Happy Solstice and Season's Greetings! I hope everyone has a healthy and happy holiday season. I am looking forward to seeing you in the New Year and I hope that the year ahead brings happiness and contentment to you and your family. I'm also anticipating the beginning of longer days and shorter nights!

As a reminder of some events occurring in January:

Vancouver Support Group meets again on Monday, January 25th, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the Partnership Room, at Raven Song, 2450 Ontario Street. This group is for family members and friends of those living with a mental illness. You are most welcome to attend every month or just when you feel like it.

BRIDGES: a BCSS program, funded by the Consumer Initiative Fund, starts on Saturday, January 16 - March 20, 2010 from 1 - 3:30 pm. This is a self-help course for people recovering from mental illness. To register, or make enquiries, please call 604-682-3269, extension 7856, and specify that you're calling re the BRIDGES course.

Strengthening Families Together: Both Richmond and Vancouver will be offering this course in the New Year. Watch the newsletter for dates. This is a ten week family education course that gives people a chance to learn, share, and get support.

Dragon Boat OPEN HOUSE- Join others at the Kettle Friendship Society at 1725 Venables Street in Vancouver, in the Board Room, on February 4th, from 1 - 4 pm. Find out about dragon boating and meet the coaches. Teams are comprised of mental health consumers, family members, and people that work in the mental health field. Get involved, volunteer, and participate in a fun activity!

I hope you have a Happy New Year- please take care of yourself and each other.

Warmest regards,

Linda Proudfoot