Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
@vimhs.bsky.social
VIMHS is a non-profit organization. We provide recovery, housing, and hope to adults experiencing mental health issues.
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
ICYMI
Melanie Doucet, Executive Director of the National Council of Youth in Care Advoactes spoke with the program about the issue of youth aging out of care.
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Melanie Doucet, Executive Director of the National Council of Youth in Care Advoactes spoke with the program about the issue of youth aging out of care.
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 6:21 AM
ICYMI
Melanie Doucet, Executive Director of the National Council of Youth in Care Advoactes spoke with the program about the issue of youth aging out of care.
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Melanie Doucet, Executive Director of the National Council of Youth in Care Advoactes spoke with the program about the issue of youth aging out of care.
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
A new FDA-cleared blood test makes #Alzheimer biomarker screening possible in primary care, but experts say it’s important to understand what such tests can and cannot do.
ja.ma/49PA30c
ja.ma/49PA30c
Using Alzheimer Disease Blood Tests in Primary Care
This Medical News article discusses the use of blood tests for Alzheimer disease biomarkers in primary care.
ja.ma
January 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM
A new FDA-cleared blood test makes #Alzheimer biomarker screening possible in primary care, but experts say it’s important to understand what such tests can and cannot do.
ja.ma/49PA30c
ja.ma/49PA30c
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Fewer B.C. drivers were caught impaired behind the wheel last month compared to the same time in 2024, with Vancouver Island numbers remaining consistent.
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/10/d...
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/10/d...
‘Drive more sober:’ December blitz nets fewer drunk drivers than last year, but still too many
NANAIMO - The number of B.C. drivers caught impaired behind the wheel last month was down overall compared to ...
nanaimonewsnow.com
January 10, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Fewer B.C. drivers were caught impaired behind the wheel last month compared to the same time in 2024, with Vancouver Island numbers remaining consistent.
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/10/d...
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/10/d...
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Heather Cooke of the Alzheimer's Society of B.C. spoke with the program to mark Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/brea...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/brea...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Breaking down conditional approval of drug to treat Alzheimer's
Heather Cooke of the Alzheimer's Society of BC spoke with PFR to mark Alzheimer's Awareness Month
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org
January 11, 2026 at 12:03 AM
Heather Cooke of the Alzheimer's Society of B.C. spoke with the program to mark Alzheimer's Awareness Month.
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/brea...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/brea...
@vimhs.bsky.social
"According to his sister Jacqui Dudeck, [Allan] was living #unhoused in #Nanaimo, but was once an ambitious Nanaimo businessman, who loved adventure and travelled the world." #VancouverIsland #BC cheknews.ca/he-was-dearl...
'He was dearly loved': Victim of Nanaimo assault dies in hospital
The family of a Nanaimo man, who suffered critical injuries in a December assault, say he has now died.
cheknews.ca
January 10, 2026 at 6:39 PM
"According to his sister Jacqui Dudeck, [Allan] was living #unhoused in #Nanaimo, but was once an ambitious Nanaimo businessman, who loved adventure and travelled the world." #VancouverIsland #BC cheknews.ca/he-was-dearl...
"This project is launching in 2026 on the UBC website as an open teaching resource for the entire country. It will include images and recordings of two out of the three Xwémalhkwu stories found in the novel." #CampbellRiver #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada campbellrivermirror.com/2026/01/09/h...
Homalco First Nation member creating second graphic novel - Campbell River Mirror
Tchadas Leo also digitising first novel for use as an open teaching resource
campbellrivermirror.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:34 PM
"This project is launching in 2026 on the UBC website as an open teaching resource for the entire country. It will include images and recordings of two out of the three Xwémalhkwu stories found in the novel." #CampbellRiver #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada campbellrivermirror.com/2026/01/09/h...
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Advocates in Oceanside continue to push for a permanent shelter location for the unhoused over the winter months.
#Parksville #QualicumBeach #Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/09/i...
#Parksville #QualicumBeach #Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/09/i...
‘It’s atrocious out here:’ advocates continue pushing for permanent Oceanside winter shelter
PARKSVILLE - Another winter without an overnight or full-time shelter for the unhoused in Oceanside is well un...
nanaimonewsnow.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:29 AM
Advocates in Oceanside continue to push for a permanent shelter location for the unhoused over the winter months.
#Parksville #QualicumBeach #Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/09/i...
#Parksville #QualicumBeach #Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/09/i...
"The Regional District of #Nanaimo will work on introducing temporary user permits that would allow people to live in recreational vehicles for longer periods of time." #housing #affordablehousing #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada pqbnews.com/2026/01/10/r...
Regional District of Nanaimo looks at temporary use permits for people living in RVs - Parksville Qualicum News
RDN wants to develop housing strategy in 2026 for rural areas
pqbnews.com
January 10, 2026 at 6:17 PM
"The Regional District of #Nanaimo will work on introducing temporary user permits that would allow people to live in recreational vehicles for longer periods of time." #housing #affordablehousing #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada pqbnews.com/2026/01/10/r...
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
The broadcast version of this week's episode is online and can be found here:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/peop...
@vimhs.bsky.social
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/peop...
@vimhs.bsky.social
People First Radio - January 08, 2026
Art and mental health in the Cowichan Valley, Alzheimer's awareness month
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:31 PM
The broadcast version of this week's episode is online and can be found here:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/peop...
@vimhs.bsky.social
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/peop...
@vimhs.bsky.social
"Challenges that come with members of the public facing #homelessness, or issues related to #substanceabuse and #mentalhealth, isn’t a new reality across #Canada [but] #library studies students haven’t necessarily been prepared for what was to come after they graduate." www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Libraries like Red Deer’s changing how they hire and train staff because of homelessness crisis | CBC News
The national homelessness crisis is causing libraries like Red Deer’s to take a new approach to how they operate. That's prompting concerns from some in the sector who worry they’re shifting away from...
www.cbc.ca
January 9, 2026 at 3:17 PM
"Challenges that come with members of the public facing #homelessness, or issues related to #substanceabuse and #mentalhealth, isn’t a new reality across #Canada [but] #library studies students haven’t necessarily been prepared for what was to come after they graduate." www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The Grassroots Giving campaign gathered 3,540 lbs for #BC food banks, with locations including: #Goldstream Food Bank ( #Victoria), #Surrey Food Bank Society (Surrey/Delta), Bread of Life Food Share ( #BlackCreek), and Archway Food Bank ( #Abbotsford) ladysmithchronicle.com/2026/01/08/l...
Lawn care company gives 3,500 lbs of food to B.C. food banks - Ladysmith Chronicle
Archway Food Bank is 1 of 4 places benefiting from Weed Man fundraiser
ladysmithchronicle.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:14 PM
The Grassroots Giving campaign gathered 3,540 lbs for #BC food banks, with locations including: #Goldstream Food Bank ( #Victoria), #Surrey Food Bank Society (Surrey/Delta), Bread of Life Food Share ( #BlackCreek), and Archway Food Bank ( #Abbotsford) ladysmithchronicle.com/2026/01/08/l...
"The initiative encourages people who drink alcohol to step away for the month of January as a way to reflect on their relationship with #alcohol and explore healthier lifestyle choices" #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada #DryJanuary #publichealth @uvic.ca albernivalleynews.com/2026/01/08/i...
Island professor sees Dry January as a springboard to a healthier lifestyle - Port Alberni Valley News
UVic’s online tool KnowAlcohol.ca has been a success with 500,000 users within an year of launching
albernivalleynews.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM
"The initiative encourages people who drink alcohol to step away for the month of January as a way to reflect on their relationship with #alcohol and explore healthier lifestyle choices" #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada #DryJanuary #publichealth @uvic.ca albernivalleynews.com/2026/01/08/i...
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
ICYMI
Improving outcomes for youth aging out of care was the focus of a Senate of Canada's Standing Committee on Human Rights.
People First Radio spoke with some of the witnesses who appeared before the committee.
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Improving outcomes for youth aging out of care was the focus of a Senate of Canada's Standing Committee on Human Rights.
People First Radio spoke with some of the witnesses who appeared before the committee.
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Aging out of care focus of Senate Committee report
'Parents don't just go, 'hey, you're 18 or 19 now, so I've done my job and here's a garbage bag of your belongings out the door you go'
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org
January 8, 2026 at 9:37 PM
ICYMI
Improving outcomes for youth aging out of care was the focus of a Senate of Canada's Standing Committee on Human Rights.
People First Radio spoke with some of the witnesses who appeared before the committee.
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Improving outcomes for youth aging out of care was the focus of a Senate of Canada's Standing Committee on Human Rights.
People First Radio spoke with some of the witnesses who appeared before the committee.
Listen:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
“We are not going back to the old policy of #decriminalized, public #druguse in #BritishColumbia. It didn’t work. And we ended that. So we’re in close conversations with the federal government. I look forward to having more to share soon about that.” #BC #Canada globalnews.ca/news/1160134...
B.C. not returning to ‘decriminalized public drug use,’ premier says | Globalnews.ca
The three-year pilot project removed criminal penalties for the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs, which was aimed at reducing the stigma around drug use.
globalnews.ca
January 7, 2026 at 2:27 PM
“We are not going back to the old policy of #decriminalized, public #druguse in #BritishColumbia. It didn’t work. And we ended that. So we’re in close conversations with the federal government. I look forward to having more to share soon about that.” #BC #Canada globalnews.ca/news/1160134...
"The Canadian Street Soccer Association will host weekly Sunday night sessions, offering a fast-paced, inclusive version of the game for people experiencing #homelessness, #poverty, or #socialisolation." #Saanich #Courtenay #PortHardy #VancouverIsland vicnews.com/2026/01/07/r...
Removing barriers for homeless the ultimate goal of Victoria soccer program - Victoria News
Sunday night sessions at Braefoot Park aim to build community and opportunity for participants
vicnews.com
January 7, 2026 at 1:44 PM
"The Canadian Street Soccer Association will host weekly Sunday night sessions, offering a fast-paced, inclusive version of the game for people experiencing #homelessness, #poverty, or #socialisolation." #Saanich #Courtenay #PortHardy #VancouverIsland vicnews.com/2026/01/07/r...
"More than one month after a grizzly bear violently attacked a group of students and staff on a field trip in #BellaCoola, the chief of the #Nuxalk Nation is calling for more #mentalhealth support in the community" #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/05/n...
Nuxalk Nation calls for mental health supports after bear attack
After a grizzly bear violently attacked a group of students and staff in Bella Coola, the Nuxalk Nation calls for more mental health support.
vancouver.citynews.ca
January 6, 2026 at 2:59 PM
"More than one month after a grizzly bear violently attacked a group of students and staff on a field trip in #BellaCoola, the chief of the #Nuxalk Nation is calling for more #mentalhealth support in the community" #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/01/05/n...
"The Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner was a huge success once again this year [and] St. George’s United Church opened its doors to share fellowship and serve 100 guests a hot turkey dinner with dessert" #Courtenay #ComoxValley #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada comoxvalleyrecord.com/2026/01/06/o...
Over 1,000 dinners prepared by Comox Valley’s Earl Naswell Community Christmas society - Comox Valley Record
Society thanks all volunteers and donors who helped this year
comoxvalleyrecord.com
January 6, 2026 at 2:23 PM
"The Earl Naswell Community Christmas Dinner was a huge success once again this year [and] St. George’s United Church opened its doors to share fellowship and serve 100 guests a hot turkey dinner with dessert" #Courtenay #ComoxValley #VancouverIsland #BC #Canada comoxvalleyrecord.com/2026/01/06/o...
"A #Parksville firefighter is one of eight chosen to run in this year’s Wounded Warrior Run and will spend eight days on an 800-kilometre journey across #VancouverIsland" #firstresponders #militarypersonnel #mentalhealth #BC #BritishColumbia vancouverislandfreedaily.com/2026/01/06/p...
Parksville firefighter to run length of Island for Wounded Warriors - Vancouver Island Free Daily
Team will run from Port Hardy to Victoria for good cause
vancouverislandfreedaily.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:54 PM
"A #Parksville firefighter is one of eight chosen to run in this year’s Wounded Warrior Run and will spend eight days on an 800-kilometre journey across #VancouverIsland" #firstresponders #militarypersonnel #mentalhealth #BC #BritishColumbia vancouverislandfreedaily.com/2026/01/06/p...
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Melanie Doucet, Executive Director of the National Council of Youth in Care Advoactes spoke with the program about the issue of youth aging out of care.
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
January 6, 2026 at 12:31 AM
Melanie Doucet, Executive Director of the National Council of Youth in Care Advoactes spoke with the program about the issue of youth aging out of care.
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Listen to the full episode:
vancouverislandmentalhealthsociety.org/podcast/agin...
@vimhs.bsky.social
Reposted by Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Neighbourhood frustrations continue around a drop in service centre in Nanaimo's downtown, even as service providers say the facility is helping an increasing number people both housed and unhoused.
Funding for the site runs out in March.
#Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/05/b...
Funding for the site runs out in March.
#Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/05/b...
‘Big city problems:’ relocation efforts continue for contentious downtown Nanaimo drop-in Hub
NANAIMO - Local advocates for the unhoused highlighted the work done this year by the Nanaimo drop-in shelter ...
nanaimonewsnow.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Neighbourhood frustrations continue around a drop in service centre in Nanaimo's downtown, even as service providers say the facility is helping an increasing number people both housed and unhoused.
Funding for the site runs out in March.
#Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/05/b...
Funding for the site runs out in March.
#Nanaimo
nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/01/05/b...
"The City of #Cranbrook is now using #drones to monitor former #encampment sites and wooded areas where #unhoused people were living amid #publicsafety concerns in the #EastKootenay community" #mentalhealth #addiction #humanrights #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Cranbrook using drones to monitor former homeless encampment sites | CBC News
While a community member who accesses support services related to mental health and addiction said the drones raise concerns about residents’ human rights, city officials say Cranbrook has been dealin...
www.cbc.ca
January 5, 2026 at 3:00 PM
"The City of #Cranbrook is now using #drones to monitor former #encampment sites and wooded areas where #unhoused people were living amid #publicsafety concerns in the #EastKootenay community" #mentalhealth #addiction #humanrights #BC #BritishColumbia #Canada www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"The Rotary Club of #Chemainus presented a cheque for $923.97 to Chemainus Girl Guides...[supporting] #girls and #youth through inclusive, confidence-building programs and community involvement." #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia lakecowichangazette.com/2026/01/02/c...
Chemainus Girl Guides receives Rotary funds - Lake Cowichan Gazette
The guides benefit from Rotary’s bottle collection
lakecowichangazette.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:42 PM
"The Rotary Club of #Chemainus presented a cheque for $923.97 to Chemainus Girl Guides...[supporting] #girls and #youth through inclusive, confidence-building programs and community involvement." #VancouverIsland #BC #BritishColumbia lakecowichangazette.com/2026/01/02/c...
Canucks #Autism Network members gathered at the #BC Forest Discovery Centre...for a magical evening aboard the Christmas Express [in] a calm environment without the stress of large crowds ladysmithchronicle.com/2026/01/05/holiday-train-experience-in-cowichan-tailored-for-children-on-autism-spectrum/
Holiday train experience in Cowichan tailored for children on autism spectrum - Ladysmith Chronicle
Magical evening aboard the Christmas Express
ladysmithchronicle.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Canucks #Autism Network members gathered at the #BC Forest Discovery Centre...for a magical evening aboard the Christmas Express [in] a calm environment without the stress of large crowds ladysmithchronicle.com/2026/01/05/holiday-train-experience-in-cowichan-tailored-for-children-on-autism-spectrum/
" #Victoria -based startup aims to show the potential benefits of the substance through #Canada 's first wellness-focused psychedelic therapy trial, which will examine whether therapist-guided #psilocybin can enhance overall well-being" #VancouverIsland #BC vicnews.com/2026/01/05/v...
Victoria startup launches Canada’s first ‘magic mushroom’ wellness trial - Victoria News
CEO hopeful that psilocybin could be used preventatively to help with depression and anxiety
vicnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:59 PM
" #Victoria -based startup aims to show the potential benefits of the substance through #Canada 's first wellness-focused psychedelic therapy trial, which will examine whether therapist-guided #psilocybin can enhance overall well-being" #VancouverIsland #BC vicnews.com/2026/01/05/v...
"The #Comox United Church Affirm Committee is hosting a Games Night on Jan. 16 at the Bayside Bistro from 7 to 9 p.m. ...The event is secular and #LGBTQ+ friendly, with members of the community and allies invited for a fun and relaxed evening." #VancouverIsland comoxvalleyrecord.com/2026/01/02/q...
Queer-friendly games night will roll the dice on Jan. 17 - Comox Valley Record
The event is a non-secular and LGBTQ+ at Bayside Bistro
comoxvalleyrecord.com
January 4, 2026 at 2:44 PM
"The #Comox United Church Affirm Committee is hosting a Games Night on Jan. 16 at the Bayside Bistro from 7 to 9 p.m. ...The event is secular and #LGBTQ+ friendly, with members of the community and allies invited for a fun and relaxed evening." #VancouverIsland comoxvalleyrecord.com/2026/01/02/q...