  Or perhaps you would like to improve your general literacy skills just for the enjoyment of learning. Whatever your goals, adult upgrading is a good option.

  • Upgrading courses are tuition free
  • Upgrading is for all ages; if you’ve been out of school for 10-20 years, upgrading is a good choice
  • Not sure where to start?  You can take an assessment to determine your starting course
  • If you have a learning disability, the instructor will ensure you achieve your learning goals
  • A friendly, caring learning experience is provided
  • The instructor is committed to your success by offering customized upgrading to meet your individual needs
  • Courses are in a self-paced format, allowing you to study at your own pace

Upon completion of an upgrading course, you may decide to continue with upgrading or apply to a college program.

Peer-led Book Club

When: Thursdays, 11am – 12pm commencing September 8th and ending October 20th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Room 117

Group Description:

A safe and non-judgmental space to practice sharing and interacting with others on various topics that relate to the book. Clients should have the ability to read approximately 60-75 pages a week. The practice of connecting in a group can build confidence and trust in ourselves and others, as well as broaden our own interests and appreciate the different points of view of others. In addition, the practice of reading can also help to reduce stress, increase creativity, memory, sleep and a host of other benefits! The book this time is: The seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Rain and Shine: Talk & Step

When: Fridays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm commencing September 9th and ending December 9th

Group size:

Setting/Location: In- person, 125 Skinner street

Group Description:

Join us for a leisurely walk and talk around the Vic West Area, with a stop at a local café. This group will aim to provide exercise and social connection. The level of activity will be light. Note that this will be a Rain and Shine edition, meaning we will be walking in various types of fall weather!

Everyday Eating

When: Tuesdays, 11:00 – 1:00 PM commencing November 16th and ending December 7th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In Person, Meet at 125 Skinner street (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

Practice for prep and pricing out healthy eating on a budget, to save time and money. Come together with others to work on not overthinking food.

Community Yoga with Nyk

When: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:30 PM, commencing September 20th and ending December 13th

Group Size: 10 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave, Victoria, BC V8V 3G8.

Group Description:

This community yoga class, taking place at Christ Church Cathedral, will replicate a community experience with the support of Grow staff. Nyk Danu, Therapeutic Yoga teacher, will teach Yin Yang yoga – a grounding and centering practice with basic movements to gently warm the body and increase circulation. If you are hoping to develop a new self-care practice, this yoga class could be a great first step. Never tried yoga? This is a great opportunity! All skill levels are welcome!

Managing Big Emotions: DBT Skills

When: Wednesdays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm commencing September 7th and ending November 23rd

Group Size:

Setting/location: In Person, Meet at 125 Skinner street (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

DBT Skills is a 10 week course which teaches people to accept their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and the techniques to change them. Not only are personal skills taught in DBT, but skills for interpersonal relationships are also emphasized. DBT is based on CBT, but it focuses more on the emotional and social aspects of living.

Rotating Zoom Group: Music Appreciation/Ted Talkers/Art Appreciation

When: Fridays, 11:00 – 12:00 pm commencing September 2nd and ending December 2nd

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: Via Zoom

Group Description:

Build confidence & connections in this weekly morning meet-up group. We will share our thoughts on a different theme each week, & discuss our thoughts & feelings on topics that inspire, uplift, & resonate.
The 4-session blocks will be:
1. Music Appreciation (Sept 2 – 23)

2. Ted Talks (Oct 7 – 28)

3. Art Appreciation (Nov 4 – Dec 2)

Brain Workout: Speed and Attention

When: Tuesdays, 10:00 – 12:00 pm, commencing October 4th and ending October 25th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Room 117 (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

Do you like playing computer games? Do you sometimes have trouble remembering, organizing, or socializing? With a combination of computer games, role playing activities, and strategy discussions, we will target thinking skills in separate 4-week modules. Sign up for 1 or more!

Modules being offered: 1. Memory; 2. Organization & Planning; 3. Speed & Attention; 4. Social Skills.

Brain Workout: Memory

When: Tuesdays, 10:00-12:00 pm, commencing November 15th and ending December 6th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Room 117 (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

Do you like playing computer games? Do you sometimes have trouble remembering, organizing, or socializing? With a combination of computer games, role playing activities, and strategy discussions, we will target thinking skills in separate 4-week modules. Sign up for 1 or more!

Modules being offered: 1. Memory; 2. Organization & Planning; 3. Speed & Attention; 4. Social Skills.

BBQ Social

When: Fridays, 12:00-1:00 pm

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

Join us for a BBQ and socialization group!

Young Adult Group

When: Wednesdays, 11:00-1:00 pm, commencing October 5th and ending October 26th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner Street, Room 117 (please register with your Recovery Coach).

Group Description:

Being under 30 during Covid has been rough on a good day. Come and stretch your leaving-the-house-and-trying new things muscles in this four week variety group, featuring but not limited to Galey Farms Haunted House!

Mindful Movement

When: Thursdays, 1:00 – 2:00 pm, commencing October 6th and ending November 24th

Group Size: 8 participants.

Setting/Location: In-person, 125 Skinner street, Room 118 (please register with your recovery coach)

Group Description:

In this course, we will explore a blend of mindfulness concepts and gentle, low-impact movement in the peaceful studio of Fernwood’s Shambhala Centre (1-2033 Belmont Ave.). Become familiar with practicing a mode of self-care that incorporates both mental and physical well-being. An effective way to lower stress, release stagnant energy, and strengthen our mind-body connection. No experience required, and all bodies/abilities/mobility levels welcome. Recommended: comfortable clothing that allows you to sit, stand, and move through gentle movements as able. Please bring a yoga mat if you have it, otherwise we can provide one.