For more than four decades, the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) has stood alongside families affected by schizophrenia and other severe and persistent mental illnesses.  

This year was marked by advocacy, education, community engagement, research investment, and meaningful connections with families across British Columbia. Through every program delivered, support group facilitated, and conversation sparked, BCSS remained committed to its mission of ensuring that no family has to navigate serious mental illness alone.

Supporting Families Across British Columbia 

At the heart of BCSS’s work are the families and caregivers who face the challenges of schizophrenia, psychosis, and other serious mental illnesses every day. Throughout the year, BCSS staff provided education, support, and resources to families in communities across the province, both in person and online. 

The impact of that work is reflected in the numbers: 

Behind every number is a family finding understanding, connection, and reassurance that they are not alone on their journey. 

Key Highlights from 2025-26 

• Provincial funding renewed, securing vital BCSS programs and services for families across BC. 
• Hosted Beyond Impossible: Navigating Stigma Through Stories of Strength, bringing together more than 150 attendees to challenge stigma through storytelling.  
• Advanced key advocacy priorities, including family involvement in care, information sharing, and discharge planning.  
• Supported efforts to expand access to psychiatric care, including advocacy for additional psychiatric beds in BC communities.  
• Partnered with FASMI to host a Town Hall on privacy, information sharing, and family caregiving. 
• Distributed $73,125 in research funding through the BCSS Foundation. 
• Launched a new partnership with the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine to support future schizophrenia researchers.  
• Expanded awareness through the Stronger Than Stigma campaign and Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day initiatives across BC. 
• Continued expanding BCSS Youth programs for children and teens affected by a loved one’s mental illness. 

Read the Full Report 

Looking Ahead 

As BCSS moves into the next year, we remain focused on strengthening support for families, advancing mental health policy, investing in research, expanding youth services, and creating a future where people affected by schizophrenia and other serious mental illnesses receive the care, treatment, and understanding they deserve.  

The accomplishments of 2025-2026 belong to everyone who contributed their time, expertise, resources, and voice. Together, we are building a province where hope is possible, families are supported, and no one faces serious mental illness alone.