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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.bcss.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for BC Schizophrenia Society
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261007T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261007T150000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173621
CREATED:20260706T172008Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T172008Z
UID:10013865-1791378000-1791385200@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Families Together - Vancouver Island
DESCRIPTION:Strengthening Families Together (SFT) is a six-session program that provides knowledge\, support\, and tools for families to better cope with serious mental illnesses. \nParticipating families learn about the impacts of stigma as well as information about psychosis\, schizophrenia\, mood disorders\, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses. \nTopics covered include treatments for mental illness\, side effects\, and the impacts of substance use. Sessions also cover communication skills\, stress management tools\, self-care planning\, crisis planning\, and family advocacy. This program also provides information about the BC mental health system. \nThrough discussion and group exercises\, families build supportive connections with others who share similar experiences and learn how to access BCSS Family Support Groups\, services\, and other resources available across the province. \n\nDates:\n\nWednesday – September 9\, 16\, 23\nThursday – October 1\nWednesday\, October 7\, and 14\n\n\nTime: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm (~5-10min break included)\nLocation: Zoom (link provided after registration)\nFacilitators: Michelle Gallant (North Island Regional Educator) & Christine Riddell (Central Vancouver Island Regional Educator)
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/strengthening-families-together-vancouver-island/2026-10-07/
LOCATION:BCSS Vancouver Island – Virtual\, Parksville\, BC\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Strengthening Families Together
ORGANIZER;CN="Christine Riddell":MAILTO:centralvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261006T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261006T170000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173621
CREATED:20260729T171108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T171734Z
UID:10014041-1791300600-1791306000@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Nanaimo Family Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone  \nBCSS Vancouver Island Region is running in-person Family Support Groups for family members and close friends who are supporting a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness.  \nBCSS Family Support Groups offer a safe and supportive environment for family and friends to share\, ask questions\, and connect with others who are also supporting a loved one with mental illness or substance use disorder. Family Support Groups are led by trained facilitators or educators\, and they provide support and resources to family members and caregivers of individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness.   \nFamily Support Group – In-Person \n\n1st Tuesday of each month\nTime: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm\n\nLocation: Vancouver Island Regional Library [Nanaimo North Study Room] – 6250 Hammond Bay Road\, Nanaimo\, BC V9T 5M4\nFor more information or to join this family support group\, please contact Christine Riddell at 250-937-1403 or centralvi@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/nanaimo-family-support-group-2-2-4-2/2026-10-06/
LOCATION:Vancouver Island Regional Library\, 6250 Hammond Bay Road\, Nanaimo\, BC\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Christine Riddell":MAILTO:centralvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260925T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260925T150000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173621
CREATED:20260601T204120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T172253Z
UID:10013738-1790343000-1790348400@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Port Alberni Family Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone  \nBCSS Vancouver Island Region runs Family Support Groups for family members and close friends who are supporting a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness.  \nThis offers a safe and supportive environment for family and friends to share\, ask questions\, and connect with others who are also supporting a loved one with mental illness or substance use disorder. Family Support Groups are led by trained facilitators or educators\, and they provide support and resources to family members and caregivers of individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness. \nFamily Support Group \n\nThe support group will be held every 4th Friday every second month\nLocation: Hemlock Room at the Echo Aquatic and Fitness Centre – 4255 Wallace St\, Port Alberni\, BC V9Y 3Y6\nTime: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm\nFor more information or to join this family support group\, please contact Christine Riddell at centralvi@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/port-alberni-family-support-group/2026-09-25/
LOCATION:Echo Aquatic and Fitness Centre (Hemlock Room)\, 4255 Wallace St\, Port Alberni\, BC\, V9Y 3Y6\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Christine Riddell":MAILTO:centralvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260812T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260812T150000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173621
CREATED:20260707T032246Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T032246Z
UID:10013867-1786539600-1786546800@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Vancouver Island Virtual LEAP Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an interactive virtual workshop to learn and practice the LEAP method with other families\, friends\, and caregivers. \nLEAP (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner®) is a set of evidence-based practices that create therapeutic alliances and trusting relationships with people suffering from severe mental illness. Designed to build and strengthen mutual respect\, it helps people who are non-adherent\, or partially adherent\, to become more cooperative and engaged in treatment and services. \n\nDate: Wednesday\, August 12\, 2026\nTime: 1:00 – 3:00 PM\nLocation: Zoom (link provided after registration)\n\nShould you wish to join\, kindly contact Christine Riddell at centralvi@bcss.org or 250-937-1403 \nThis workshop is free for families\, friends\, and unpaid caregivers. Professionals and service providers interested in LEAP training may contact the LEAP Institute: https://leapinstitute.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/vancouver-island-virtual-leap-workshop-4/
LOCATION:BCSS Vancouver Island – Virtual\, Parksville\, BC\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Christine Riddell":MAILTO:centralvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260729T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260729T203000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173621
CREATED:20260706T170913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T171115Z
UID:10013860-1785349800-1785357000@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Vancouver Island Virtual LEAP Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an interactive virtual workshop to learn and practice the LEAP method with other families\, friends\, and caregivers. \nLEAP (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner®) is a set of evidence-based practices that create therapeutic alliances and trusting relationships with people suffering from severe mental illness. Designed to build and strengthen mutual respect\, it helps people who are non-adherent\, or partially adherent\, to become more cooperative and engaged in treatment and services. \n\nDate: Wednesday\, July 29\, 2026\nTime: 6:30 – 8:30 PM\nLocation: Zoom (link provided after registration)\n\nShould you wish to join\, kindly contact Christine Riddell at centralvi@bcss.org or 250-937-1403 \nThis workshop is free for families\, friends\, and unpaid caregivers. Professionals and service providers interested in LEAP training may contact the LEAP Institute: https://leapinstitute.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/vancouver-island-virtual-leap-workshop-3/
LOCATION:BCSS Vancouver Island – Virtual\, Parksville\, BC\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Educational Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Christine Riddell":MAILTO:centralvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260707T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260707T170000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173621
CREATED:20251008T195158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T212831Z
UID:10013447-1783438200-1783443600@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Nanaimo Family Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone  \nBCSS Vancouver Island Region is running in-person Family Support Groups for family members and close friends who are supporting a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness.  \nBCSS Family Support Groups offer a safe and supportive environment for family and friends to share\, ask questions\, and connect with others who are also supporting a loved one with mental illness or substance use disorder. Family Support Groups are led by trained facilitators or educators\, and they provide support and resources to family members and caregivers of individuals with a severe and persistent mental illness.   \nFamily Support Group – In-Person \n\n1st Tuesday of each month\nTime: 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm\n\nLocation: Vancouver Island Regional Library [Nanaimo North Study Room] – 6250 Hammond Bay Road\, Nanaimo\, BC V9T 5M4\nFor more information or to join this family support group\, please contact Christine Riddell at 250-937-1403 or centralvi@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/nanaimo-family-support-group-2-2-4/2026-07-07/
LOCATION:Vancouver Island Regional Library\, 6250 Hammond Bay Road\, Nanaimo\, BC\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Christine Riddell":MAILTO:centralvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
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