Testimonials

On behalf of my family I would like to thank Caring Circle and your volunteer drivers for the exceptional kindness in driving my mother to and back from Lions Gate Hospital. We are very grateful for the support you are providing.
Karen Jamieson

“It was so nice to socialize with people who suffer the same mental health issues.”
Anonymous

Since the Caring Circle office opened, there has been growing interest in what it offers, such that it is now a service that is in great demand, providing inestimable value to the community of Bowen Island. It is, in addition, being viewed by many on the Island as a Municipal service. The gaps in health services, particularly in primary care, make it even more important that help is available to find appropriate paths for individual care.
Lorne Massender, Pharmacist, Cates Pharmacy

Caring Circle is an important Bowen service for Family Place to work with in supporting and strengthening families with young children within our community. The range of information sought includes mental wellness skill building, physical wellness, and emergency funding access information. Availability to local skill building and support groups are essential to the wellbeing of many individuals as well as a benefit to our community as a whole. I strongly support the work of the Caring Circle and am hopeful this valuable service can be sustained.
Tracy McLachlan, Program Coordinator, Bowen Island Family Place

“Thank you for offering the group experience right here on Bowen. I was concerned about participating in a group within our small community and realized that it was just too much to commit to going to the mainland for a similar program, so once I was sure the confidentiality aspect was secure, I decided to participate and do something to look after me. I’m glad I did.”
Anonymous

“After being diagnosed with breast cancer, it was so comforting to have the Caring Circle to discuss what was ahead for me. Also when I had a few questions after surgery it was most helpful to be able to just pop in for a discussion.”
Tanis Layzell

“The flow of content stemmed from participant’s needs rather than a script and print information and resources were available for further reading and reinforcement. Each group will have it’s own life and so I believe this group process would offer the flexibility to serve the needs of any dynamic. I participated in a support group many years ago and got nothing out of it; this was so different and so practical with the skill building linked to personal situations and I would recommend this to anyone who is experiencing anxiety or depression.”
Anonymous

“Caring Circle is necessary if we want to keep our seniors on the Island”
Cathy Peters

“The Caring Circle has helped to alleviate some anxiety regarding my mother’s continuing residency on Bowen, and has provided a great deal of information important for the decisions she is making for herself. As our population gets older I trust that the Caring Circle will be able to meet the increasing needs of our community–many thanks to everyone involved in this great organization!”
Keith Slade

“Thank you to Caring Circle for taking the time to introduce the Better Meals program to people inquiring about help for daily meals. Thank you to Caring Circle who are there to give assistance to those who need help.”
April Sear (Better Meals)

“I was trying to help my friend who needed to get help with groceries, cleaning, and drives to doctor’s appointments. She felt very isolated, scared and hopeless. Now know I can count on the Caring Circle to help resolve some of these issues.”
Susan Ping

“One of my clients had your Caring Circle Resource guide and I asked to see it, as I no longer live on Bowen and do not have a copy. What a wonderful resource you have put together! Then I had a look at your website and am very impressed with your initiative.”
Tracy Leach (chiropractor)

“I am so pleased that we have the Caring Circle here on Bowen. It is nice to have a resource that helps make sense of both the public and private health care system. Not only was the Caring Circle able to me in the right direction but they were able to lend an ear which I greatly appreciated.”
Heidi Kuhrt

“I want to thank Caring Circle for pulling us together and for leading the mental health planning initiative. It has taken Colleen at least half a year to get the initiative to yesterday’s meeting. I appreciate your persistence, vision, and leadership, Colleen!”
Maureen Mackey R.N.

“What a fantastic service to have on the island, for getting support from others and practical advice from knowledgeable practitioners. Thank you!”
Anonymous

“Thank you so much for offering this skill building workshop. The timing could not have been better and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate and work on skills to lessen my anxiety now as well as look after my mental health in the future.”
Anonymous

“It was fabulous. Very enlightening. Very supportive. And safe.
Thought the facilitators were amazing, supportive, yet challenging.”
Anonymous

“I think that there is a need for this kind of education group and that it is beneficial and does not require going off the island. It is also a gentle way to get some help and assess whether one may have to eventually get one on one counselling.
Anonymous

“It is helpful to make some connections to know you are not alone. The group setting feels supportive and the skills are helpful.”
Anonymous

“It was a constructive group with great facilitators. It was meaningful and well thought out.”
Anonymous

“After participating in two groups, I would encourage any participant to do the same. The first one helped me with skill building and identifying areas that are a challenge, making me want to commit to changing how I handle situations in my life; the second one helped me to focus on which skills to work on, deepen the practice in relation to my needs and set goals for my future.”
Anonymous