NextStep

What an amazing opportunity!

Upcoming Webinars and Workshops — Patient Pathways Healthcare Navigation, Advocacy + Education Our workshops and Advance Care Planning webinars help residents of BC, Canada organize, manage and plan ahead for medical emergencies, complex illness and end of life.

💙 A big milestone for me…

2025 has been a year of growth, courage, and learning.

Starting my own business after a long career in banking has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect — and also reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place.

I’ve met incredible people, worked with compassionate professionals, and had the honour of helping families and seniors through some of life’s biggest transitions — from moving and downsizing, to planning ahead, to simply figuring out what comes next.

I’m really excited to share that my NextStep website is officially live 🎉
It reflects the heart of what I do: advocacy, guidance, and peace of mind during times that can feel overwhelming.

If you or someone you love could use support during a transition, I’d love you to take a look:
👉 https://nextstepvictoria.ca/

Thank you to everyone who has cheered me on, referred clients, shared kind words, or trusted me with something important. I’m so grateful 💙

NextStep Advisory Solutions - Trusted Senior Transition Support NextStep offers compassionate, expert guidance for seniors navigating life transitions. We're here to make every step easier.

NextStep has launched business in Greater Victoria, offering advocacy services for seniors!

This new business, founded by Melanie Murray, specializes in compassionate support and expert advocacy for those facing major life changes, such as downsizing, relocating, or navigating the complex realities of aging. Whether you’re a senior trying to figure out next steps, or an adult child who wants to help but lives too far away, NextStep can help guide the way.

NextStep offers:

✔️Customized transition planning tailored to your needs
✔️Downsizing and housing support (including real estate guidance)
✔️Care and estate coordination with empathy and precision
✔️Access to a trusted network of legal, healthcare, and financial professionals
✔️Calm, steady support when emotions and logistics feel like too much

🔗 Learn more about NextStep - Advocacy Services for Seniors: https://web.victoriachamber.ca/Seniors-Services-and-Retirement-Housing/NextStep-Advocacy-Services-for-Seniors-12862

We are excited to welcome our newest Chamber members, Avenue One, Heart Work Therapy and Yoga, Arcora, and NextStep !

🤝 Calling all businesses in Greater Victoria!
🚀 Discover exclusive benefits and resources when joining The Chamber.

Learn more about our newest members and becoming a member on our website >>> https://victoriachamber.ca/membership/benefits-discounts-savings/

Feeling lost in the healthcare system? You’re not alone.

This week, I’m honoured to be part of the Patient Pathways team as we bring Navigating the BC Healthcare System workshops to Greater Victoria with healthcare advocate Connie Jorsvik.

🧭 Learn how to:
• Advocate for yourself or a loved one
• Understand care options in BC
• Plan ahead with clarity and confidence

As NextStep, I support life transitions — and now, together with Patient Pathways, we can offer both healthcare and non-medical advocacy under one collaborative team.

📍 3 in-person sessions across Greater Victoria
(Free to attend • Shoal $5)

💬 Message me to save a seat or for more info.
You deserve to be heard, informed, and supported. 💛

Communities Retirement Residences Sidney

We’re Growing Our Healing Hounds Therapy Dog Squad! 🐾

Do you have an amazing dog who LOVES people, is calm, and loves attention? 🐶

Healing Hounds is expanding, and we’re looking for therapy dog + handler teams to join in bringing comfort, connection, and companionship to people across Greater Victoria.

If you and your dog enjoy brightening people’s days, whether it’s visiting senior retirement communities, workplaces, schools, or individuals, we want to meet you!

We’re looking for:

🐶 Dogs who are:
• Calm, gentle, and friendly
• Exceptionally well-behaved with basic obedience
• Comfortable around people of all ages and other dogs
• Have ZERO aggression or guarding/protective tendencies
• Enjoy being touched and petted

🦮 Handlers who are:
• Kind, reliable, and professional
• Able to travel across Greater Victoria with their dog
• Excited to bring joy and companionship to others

🕐 Availability for casual visits (flexible scheduling)
💰 Wage: $20/hour

This is a casual employee position, perfect for responsible, dog-loving humans who want to make a meaningful difference with their four-legged best friend by their side.

👉 Learn more and apply at: www.healinghounds.ca/join-the-squad

Let’s make the world a little brighter one tail wag at a time! 💕

Join us tomorrow for a free workshop at the beautiful and vibrant Chartwell Retirement Community in downtown Victoria. Plus, they make the best Cookies! This session is open to all ages - whether you’re planning ahead for yourself, supporting a parent, or simply curious about senior living communities. Come learn, connect and leave feeling empowered to make informed choices ❤️.

A free seminar is being offered tomorrow downtown at Chartwell Retirement Residences in downtown Victoria. Please join us for an informative, free session and come and get a tour of this beautiful and vibrant retirement community. All are welcome! Hope to see you there. 🫶

Happy Sunday everyone! I am pleased to release another collaboration with the Berwick Community. Please take time to read our interview and hear more about what we do at NextStep. 😊

⸻

💛 Gratitude moment.
Every story like this reminds me why I started NextStep. Helping families through some of life’s most difficult transitions is more than a service — it’s a privilege.

-Founder of NextStep, Melanie Murray