Over the last few months, British Columbians have been physically distancing and watching the pandemic unfold around the world. Some people have been following the news about COVID-19. While others are trying to maintain a daily routine as much as possible.
But BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) understands that caring for someone with schizophrenia and serious mental illness doesn’t end. In addition to worrying about these new measures, families are still needing support and education as they navigate through the system.
Because of this, BCSS staff has been working hard to adapt programs and services so that families and caregivers can still get the help they need. Programs and services that are helping families receive education, information, and support.
Some Regional Educators have taken the Strengthening Families Together courses online to ensure that families still get information and education. While others are using online and teleconferencing technology to continue their family support groups.
Through it all, be assured that BCSS Regional Educators will continue to provide one-on-one family education and support via phone and email. As BCSS continues to adapt its programs and services, this space will help keep families up-to-date on what is available in which regions.
If you are interested in getting connected to a group or course in your region, reach out and connect with a local Regional Educator by emailing info@bcss.org or calling 1-888-888-0029.
Lower Mainland & Sunshine Coast Region
- Offering bi-monthly Family Support Groups online
- Offer regular Family Education course – Strengthen Families Together (SFT) online (ongoing registration) – Next one to begin week of January 19 (See details here)
- Continued phone support
- Virtual support via Microsoft Teams
- Partnership Education Presentations (upon request ) via Zoom
Interior Region
- Providing upon request online Partnership Education Presentations via Zoom where possible
- Continued online training of new Partnership Education Presentation volunteers
- Developing partnerships to provide these presentations online as part of a mental health summit
- Offer Strengthen Families Together (SFT) online (Zoom and Learn) – Next one to begin January 27 (See details here)
- Conducting bimonthly family support groups online or via teleconference
- Providing contact and support via phone and email
Northern Interior Region
- Virtual individual and group family peer support ongoing. Contact Educator in your area
- Virtual open classroom SMART Recovery for FAMILIES includes up to fourteen (14) lessons to educate family caregivers affected by serious mental illnesses including substance use and addiction disorders. Contact Michelle Ellerton
- Virtual SSC information on serious mental illnesses including psychosis and schizophrenia within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Wednesdays, Feb 17 – March 17 , 6-8 PM live virtual sessions, Contact Gail Rutledge
- Virtual Mental Health First Aid Standard course: Jan online self-directed module. Tuesdays, Feb 2 & 9, 6–9 PM live virtual modules. Contact Heather Megchelsen
Northwest Region
- Offering individual family support via phone, Zoom, and Skype
- Virtual monthly family support groups via Zoom in Bulkley Valley, Haida Gwaii, and the North Coast Region. Contact Dolly Hall
- New virtual family support group connecting families from Terrace, Kitimat, and Prince Rupert. Contact Noreen Spence
- Providing educational resource materials to families, agencies, and community members via email and/or mail
Northeast Region
- The team will continue to support families through phone, email, and other virtual methods (i.e. Zoom, Skype, Facetime, etc.) and continue to explore the needs of families
Vancouver Island Region
- Offer Strengthen Families Together (SFT) online – Next one to begin late January 27. For details and registration, contact Danita Senf
Kids in Control & Teens In Control Programs
- Currently offering online Teens in Control workshops and drop-in groups, as well as online Kids in Control groups. Email kidsincontrol@bcss.org for details.
(Updated: January 15, 2021)