A milestone decade calls for celebration, and this year's Hearts and Hands conferences delivered exactly that. The tenth annual events — held in Nanaimo, Langley, and Kelowna — brought together 598 healthcare assistants from across British Columbia for a day of connection, learning, and recognition. The Langley conference was the largest in the event's history, with 346 people registered, and satisfaction scores across all three locations were the highest we've seen: 100 percent of Nanaimo participants rated the event excellent or very good, as did 99 percent in Langley and 98 percent in Kelowna.

The numbers tell one story. The participants tell another. First-time attendees described leaving with their stress and anxiety lifted. Seasoned participants said it was the most appreciated they had ever felt in their careers as care aides. What keeps people coming back — and what makes Hearts and Hands unlike anything else in the sector — is the atmosphere that SafeCare BC's team creates: one where healthcare assistants are genuinely celebrated, not just acknowledged.

Across all three events, participants consistently said they would bring what they learned back to their workplaces, which has always been the point. Hearts and Hands is not just a conference. It is a reminder to the people who do some of the hardest, most important work in our health system that they are seen, valued, and supported.

As we look ahead to year eleven, participant feedback is already shaping what comes next — with interest in topics like psychological safety, navigating workplace conflict, dementia education, and burnout. The work of celebration and the work of safety are, it turns out, the same work.

"I enjoyed connecting with other healthcare workers and learning from inspiring speakers. The sessions were full of positive energy, encouragement, and practical advice for improving caregiving and personal well-being."

"The entire event was well organized from start to finish. Really enjoyed the elder opening ceremony with all the hand-held instruments to the vendors. I enjoyed it so much, I would like to become involved with the organizing committee for next year’s event."

"My first time attending and didn’t know what to expect. It was more than I imagined. Uplifting, heartwarming, great fun and informative. Breakout sessions were excellent."

"All of the talks I attended were full of insightful information and sparked great conversations. My team, who attended, also got a lot from the event and especially loved the energy in the room from both attendees and event staff. We also had a booth, and my team shared that they had many meaningful conversations with people throughout the day. The presenters were excellent and engaging."

"This event was absolutely so much fun! It's such a great way to connect, and I left feeling the most appreciated I've ever felt in my career. I needed this, and I feel very blessed to have been able to attend."