May 24 was Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, and this year British Columbia showed up in a big way.
From community events to landmarks glowing in purple across the province, May 24 was a day that made our community visible. For BCSS, it was a reminder of how much momentum has been built around this day and how many people across BC are ready to connect and stand alongside individuals and families living with schizophrenia and psychosis.
BCSS Across the Province
In addition to hosting Voices of Hope: From Expression to Understanding (May 23), BCSS staff and regional educators were present at events across BC on and around Awareness Day. Here is a look at where we showed up:
Community Theatre Spotlight on Schizophrenia
In Smithers, BCSS presented At the Table, a locally written play by Elle A that explores experiences of psychosis and schizophrenia. Performed by local actors from the Stage and Script Collective, the production brought community members together through storytelling grounded in lived experience, helping to foster understanding and reduce stigma. BCSS was involved on the ground through our Northwest Regional Educator, Clara Donnelly, who also participated in the production alongside fellow cast members.
Community Tabling & Outreach
In Ucluelet, BCSS connected with community members and families through a local tabling event, highlighting the need for mental illness support in underserved areas.
Robert Brooks, SFT Program Manager, also built connections with service providers and Primary Care teams, opening opportunities to expand SFT and SFT-I programming in First Nations communities. Invitations to present at city council and participate in a local high school event reflect growing awareness and momentum.
Bonnie Spence-Vinge, Interior Region Manager, led on-the-ground advocacy efforts at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital on Wednesday, May 20, to share vital BCSS resources and educational information. The Cranbrook Daily Townsman published a dedicated feature highlighting our regional programs, local support groups, and the critical need to dismantle public stigma.
Reneé Irvine, Prince Rupert Regional Educator, had a booth at the 12th Annual Salmon Festival held at the Jim Ciccone Civic Centre. The event provided an exceptional opportunity to connect directly with the community, break down stigma, and share critical resources face-to-face.
Creative Performances
Cariboo Regional Educator Rhea Clements shared that the Cariboo Accordion Circle opened with a special musical selection for the Williams Lake Community Band’s spring concert at St. Andrew’s United Church, utilizing the performance to recognize Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day.
Reasha Wolfe, West Kootenay Regional Educator, had a table at the Nelson Farmer’s Market to acknowledge the awareness day, and was thrilled to be supported by the Dance Fusion Hip Hop crew for a performance. Sound was provided by DJ Who, and the classic Aaliyah song “Try Again” offered the perfect vibes for Slava Doval’s Dance Fusion Adult Hip Hop Class to show off their moves, wearing purple with their uniforms to draw awareness to the cause. Their set was choreographed by Sammy Jade, and Eswen Blagdon coordinated the crew with BCSS Regional Educator and the Market, to highlight the occasion.
Charity Spin Class
In Kelowna, Alexis Mintak, Okanagan Regional Educator, worked with SPINCO Kelowna to host a dedicated charity spin ride on May 24th at 12:30 PM in honour of Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day. This collaboration invited the Kelowna community to ride for loved ones while raising vital funds to support the expansion of BCSS family programs across the province. We extend our sincere gratitude to SPINCO for their incredible partnership and commitment to standing against stigma.
Lighting Up the Province in Purple
This year, BCSS coordinated with municipalities and organizations across BC to lighten thirteen landmarks purple on May 24th in honour of Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day.
Purple is the official colour for schizophrenia awareness, and seeing it reflected on buildings, bridges, and monuments from one end of the province to the other is something our community worked hard to make happen.
The 14 landmarks that participated this year were:
- New West City Hall (New Westminster, BC)
- Vancouver Convention Centre
- Vancouver City Hall and Burrard Street Bridge
- Canada Place Sails + Cauldron (Vancouver, BC)
- Science World (Vancouver, BC)
- BC Legislature Building (Victoria, BC)
- Maple Ridge City Hall
- Surrey Civic Plaza
- Williams Lake City Hall
- Lafarge Lake Fountain & LED Light Columns (Coquitlam, BC)
- Fitzsimmons Creek Bridge (Whistler, BC)
- Spirit of Sail (Kelowna, BC)
- Bastion (Nanaimo, BC)
- Light Up the City (Langley, BC)
We’re incredibly grateful to every city and organization that lit up in purple and helped make this moment possible. Seeing communities from across BC take part reflects how much has changed in public awareness, and how much further we can go together.
See more purple lights on our Instagram here.
Reflecting and Moving Forward
As we reflect on this year’s Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day, one thing is clear: this movement is growing, and it belongs to all of us. Every event, every conversation, and every purple light helps challenge stigma and build a stronger, more informed community.
To everyone who showed up — whether by attending an event, sharing your story, lighting up a landmark, or simply taking the time to learn — thank you. Your support makes a difference.
At BCSS, we are committed to carrying this momentum forward. Awareness doesn’t begin and end on May 24 — it’s something we build together every day, through connection, education, and compassion.
We invite you to stay involved, stay connected, and continue standing with individuals and families impacted by schizophrenia and psychosis across British Columbia.
Together, we are reimagining what understanding, support, and recovery can look like 💜