As we begin 2026, we wanted to take a moment and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been on in 2025 and all that we as an organization have accomplished.
This past year was filled with continued advocacy for individuals and families affected by serious and persistent mental illness, we expanded and improved our educational offerings and programs, shared more lived-experience stories of hope, and strengthened our community connections.
None of which would have been possible without you. Thank you to our members, partners, and supporters who stand with us every day and help us with this important work 💜
Our 2025 wins
Advocacy and policy
This year BCSS continued to champion compassionate, evidence-based, and effective mental health care policies in British Columbia. We played an active role in ongoing public and professional dialogues around serious mental illness to address complex issues affecting care for individuals and families.
Highlights from the past year include:
- Supports the appropriate and compassionate use of involuntary treatment under the BC Mental Health Act. Our strengthened stance is aimed at explaining why involuntary treatment is essential and should be applied lawfully and compassionately to better protect patients and ensure timely treatment.
- BCSS supports the governments defence of the BC Mental Health Act treatment provisions in response to the Charter challenge, emphasizing the importance of preserving necessary care for people with severe mental illness.
- BCSS advocated and agreed with a petition to development of a psychiatric hospital in Northern BC, addressing critical gaps in care for rural and remote communities.
- Raised awareness about the intersection of substance use and psychosis, highlighting the need for more research and integrated care approaches.
- We reaffirmed our stance on violence and severe mental illness given the tragic loss of life at the Lapu-Lapu event in Vancouver.
- Dr. Ivan Torres, and the BC Schizophrenia Society Foundation, continues to research how difficult-to-treat schizophrenia impacts cognition. Learn more about his research and progress so far.
- We also partnered with the Family Alliance on Severe Mental Illness (FASMI) to host a Town Hall on Privacy and Information Sharing with Families, creating a space for open dialogue about the challenges families face when navigating confidentiality and care for loved ones living with severe mental illness.
- We’ve created a toolkit to help advocate for permanent funding for BCSS to provide programs for families impacted by severe mental illness. This helps families connect with their local MLA, share their story, explain why BCSS services matter, and advocate for stable, long-term funding for vital family support services.
Community events and public engagement
In 2025, we focused on more face-to-face connections and professional engagement to remain present where conversations about mental health and illness are happening across the province.
Highlights from the past year include:
- BCSS educators hosted over 261 support group sessions across BC both virtually and in-person. Learn more about our support groups and participate here.
- On May 24th, 2025 we hosted a special free public event to mark National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day at the historic Cultch Theater in Vancouver. We brought together families, advocates, and mental health professionals alike to reflect and reduce stigma around mental illness. Watch the event here.
- We attended BC largest Clinical Counsellors’ Conference, connecting with mental health professionals, primary clinical counsellors, psychotherapists, and allied health professionals to share resources, strengthen relationships, and raise awareness for our family-focused supports.
- In September BCSS hosted its hybrid AGM and Education Session in Vancouver and via Zoom. Bringing everyone together for board updates, recognition awards, and a keynote talk by Dr. Daniel Vigo on improving care for severe mental illness. Watch the event recording here.
- In November BCSS and the BCSS Foundation welcomed donors and supporters to our annual Donor Appreciation Event both in-person in Vancouver and online. Read about it here.
Stories of hope shared in 2025
We continued to center lived experience by sharing personal stories from individuals and families navigating schizophrenia and psychosis. These stories offered honesty, vulnerability, and hope to reduce stigma and help remind people they are not alone in their experiences.
Some of the powerful stories we’ve shared this year:
- Nolan’s Story: Hope during psychosis by Rebecca (Nolan’s Mom): A personal account of living through psychosis and recovery, highlighting resilience, uncertainty, and the importance of understanding support needs for both individuals and their families.
- Changing our Soch: Tara’s Story by Justin Bhandal: A children’s book that explores schizophrenia with empathy and openness when a loved one is experiencing mental illness. Part of the proceeds from Justin’s book were donated to BCSS to support families (Thank you Justin!). Read a sample or buy the book here.
- We highlighted family and caregiver perspectives and direct quotes on our social media. Publishing and spotlighting the voices of caregivers is so important because they matter and make a difference. Follow us on Instagram here.
Looking ahead to 2026
The new year holds exciting possibilities and 365 days to experience them. We’re planning more webinars and podcasts (season 6 of the Look Again podcast will launch in the coming weeks), expanding Indigenous-focused programs like Strengthening Families Together Indigenous (SFT-I), and exploring new ways to deliver education and information online. We’re also working toward a better membership experience with a platform that supports connection and growth.
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