More Than Just Presentations
In addition to the speaker sessions, the Caregiver Forum will feature:
• Resource Booths – Connect with local organizations offering programs, services, and tools to support caregivers and older adults.
• Door Prizes – Win exciting giveaways just for attending!
• Complimentary Refreshments and Light Lunch – Enjoy delicious food while mingling with fellow attendees and guest speakers.
Registration Details
Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your spot early! You can register:
• By Phone: Call 604-501-5100
• Online: Visit surrey.ca/register
• In Person: Stop by any Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture facility

Are you caring for a loved one? Whether you’re supporting a family member, friend, or neighbour, the caregiving journey can be both rewarding and challenging. Join us for an inspiring and informative Caregiver Forum designed to support you in your role, foster social connections, and provide practical tools and resources to help you and your loved ones thrive.
This event will take place on Saturday, October 4 at the Newton Seniors Centre (13775 – 70 Avenue). Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the forum will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Caregiver Forum is your opportunity to connect with others who understand the caregiving experience, learn from knowledgeable presenters, and explore resources that can make a difference in your day-to-day life. Whether you are just starting your caregiving journey or have been in this role for years, you’ll leave feeling informed, supported, and empowered.
We’ve gathered a lineup of experts to share valuable information and strategies:
• Caregiver Support – Family Caregivers of BC
Learn about programmes, services, and supports available to help you manage the challenges of caregiving while maintaining your own well-being.
• Movement for Wellness – City of Surrey
Discover how staying physically active can improve your energy, reduce stress, and promote overall health—essential for both caregivers and care recipients.
• Advance Planning – Seniors First BC
Get practical advice on important legal topics such as wills, power of attorney, joint bank accounts, and representation agreements, helping you make informed decisions for the future.
• The Humanistic Side of Dementia – Brella Community Services Society
Gain a deeper understanding of dementia and learn compassionate approaches to support those living with it.
• Advanced Care Planning – Fraser Health
Explore how to prepare for health-care decisions ahead of time, ensuring your wishes and values are respected.

1. Why did you become a Friendly Visitor Volunteer with Brella?
I became a Friendly Visitor Volunteer with Brella because I care about older adults, especially those who are isolated, as it can be quite lonely. Older people often feel invisible and I hope to help them feel seen and heard. I love listening to their stories about their lives. I was raised in the Maritimes where we cherished and respected our elders and lent a helping hand whenever we could.

2. Tell us about your time with your Friendly Visitor match.
My person when I was a Friendly Visitor was Lorraine. I truly enjoyed our time together. We had lots of laughs and fun. Lots of meaningful talks, stories, and little walks. I also enjoyed helping her with practical things and being creative. Lorraine was one of a kind. She enriched my life and I will treasure our memories. We were kindred spirits.

3. What is your most memorable memory from your time as a Friendly Visitor?
My most memorable memory of my time with Lorraine was Christmas 2021. I helped her put up a little Christmas tree and bought her a gold sparkly star to put on top of the tree. I didn’t know that she loved sparkly things — but of course, because Lorraine was a sparkly girl at heart.

Lana became a Friendly Visitor with Brella out of a deep sense of care for older adults — especially those facing loneliness or isolation. Older adults “often feel invisible,” she says. “I want to help them feel seen and heard.” Raised in the Maritimes, where elders were respected and community ties ran deep, Lana grew up surrounded by the idea that lending a hand to someone older was just what you did. That early value stayed with her and eventually inspired her to step into a volunteer role with Brella.

Her match through the program was a woman named Lorraine, and their connection quickly became something special. Lana describes their visits as filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and small adventures. “We had lots of fun together — little walks, sharing stories, and being creative,” she says. “I also enjoyed helping her with practical things when I could.” Their time together was easy and full of warmth — a reminder of how powerful simple companionship can be.

One particularly fond memory for Lana was decorating for the holidays. “I helped her put up a little Christmas tree and bought a gold sparkly star for the top,” she remembers. “I didn’t know she loved sparkly things, but it made perfect sense — Lorraine was a sparkly girl at heart.” That moment, like so many of their visits, reflected the quiet joy that can come from paying attention and sharing in someone else’s world.

Lana’s experience as a Friendly Visitor didn’t just make a difference in Lorraine’s life — it had a lasting impact on her own as well. “It was incredibly rewarding and inspiring,” she says. “When I think back on our time together, I feel grateful. She reminded me to stay strong, to find joy in small things, and to always approach life with positivity.”

To anyone considering becoming a Friendly Visitor, Lana wholeheartedly encourages it. “It’s such a meaningful way to give back,” she says. “You learn so much about yourself, and you gain a new perspective. Building a connection with an older adult, sharing time and kindness — it enriches your life more than you might expect.”

The Friendly Visitor program is more than just regular check-ins — it’s about building friendships, creating community, and making people feel valued. Lana’s story is a beautiful example of how a volunteer experience can turn into something truly memorable. “I feel honoured to have had the opportunity,” she says. “It’s something I’ll always carry with me.”

Occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals with disabilities live more independently and improve their quality of life. Therapists work closely with clients to build skills needed for daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, or working. They may also recommend adaptive tools, modify home or work environments, and teach strategies to manage physical or cognitive challenges. The goal is to promote independence, boost confidence, and support participation in meaningful activities. Whether recovering from an injury or living with a lifelong condition, occupational therapy offers personalized solutions that empower individuals to navigate life with greater ease and success.

Lack of sleep can seriously affect your hunger and weight. When you don’t get enough rest, your body produces more ghrelin—the hormone that makes you feel hungry—and less leptin, which signals fullness. This imbalance can lead to increased cravings, especially for high-calorie, sugary foods. Sleep deprivation also affects how your brain makes decisions, making it harder to resist unhealthy snacks. Over time, poor sleep can slow your metabolism and lead to weight gain. Getting consistent, quality sleep helps regulate appetite, supports better food choices, and plays an important role in maintaining a healthy weight.