Over the last month, 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
  • Planning to offer regular Family Education course – Strengthen Families Together (SFT) online in the Fall (registration on going)
  • Offering Tuesday Talks (weekly workshops for families) online
  • 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
  • Conducting bimonthly family support groups online or via teleconference
  • Providing contact and support via phone and email

Northern Interior Region

  • Conducting small family support group meetings via teleconference and select virtual applications
  • Offering one-on-one family support and information via telephone and select virtual applications
  • Exploring the possibility of conducting webinars for families in the near future
  • SAFE family support and education options ongoing

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 
  • 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

  • An online presentation for family members and caregivers relating information about how to manage anxiety around the current situation and a family member’s mental illness

Kids in Control & Teens In Control Programs

(Updated: June 3, 2020)