Meet the Founder
Hi, I'm Kyla - founder of Social Patients.
I'm a patient advocate, rare disease patient, mother, doodle owner, community builder who loves van camping. I believe connection is an important part of healing.
I'm known as a sometimes hard hitting patient advocate- because when the systems fail people, someone has to say it out loud. But Social Patients comes from a softer part of me.
Before all of this, I worked as a support worker and loved building connection through community and events which sometimes I coordinated. I also completed the Supportive Counselling Certificate at Mount Royal College (now University), and my favourite part of sessions was always the ice-breaker games - because they help people relax, laugh and feel like themselves again.
That's where the idea for Social Patients started from.
What Social Patients is (and isn't)
Social Patients is a place to socialize - not just share symptoms.
There are many amazing support groups where people can discuss their conditions. Social Patients is different: it's a general social space for all patients and anyone navigating hard seasons of life. No pressure to be vulnerable. No pressure to share details. Just a place to relax and socialize.
"However you connect, you belong here".
"You don't have to keep up with the world here. Just be human, and that's enough."
"Do what you love. Do it honestly." - Inspired by Angels and Airwaves, "Rite of Spring"
Regular online group events are held most Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Mountain Time.
To attend or request a session, contact us.
We will reply with available times, session details, and next steps.
All sessions take place on Zoom.
Two Truths & a Lie
We'll give you three statements about animals, history, everyday life or just plain silly things.
Two are true, and one is completely made up!
Can you figure out which one is a lie?
This game isn't about your personal life, and you won't be asked to share anything private.
Dining In
Choose from a menu of light hearted conversation topics, just like ordering a meal. No pressure to speak - listening is always welcome.
Dress-up & Debate
A themed, lighthearted debate night where topics are playful, not serious. Dress up however you like - from full outfits to small touches. Comfort and fun come first.
Video Shorts and Discussion
As a group we will watch a few short videos and have a relaxed group discussion afterward. Sharing is optional - listening is always welcome.
Caption-a-Pic
We'll show everyone a funny, unusual or interesting picture and invite you to come up with a caption - a few words or a short sentence that goes with the picture.
Themed Show & Tell
Bring something that fits the theme (an object, photo, idea, or story) and share if you'd like. Listening is always welcome.
Silly Sketch Social
We'll doodle together on a shared whiteboard in zoom and create fun sketches as a group.
No art skills needed.
Spot the Differences
A relaxed visual game night where we try to spot differences in pictures. Play along at your own pace - no pressure to speak.
Special Events
A themed session with unique, one-off activities. Fun, lighthearted, and low pressure.
Special events are announced in advance and are usually held on Fridays and/or Saturdays.