Every year, BCSS Regional Educators look for ways to connect with their community. For World Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day this year, Heather, a BCSS Lakes District Regional Educator, hosted the “Strides of Hope” event at Lakes District Secondary School in Burns Lake.

Heather posted information about schizophrenia and psychosis around the school track and then asked students and teachers to answer questions on the subject. They were encouraged to find answers amongst the posted information, and those who correctly completed their list of questions were entered into either the student draw for Amazon gift cards donated by MHAAC, or the teacher draw for coffee cards provided by BCSS.

Nearly 100 people from the school participated throughout the day, learning more about the BC Schizophrenia Society, schizophrenia, and psychosis. People from the community also stopped by to connect with Heather and find out more about what was happening.

Overall, great conversations were had, and more families were able to connect with BCSS to gain support.

“I overheard the students talking to each other about the answers, and some of the students were sharing their own family stories with each other.”

—A teacher

“Wow! That’s what it’s all about!”

—Student Participant

“Now I get what those symptoms mean!”

—Student Participant

Great job, Heather, on building connections with families in the Lakes District Region!