Find Support

Group Programs

Groups can be an effective way to find help and support. Our group facilitators create safe and welcoming environments where you can participate in a way that feels comfortable for you. Most groups are free, run for 12-14 weeks, and are held in the evenings. Some of our groups are offered weekly throughout the year, while others are offered in cycles that begin in the spring and fall. Many of our group programs have been adapted and are now being offered virtually. Please review details for each group for specific registration instructions, or call our intake counsellor to register for one of our groups.

Get Started

Our Intake Counsellor is here to learn what you need and how we can support you.
Please review the group descriptions below, and specific registration information.

Email now Or call 604-988-5281, ext. 226

 

Group programs start dates are determined by enrollment numbers, so once you have been enrolled in a group, the facilitator will contact you to confirm the exact start dates.

 

Thrive Baby Mondays

Join us at Thrive Family Centre Maplewood for Baby Mondays!

Baby Basics and Breastfeeding Support

Drop-in on Mondays, 9:30 – 11:30 am

Meet and connect with other new parents and caregivers.

Drop in for social connection, information, consultation, and breastfeeding and postpartum support in an empowering atmosphere.  Thrive Baby Basics and Breastfeeding Postpartum Support Group is facilitated by a certified Birth Doula and on-site Family Support Counsellor.

Babynastics

Drop-in on Mondays, 1:00 – 2:30 pm

This is a dedicated time for you and your baby to meet other parents and caregivers who would like to socialize, have fun, and work on gross motor development all at the same time! Healthy snacks are provided.  For ages 0-18 months.

For more info about our Thrive Family Programs, click here.

PROUD2BE Yourself Drop-in Groups for Youth (in-person)

If you’re aged 16-24 and identify as queer, trans, non-binary, two-spirit, and/or questioning, please join us for this free, weekly drop-in group. You’ll connect with other North Shore and Metro Vancouver youth in discussions led by an experienced master’s level counsellor. Share your experiences, ask questions, and explore your identity among people who are here to support you.  Drop-in and join us Wednesdays, from 5:30-7:00 pm at the Family Services of the North Shore office (203-1111 Lonsdale Avenue). Take the elevator to the second floor and watch for the multi-coloured heart on our glass doors.  For more question, or more information, please contact Amara at 236-992-9754 or email BeYourself@familyservices.bc.ca.  We look forward to you joining us. 

February 2023 Group Dates and Topics:

  • Wednesday, Feb 1 – cancelled
  • Wednesday, Feb 8 – Movie night part 2 of Glass onion: A knives out mystery
  • Wednesday, Feb 15 – Games night
  • Wednesday, Feb 22 – Youth choice TBD

PROUD2BE Drop-in Groups for Parents (virtual)

Join other parents of gender-diverse youth for safe, judgment-free discussions co-facilitated by two experienced counsellors. This free, weekly drop-in group is a welcoming place for you to connect, ask questions, and learn more about how to support your trans, non-binary, gender-diverse and/or gender-questioning child or teen.  We meet via Zoom on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm.  To learn more click here, and to receive the virtual meeting link, please email proud2be@familyservices.bc.ca.  We look forward to you joining us. 

PROUD2BE Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Events

Our PROUD2BE Events feature speakers with lived experience, professional panel discussions, workshops and support for gender-diverse, gender-questioning, and LGBTQ2S+ children, youth, their families and professionals.  It’s a community where you can learn, ask questions, get support and connect with LGBTQ2S+ folks, families and allied communities.  

For more information email our PROUD2BE team.

Grief Support (virtual)

If you are struggling with the loss of someone close, our free 8-week support group can guide you through the process of grieving in a safe and nurturing virtual setting, with others who have also experienced loss.  Facilitated by a Registered Clinical Counsellor.  This online group requires registration.  Click here for details.

Parenting Teens Support Group (virtual)

A monthly session for Mandarin-speaking parents to have self-reflection and share the experiences and challenges of parenting adolescents.  Topics include: supporting your children’s physical and mental health, family communication skills, stress and coping strategies, and tips for active listening.  This online group requires registration.  Click here for details. 

Women & Empowerment Group (virtual)

A twelve-week group for women overcoming trauma and violence.  Connect with other women in a safe space and explore your own power and choices concerning emotional, physical, mental and spiritual self.  To learn more, and to register, click here.

Women & Empowerment Group in Farsi (virtual)

A twelve-week group for women overcoming trauma and violence.  Group is facilitated in Farsi.  To learn more, and to register, click here.

Rebuilding Family Relationships Men’s Group (virtual)

Our Rebuilding Family Relationships men’s group can help if you are a man who has negatively affected your partner and/or young people in your life by using violence, anger, any type of abuse, or controlling behaviors. This group is for men who are committed to changing their behavior and improving their relationships. Facilitated in English/Farsi.  To learn more, click here for information in English.  Click here for information in Farsi.

 

I don’t know what I would do without this group. It gives me wonderful ways to support my child, and now I know I’m not alone.– Parent participant