Liz, Janice and Yegrem are just a few of the many people that work to make Compassionate Neighbours a valuable resource in the Chilliwack community. (Image Credit: Compassionate Neighbours.)

By Angela Viljoen, Compassionate Neighbours

Essential social programming

Chilliwack non-profit enriches lives in support program, offers lifeline to caregivers

Jun 8, 2026 | 9:02 AM

CHILLIWACK – Sitting at the table with those who are walking a road I haven’t walked can feel very intrusive. Do I have a right to be here, listening to their stories which are wrapped in exhaustion, worry, pain and humour? It’s very vulnerable at this table, but yet it is so beautiful to witness the support and encouragement from each one here.

The table I am sitting at is the ‘Family & Friend Caregiver Support Program’ hosted by Compassionate Neighbours (CNHPS). This program allows people who are walking a road with an older adult close to them, family member or friend, who are going through health issues to come together and be supported by one another. It can become a very isolating world, where one tends to isolate themselves because “no one can relate to what I am going through.”

People take part in a Compassionate Neighbours event. (Image Credit: Compassionate Neighbours.)

However, this isolation doesn’t need to happen as there are people who are walking through similar hardships as well. This group meets weekly on a Thursday and is led by a peer facilitator who has had experience and training through Caregivers of BC. Through this in-person group, caregivers can build their network of support, ask for help and express the challenges they are facing as often it is difficult to share with or even explain to other family members and friends. It’s also a space where support is offered to help navigate programs and services offered through the medical system and on-going planning for their loved ones.

Participants share a meal at a Compassionate Neighbours event. (Image Credit: Compassionate Neighbours.)

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“I share only so much with friends and don’t want to overshare with my friends, as some haven’t walked this journey before and don’t fully understand,” one participant said. “It’s a lonely existence to have a spouse struggling with a health issue. Everybody here cares and we are all in this together, it shows me that I am not alone. All these other ladies are battling things as well, it’s the great equalizer. You can laugh and you can cry. It’s a beautiful space.”

Compassionate Neighbours volunteers. (Image Credit: Compassionate Neighbours.)

There is also the support of one-to-one telephone calls on an ongoing basis as one quickly learns while sitting at this table that there can be emergencies throughout the week or even just a very emotionally low day. Having the ability to call someone right in that moment is a huge relief and sometimes offers the gift of peace. Compassionate Neighbours, through a generous grant received from the BC Ministry of Health through United Way BC, was able to hire a full-time Caregiver Support Coordinator who is available Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Besides the weekly caregiver support sessions in Chilliwack, she supports caregivers with one-to-one virtual or in-person emotional support, provides support in healthcare navigation, and in resource information and referrals to other relevant community-based programs, and offers a monthly workshop for caregivers at which all are welcome to attend. Besides the Chilliwack programs, she also supports family & friend caregivers living in Agassiz/Harrison and in Hope. You can email or call her for more information or to register: caregiversupport@cnhps.org / 778-982-1041.

“This space has meant sanity. It has helped to keep me sane,” another participant said. “The laughter and love has been amazing. I’ve been coming for 5 months and it’s been my sanity. I truly enjoy it.”

After stepping away from this table and having experienced so many emotions while listening to these people share their stories, the overall sense I had from this community was courage and resilience. It’s not easy to show up and ask for help and let people into your story, but when you take that courageous step the return is beautiful, you are met with encouragement, support and people who can laugh with you at how challenging this life can be. This is exactly what community is all about.

Compassionate Neighbourhood Health Partners Society serves older adults in Chilliwack through programs that respond to the complex challenges facing seniors and their families. They provide social and practical support for older adults, including community and health care resources as well as socialization opportunities. Their services are free to older adults, and funded through grants as well as generous donations from local businesses and residents.

If this is you, caring for an older adult, or if you know someone who is, please join the Caregiver Support group. Registration for this Support Program is encouraged and can be done through caregiversupport@cnhps.org and the group meets weekly on Thursdays at Central Community Church from 1:30pm-3:00pm.

by Angela Viljoen, Compassionate Neighbours

Chilliwack non-profit enriches lives in support program, offers lifeline to caregivers

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