British Columbia Schizophrenia Society

In his debut feature film, writer/director Joseph Greco explores mental illness through the eyes of a child (Devon Gearhart) as he learns to cope with his mother (Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden) and the fact that she has schizophrenia.

Suicide in individuals with Schizophrenia is very high. 50% of all people with schizophrenia will attempt suicide; 12-15% will die.
With education from BCSS to the public, health professionals, the police and family, this can be prevented.

Kids in Control is a psycho educational group for kids between the ages of 8 and 13 who have a parent with a serious and persistent mental illness. The group provides tools and coping skills that will help children grow up happy and healthy despite difficulties they may be facing. A new group is starting in October in South Vancouver. To make a referral or for more information, please call Carolina Romero at South Mental Health Team: 604-266-6124

When a family member develops a serious mental illness, the rest of the family is suddenly confronted by numerous serious and complicated issues. Research shows that when families receive high quality education and support, they are able to much better manage these new, extraordinary challenges. Come meet other families and hear from a panel of people who’ve learned how to accept and adapt to these changes and how to offer their ill family member the best possible support.

Starting October 3rd 2007 in the evenings, Strengthening Families Together program, a free 10 week psychoeeducational program that provides information, skill-building and support for friends and families of someone living with a mental illness. (please click link above for more information)

Fourth Thursday of each month @ 3815 Railway Avenue, second floor, Smithers. Facilitators: Joanne Voss: 250-847.3430 Jenny Devries: 250-847.2975

Summer 2007

The Beautiful Minds Breakfast is an invitation-only networking event which happens monthly at the Granville Island Hotel. Come out and meet our Board of Directors, and learn important information on the work of the organization.

THEO BC provides training, education, and job placement services to people with disabilities including mental health. THEO BC is presently reviewing its services and needs your feedback on what you think would benefit your family member.

A free course for family members of a person with a mental illness. To register contact: Toby Coupe 847-9779

The Consumer and Family Initiatives Committee meets the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:00 to 12:30 at the BCSS office in Smithers.

Deadline for the 2007 Moving Lives Forward Scholarship sponsored by Eli Lilly Canada, the BC Schizophrenia Society and the Mood Disorders Association of BC is June 30th 2007.

Canada’s Largest Comedy Benefit Concert In Support of Mental Health.
This year, 100% of proceeds from Laughing and Giving from the Heart go to the MIND Foundation, in support of the programs and services of the BC Schizophrenia Society.

3rd Thursday of every month 7:30 – 9:30pm @ 7375-144 St. (Hall) Contact: Helen 604-535-0842