Mid-January can be a hard stretch: the holidays are over, the days are still short and the cold keeps people indoors. This week, a few programs listed by Markham Public Library offer residents a chance to talk to someone, stay connected or get organized at little or no cost.

Walk-in counselling at Aaniin

Let's Talk walk-in counselling sessions run at Aaniin Community Centre, 5665 14th Ave., on Monday, Jan. 19, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The sessions are run by certified counsellors from Catholic Community Services York Region and are open to all York Region residents, regardless of religious affiliation.

The idea is to let people work with a counsellor without a long wait. Each visit focuses on a short-term plan built on the strengths, resources and supports a person already has. Sessions can be held in English, Mandarin or Cantonese.

A program for people living with dementia

Also on Monday, Minds in Motion begins at Angus Glen Community Centre, 3990 Major Mackenzie Dr. E., from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The two-hour program runs for eight weeks and is designed for people living with early-stage dementia and their care partners.

Sessions combine gentle, easy-to-follow physical activity with social activities, mental stimulation aimed at rekindling memories and time to build connections. Because it runs as a series, families interested in joining should confirm registration details with the library.

Meal planning from home

For those who would rather stay in, the library is hosting a free 60-minute virtual session on meal planning and preparation on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A holistic nutritionist from Silver Spruce Naturopathic will cover the benefits of planning meals, healthy-eating guidelines and tips for budget-friendly grocery shopping. The session runs on Zoom, and registration is required to receive the link.

At a glance

  • Let's Talk walk-in counselling: Monday, Jan. 19, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Aaniin Community Centre.

  • Minds in Motion: Mondays starting Jan. 19, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Angus Glen Community Centre. Eight weeks.

  • Meal planning and prepping: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., online. Registration required.

Anyone in crisis should not wait for a scheduled session. In an emergency, call 911. The national suicide crisis helpline can be reached at any time by calling or texting 988.