Mental Illness Family Support and Information Centre
BC Schizophrenia Society - Vernon
#301 3402 27 Ave.
Vernon, BC V1T 1S1
PH: 250-260-3233
FAX: 250-260-3212
Email: bcssvernon@shaw.ca
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Regular Office hours are: Monday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Monday to Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings by appointment.)
Services Provided
- Family Support Groups - Our confidential, monthly family support groups provide a caring environment to share your hopes, fears, experiences and knowledge with others who have first hand experience in supporting a loved one with a mental illness. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Meets at the People Place on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 2-3:30 p.m in the basement in room #002 and 4th Tuesday of every month from 7 - 9 p.m. in room #301.
- One-To-One Support - Individual support is available if you have questions, concerns or just want to talk to someone.
- Cleaning Service Program for Consumers - This cleaning service aids in improving the emotional and physical well being of mental health consumers. A particular individual may use the service up to twice per year. It is not intended to be used as a regular cleaning service or to be used for “move out” cleaning. Referrals must be provided by a caseworker for approval by BCSS prior to the cleaning service being provided.
- Family Support Buddy Program - This new program matches volunteers with family members who have a loved one with a serious and persistent mental illness. The volunteers, who are also family members of a person with a mental illness, provide one-on-one peer listening, practical assistance and information, emotional support, and hope during a weekly phone call or visit. Talking to someone who has been through what you are going through can be a big help. Volunteers are not counsellors, but they share the experience of supporting a person with a mental illness and can empathize with the feelings and concerns involved.
- Library - A lending library of books, videos, cds, and dvds related to mental illness/health is available for families, consumers, professionals, and the general public.
- Family Education - enquire for details.
- Partnership Education Program - This public education program provides a realistic, well-rounded perspective of mental illness through incorporating views and experiences of individuals who have a mental illness, family members, and mental health professionals. Presentations are available for schools, colleges, universities, service clubs, churches, companies and other interest groups.
- Family Mental Health Advisory Committee - this committee serves to provide information and recommendations to managers and directors of mental health and addictions and other stakeholders regarding planning, initiatives and legislative, systemic and structural issues that affect families. If you have any concerns you would like brought forward to the committee, please contact Dianne at 250-260-3233.
ALL SERVICES ARE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE
Call (250) 260-3233 or email us for information about any of our programs.