"Together We Care" October 2026 Newsletter | | Cooking Together, Thriving Together: Highlights from Our Healthy Cooking Class! | | |
Warm Autumn Highlights: Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit This October
Welcome to the October 2026 edition of Together We Care!
As autumn settles in, we’re delighted to bring you a new lineup of nourishing activities and practical tools to support your well-being. Looking ahead to November, we invite you to join us for creative and relaxing sessions including Introduction to Watercolor, Manage Stress with Mindfulness, and hands-on crafting workshops like DIY Dried Flower Brooch, DIY Winter Soap Making, and DIY Resin Coaster.
In our Caregiver Hub Updates, we share clear and practical steps for advance healthcare planning in our guide, Navigating Future Health Decisions: A Guide to Advance Directives in BC. Be sure to check out our Caregivers' Sharing column for a helpful overview of Home Health services available through Vancouver Coastal Health, supporting loved ones to stay independent and well at home. Finally, jump over to our Community Resources section for seasonal family outings at the Halloween Hoot, health tips on Managing Arthritis, practical insights for Spending It Right for Family Caregivers webinar, and simple energy-saving tips - Benefits for Hang Drying Clothes from BC Hydro.
We hope this edition offers you a moment of inspiration, practical guidance, and a warm sense of connection on your caregiving path.
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Navigate Future Health Decisions:
A Guide to Advance Directives in BC
Planning for future health care needs can feel overwhelming, but having clear, written instructions can ensure your wishes are respected if you are ever unable to speak for yourself. Under British Columbia law, an Advance Directive allows you to give or refuse consent for specific medical treatments in advance. However, because health situations can be unpredictable, it is often best paired with a Representation Agreement to designate a trusted person who can advocate on your behalf. Click the link below to read the full guide to learn how Advance Directives work in BC, their limitations, and how to best prepare for your future care.
Click here for more information.
Note: This information is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.
Source: Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry.
| | October/November 2026 Activities | | |
Notes and updates:
Enjoy a range of free services and activities dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of unpaid caregivers for seniors aged 55+ living at home in Richmond (conditions apply).
*Please call 604-279-7099, email caregivernavigator@rcrg.org or fill in an online form.
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(English/Cantonese) on Nov 3 at 3:00pm
Discover the enchanting world of watercolors in our captivating "Introduction to Watercolor" workshop! Unleash your inner artist as we embark on a colorful journey, exploring the mesmerizing techniques and expressions this medium has to offer. Our expert instructors will guide you through the fundamentals, from brushstrokes and blending to composition and color theory. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is designed to inspire and ignite your passion for watercolors. Join us for an unforgettable experience of creativity, self-expression, and artistic growth. Embrace the magic of watercolors and let your imagination flow freely!
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(English/Mandarin) on Nov 4 at 3:15pm
When the pressures of life leave us feeling physically and mentally exhausted, learning to face stress with mindfulness can bring calm and strength. We sincerely invite you to join our " Manage Stress with Mindfulness” workshop (in English / Mandarin). Through simple and easy-to-learn mindfulness meditation exercises, you will develop the ability to stay present, relieve stress, reduce anxiety, enhance emotional resilience, and discover practical tips to apply mindfulness in daily life and during stressful situations. Come experience the power of mindfulness and recharge your mind and spirit!
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DIY Dried Flower Brooch
(English/Mandarin) on Nov 23 at 2:00pm
Caregivers give so much of themselves every day, often behind the scenes, providing steady support and comfort to those around them. November is a time to honor and celebrate you. In this uplifting crafting session, we celebrate your presence by creating wearable botanical art—delicate dried flower brooches that preserve beauty across seasons, just as your care leaves a lasting impact.
Under the thoughtful guidance of Olivia Li, you will explore floral composition, color harmony, and securing techniques to pin together your custom bouquet piece. Working with delicate botanicals offers a soothing space to reflect on self-appreciation and enjoy creative fellowship. You will head home with a handcrafted brooch to wear proudly on a warm winter coat or share as a heartfelt token of gratitude.
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DIY Winter Soap Making
(English/Mandarin) on Nov 23 at 2:00pm
Your dedication enriches our community every day, and this season offers a wonderful opportunity to focus on your own well-being. This interactive soap-making workshop is designed as a cozy haven where you can relax, connect, and craft nourishing soap bars tailored for the colder months ahead.
Guided by Shirley Yang, you will discover the essentials of melt-and-pour soap crafting, blending gentle moisturizing ingredients, natural scents, and winter-inspired hues. The calming, sensory activity encourages mindfulness and relaxation. You will complete the session with custom-made winter soaps that bring warmth to your daily routine or make thoughtful handmade gifts for loved ones.
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DIY Resin Coaster
(English/Cantonese) on Nov 25 at 3:00pm
Explore the captivating art of epoxy pouring in our DIY Resin Coaster workshop. In this hands-on creative session, you will learn the essential techniques of working with resin to craft your own glossy, custom-designed coasters. The workshop focuses on proper resin mixing ratios, color pigment integration, bubble removal, and embedding decorative elements such as dried flowers, foil flakes, or glitter.
Under the warm and encouraging guidance of Florence Chan, you will experiment with color swirls and composition layouts to turn a simple mold into a stunning glass-like piece. This activity offers a relaxing space to foster patience, fine motor precision, and creative experimentation. You will complete the class with a pair of durable, handcrafted resin coasters that add a touch of modern sophistication to your home or serve as a memorable handmade gift!
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Many caregivers support family members who wish to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes.
This article provides an overview of Home Health services available through Vancouver Coastal Health, including nursing care, rehabilitation services, social work, caregiver support, nutrition counselling, and case management. Many services are available at no cost and individuals can self-refer or be referred by a health-care professional.
Learn more about how Home Health can support you and your loved ones. Click here for more information.
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Would you like to share your stories or tips? You cannot imagine how much you could inspire or help another in the community! You are welcome to call us at 604-279-7099, or email caregivernavigator@rcrg.org.
| | Materials from Recent Workshops | |
Find more caregiving materials and resources shared on our website.
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This monthly e-newsletter is issued for our caregivers as an update of the Hub's services and community resources, as well as to share caregiving experience and insights, all for the purpose of supporting caregivers in their journey of healthy living and caregiving.
Read Past Newsletters:
2026
January . February . March . April . May . June . Jul . August. September
2025
October. November. December
| | Jocelyn Wong, Executive Director | Rebecca Swaim, Chair | | Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives | 604-279-7020 | info@rcrg.org | | | | |