Starting the morning off in turtlenecks, ending the day in shorts and sunscreen, fall in Victoria is upon us. We’re making more space to come together in community, and more opportunities to give thanks.
A men’s support group has always been on our wish list, and now we’re just doing it. As the weather gets cooler and folks look for community warmth, every Friday evening we’re dedicating our office to a drop-in support group for those who identify as men looking for support in recovery and mental health. From 6pm – 7:30pm, some Umbrella staff will facilitate a group that we know is in demand. It is a drop-in group–no need to register, no need to book an intake. If you’ve been looking for a support circle after work, our doors are open, if you’re curious about support groups, come on in, if you’re looking for simply a place to go on a Friday night, we’ll see you then!
The office is also home again to the much-loved Intensive Journaling Group. After a ~ healthy ~ hiatus, we are set to go with the next phase one! Intensive Journaling (or the Dr. Progoff methodology) is an outside program that we host. Cohorts of the program have been tailored and geared towards family caregivers, those who are incarcerated, and in our case, those in recovery. Intensive Journal Program: Experience the Intensive Journal™ Method at our workshops
Monday evenings, from 6 pm – 8pm at our 2675 Bridge St. location, participants will truly explore and self-reflect without the pressure to share. This is a registered group, and because the outside facilitators provide program materials, we do require consistent attendance. Call or text the office if you have any questions, or would like to register yourself. 250-380-0595.
Thanksgiving is also around the corner. An official occasion to display the gratitude we all have. Whether it be a sitcom version à la Friends, a pet-friendly feast like Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving, this weekend can also look like a warm tea, a smile at a stranger, sitting down with friends. Not quite the spectacle that is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, but still a day of thanks. 
While we’re closed on Monday, Oct 13th, here are some community resources that are open:
Drop-in Community Centre & Outreach – Our Place Society
Gordy Dodd, of Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress, will hold their 27th annual Our Place Society Thanksgiving Dinner on Friday, October 10th, 2025, at 919 Pandora Avenue, beginning at 4:30pm.
On Monday, try The Soup Kitchen – The Soup Kitchen , where, if their website is up-to-date, the soup will be Beef Goulash (hello!)
Regular meal/food service on Saturday and Sunday at Mustard Seed: Hospitality – The Mustard Seed Street Church
Quadra Village Community Centre hosts a free yoga session on Saturday: Calendar — Quadra Village Community Centre
Happy weekend everyone,
Umbrella