For many people, a dementia diagnosis can bring changes and uncertainty, not only for the person living with dementia, but also for the people who support them. World Alzheimer’s Month is an opportunity to build understanding, reduce stigma and remind people affected by dementia that they don’t have to navigate the journey alone

A dementia diagnosis can affect more than the person receiving it. Family members and caregivers can also experience changes, questions and new challenges as they support someone they care about.

At Vecova, we recognize that caregivers need support, connection and a place to share their experiences, too.

A Space for Dementia Caregivers

Vecova’s Dementia Caregiver Group provides an opportunity for caregivers to connect with others who understand the realities of supporting a loved one living with dementia.

The group creates a welcoming space to share experiences, learn from others and have conversations about the challenges and changes that can come with caregiving.

Sometimes, knowing that you are not alone can make a meaningful difference.

The group also provides an opportunity for caregivers to connect with others who may be experiencing similar situations, exchange perspectives and build a sense of community.

Supporting People Living With Dementia

While supporting caregivers is an important part of dementia care, Vecova also offers opportunities for people living with dementia to stay active, engaged and connected.

Our Early-Stage Dementia Wellness Program is designed for adults aged 60 and older living with a dementia-related condition. The twice-weekly program incorporates physical, cognitive and social activities in a supportive group environment.

Participants have opportunities to stay active, participate in activities, connect with others and continue enjoying meaningful experiences within their community.

Creating Community Through Connection

Both programs reflect Vecova’s commitment to creating opportunities for people affected by dementia to feel supported, included and connected.

For someone living with dementia, having a welcoming place to participate and socialize can help maintain important connections. For caregivers, having a community where they can talk openly with others can provide a valuable sense of understanding and support.

This World Alzheimer’s Month, we’re recognizing both sides of the journey, the people living with dementia and the caregivers, family members and communities supporting them.

Learn More About Vecova’s Dementia Programs

If you or someone you know could benefit from Vecova’s dementia-related programs, we invite you to learn more: https://vecova.ca/programs/the-early-stage-dementia-wellness-program/

For information about the Dementia Caregiver Group or Early-Stage Dementia Wellness Program, contact Dani Paulich or Heather at [email protected].

This World Alzheimer’s Month, let’s help create communities where people living with dementia and the people who support them can feel connected, included and supported.

📍 Vecova – NW Location, Kaleidoscope
Calgary, AB

Learn more:https://alzheimer.ca/ab/en/world-alzheimers-month

Finding healthy ways to understand and manage our emotions can be an important part of supporting our well-being. Vecova’s Creative Coping Skills Group provides a welcoming space where youth and adults can explore their emotions, express themselves, and learn practical coping strategies through creativity.

What is Creative Coping?

Creative Coping is an 8-week, in-person group offered to youth and adults with PDD funding. The program combines art therapy, group discussion, self-care education, and hands-on activities to help participants better understand themselves and their emotions.

No two people experience emotions in exactly the same way. Through creative activities, participants are encouraged to explore their feelings in a way that feels comfortable for them.

Express Yourself Through Art

Art can provide another way to communicate thoughts and feelings. Throughout the group, participants have opportunities to work with different art materials and explore a variety of creative activities.

Participants are encouraged to express themselves through art and, when comfortable, share their experiences and feelings with the group. The focus isn’t on creating a “perfect” piece of art—it’s about exploring, creating, and finding a way to express what you’re experiencing.

Building Coping Skills

Creative Coping also focuses on understanding emotions and learning what we can do when those emotions become overwhelming.

Participants are guided through different coping strategies and activities that can help them:

Recognize and understand their emotions
Explore healthy ways to express feelings
Learn strategies for managing difficult emotions
Discover the importance of self-care
Build confidence in communicating their experiences
Connect with others in a supportive group environment

Making Self-Care Part of the Conversation

Self-care is another important part of Creative Coping. Participants explore why taking care of ourselves matters and learn different ways to incorporate self-care into everyday life.

The goal is to help participants discover strategies that work for them and build a better understanding of how self-care can support their overall well-being.

A Welcoming Space to Connect

Creative Coping is more than an art group. It is an opportunity to create, connect, learn, and grow alongside others in a supportive environment.

Participants can explore their emotions at their own pace, try new creative activities, and build skills they can take with them beyond the group.

Ready to Get Creative?

If you’re looking for a supportive way to explore emotions, learn coping skills, and connect with others, Creative Coping Skills may be a great place to start.

Creative Coping Skills Group
📅 8-week in-person program
👥 Youth and adults with PDD funding

Learn more about Creative Coping Skills and register today: https://vecova.ca/service/creative-coping-skills/

This April, Vecova is excited to launch a new session of our Creative Coping Art Therapy Group. This is a 7-week in-person therapeutic group for adults with PDD funding that is designed to help participants explore emotions, build coping skills, and connect with others through creativity. New activities have been added to explore new ways of learning about self and connecting with others through art.

A Creative Space to Explore Emotions

Sometimes emotions can feel big or difficult to explain. Creative Coping provides a supportive environment where participants can use art materials, guided activities, and group discussions to explore what they’re feeling.

Participants are encouraged to express themselves through different art forms and share their experiences with the group if they feel comfortable. Through creativity, reflection, and conversation, the group helps participants better understand their emotions and how to respond to them.

Building Skills for Everyday Life

Along with art-based activities, the group also focuses on self-care and coping strategies. Participants will learn tools that can help them manage emotions when they start to feel overwhelmed.

Throughout the program, participants will:

Explore creative expression through various art materials
Engage in guided art-making time
Learn about emotions and emotional awareness
Practice self-care techniques
Develop coping skills in a supportive environment
Connect with others in a welcoming group setting

Program Details

The upcoming Creative Coping session begins in April and runs for seven weeks.

Dates: April 10 – May 29, 2026 (there is NO GROUP on May 15)
Time: Fridays from 1pm-3pm
Location: Vecova NW at Kaleidoscope in Calgary

This program is open to adults with PDD funding in Calgary who are interested in an arts-based therapy group, and support staff are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Register now: https://vecova.ca/service/creative-coping-skills/

**Please not a pre-interview is required prior to attending the group. Facilitators will contact you to reach out.

We’re incredibly proud to share some exciting news from our Vecova community.

Daniella Paulich, our exceptional Art Therapist, has been named one of The Calgary Herald’s 20 Compelling Calgarians for 2026, an honour that recognizes individuals who are making a meaningful difference in our city.

Through her creativity, compassion, and deep commitment to the people she supports, Daniella uses art therapy to help individuals express themselves, build confidence, and connect in powerful ways. Her work goes far beyond the art itself, it creates space for healing, growth, and belonging.

Daniella’s recognition is a reflection of the heart she brings to her work every day and the positive impact she continues to have across our community.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Daniella and this well-deserved recognition. We’re so proud to have her as part of the Vecova team.

Read the full article here: https://calgaryherald.com/news/2026-compelling-calgarians-inspiring-people-and-stories

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Learn more about Trauma Informed Care

The below graphic details the set of principles that can be applied when supporting individuals with disabilities.

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