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X-WR-CALNAME:BC Schizophrenia Society
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.bcss.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for BC Schizophrenia Society
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261008T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261008T203000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260925T194422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T194451Z
UID:10014190-1791484200-1791491400@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Partnership Education Presentation: Recognizing Mental Illness Awareness Week
DESCRIPTION:In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week\, the BC Schizophrenia Society Vancouver Coastal Region Team invites you to join a special community education presentation available to participants across British Columbia. This evening presentation aims to increase understanding of serious and persistent mental illness\, reduce stigma\, and challenge common misconceptions through education\, resources\, and lived experience perspectives. \n\n\nDate: Thursday\, October 8\, 2026\n\nTime: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm\nLocation: Italian Cultural Centre (3075 Slocan St.\, Vancouver) or online via Zoom\nTo register and attend:\n\nIn-person: Email coastmanager@bcss.org\nOnline: Register via bcss.org/miaw\n\n\n\n\nParticipants will gain valuable insights through schizophrenia education\, information about available supports and resources\, and powerful personal stories shared by individuals and families with lived and living experience. The event will also feature a panel discussion and audience Q&A\, providing an opportunity for meaningful conversation and learning. \nWhether you are a family member\, caregiver\, professional\, student\, or community member interested in learning more\, all are welcome to attend. BCSS delivers community education program (PEP) to reduce stigma\, misconceptions and provides a voice to those affected by a serious & persistent mental illness. Join us for an interactive evening of Schizophrenia education\, resources and powerful personal stories of HOPE\, resilience\, and recovery. \nPlease Note: Discussions during this presentation may include personal experiences related to serious mental illness and recovery. Participants are encouraged to engage at their own comfort level and access support as needed.
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/partnership-education-presentation-recognizing-mental-illness-awareness-week/
LOCATION:Italian Cultural Centre\, 3075 Slocan St.\, Vancouver\, BC\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Partnership Education Presentation
ORGANIZER;CN="Hardeep Thind":MAILTO:coastmanager@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261013T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261013T203000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260901T224937Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T175725Z
UID:10014158-1791918000-1791923400@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Lower Mainland Virtual Family Support Group
DESCRIPTION:BCSS Vancouver Coastal Region is running virtual Family Support Groups for family members and close friends who are supporting a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness.  \nFamily 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. Family Support Groups are led by trained facilitators or educators\, and they provide support and resources to family members and caregivers of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. \n\nDates:\n\nSeptember 8\, 14 and 28\nOctober 13 and 26\nNovember 9 and 17\nDecember 1 and 14\n\n\nLocation: Virtual via Zoom\n\nFor the Zoom link\, please contact Hardeep Thind at 604-787-1814 or coastmanager@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/lower-mainland-virtual-family-support-group-6/2026-10-13/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Hardeep Thind":MAILTO:coastmanager@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261014T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261014T193000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260901T222839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T223549Z
UID:10014123-1792000800-1792006200@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Okanagan/Thompson-Nicola Family Support Group - Virtual
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone. \nBCSS Interior Region is running a joint virtual Family Support Group for family members and friends within the Okanagan and Thompson-Nicola regions\, 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. \nOkanagan/Thompson-Nicola Family Support Group – Virtual \n\nThe support group will be held Wednesdays on the following dates: September 16 | October 14 | November 18\nTime: 6:00 – 7:30 PM\nThis meeting will take place virtually over Zoom -> Please connect with either educator to receive more information and the Zoom link.\n\nFor more information or to participate\, please contact: \n\n\n\nAnkit Mahawadi\, Thompson-Nicola Regional Educator\, at thompsonnicola@bcss.org\nAlexis Mintak\, Okanagan Regional Educator\, at okanagan@bcss.org 
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/okanagan-thompson-nicola-family-support-group-virtual-4/2026-10-14/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261015T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261015T193000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260324T230641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T230641Z
UID:10013609-1792087200-1792092600@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Northern Interior Virtual Family Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone. \nThe Northern Interior is running virtual 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 – Virtual \n\nDate: Every 3rd Thursday of the month (excluding July and August)\nTime: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm\nLocation: Virtual via Zoom\nFor more information please contact Michelle at  250-613-3040 or pgeducator@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/northern-interior-virtual-family-support-group/2026-10-15/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Michelle Ellerton":MAILTO:pgeducator@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261019T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261019T193000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260925T203625Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T204041Z
UID:10013273-1792432800-1792438200@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Nelson Family Support Group - Virtual
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone. \nBCSS West Kooteney is running virtual 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 – Virtual \n\nThe support group will be held Monday\, October 19\, 2026\nTime: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm\nSession to be held via Zoom\nFor more information or to join this family support group\, please contact Reasha Wolfe at westkootenay@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/nelson-family-support-group-virtual-2-2-2/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Reasha Wolfe":MAILTO:westkootenay@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261020T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261020T133000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260626T011102Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260626T011102Z
UID:10013775-1792497600-1792503000@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Vancouver Island Virtual Family Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone \nVancouver Island is offering Family Support Groups\, which provide 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 schizophrenia. Family Support Groups are led by trained facilitators and educators who provide support and resources to caregivers\, family\, and friends of people living with schizophrenia\, psychosis\, or another severe and persistent mental illnesses. \nFamily Support Group – Virtual \n\nDates: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month\nTime: 12:00 – 1:30 PM\nLocation: Online\nFor more information or to join this family support group\, please contact Michelle Gallant at northvi@bcss.org or 250-937-0782
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/vancouver-island-virtual-family-support-group-6/2026-10-20/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Michelle Gallant":MAILTO:northvi@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261026T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261026T193000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260925T195001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260925T195024Z
UID:10014191-1793037600-1793043000@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Disability Tax Credit Webinar with Plan Institute
DESCRIPTION:Join BC Schizophrenia Society and Plan Institute for an informative webinar on the Disability Tax Credit (DTC). The Disability Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that may help reduce income tax and open the door to other valuable programs and benefits\, including the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). \n\nDate: Thursday\, October 26\, 2026\n\nTime: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm\nLocation: Online via Zoom\nTo join\, register via bcss.org/dtcwebinar\n\nDuring this session\, Plan Institute will explain: \n\nWhat the Disability Tax Credit is\nWho may be eligible\nHow to apply\nCommon challenges and tips for completing the application\nBenefits and programs that may become available once approved\nResources and supports for individuals and families\n\nThere will also be an opportunity for questions and answers. Whether you are applying for yourself\, supporting a family member\, or simply looking for more information\, this session will provide practical guidance to help you navigate the process. \nPresenter: Plan Institute’s Program Coordinator\, Solana Vannus. Solana brings a background in supporting and caring for individuals in the disability community\, including six years as a family liaison and mental health support worker. Her education includes certifications in mental health and addictions\, an Associate Degree in Arts and Science\, and a Bachelor of Professional Communication from Royal Roads University. Solana is passionate about building community and uplifting the voices of those who need to be heard. In her free time\, she enjoys listening to audiobooks and spending time with her beloved cat\, Petunia. \nHosted By: BC Schizophrenia Society’s (BCSS) Interior Regional Manager\, Bonnie Spence-Vinge. \nPlease note: This webinar is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal\, financial\, or tax advice. Individual circumstances may vary.
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/disability-tax-credit-webinar-with-plan-institute/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Special Presentation
ORGANIZER;CN="Bonnie Spence-Vinge":MAILTO:intmanager@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261027T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261027T203000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260728T194845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T194845Z
UID:10014032-1793124000-1793133000@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Families Together - Vancouver Coastal
DESCRIPTION:Strengthening Families Together (SFT) is a 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 services and resources available across the province. \nStrengthening Families Together – Vancouver Coastal (Online) \n\nDate: October 27 & 29 | November 3 & 5 | November 10 & 12\nTime: 6:00 – 8:30 pm\nLocation: Virtual via Zoom\nFor more information or to register\, please contact vanrich@bcss.org or 778-836-1886\n\n 
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/strengthening-families-together-vancouver-coastal/2026-10-27/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Strengthening Families Together
ORGANIZER;CN="Noleen Mueller":MAILTO:vanrich@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261109T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261109T120000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260324T231428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T191834Z
UID:10013655-1794220200-1794225600@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Northern Interior SMART Recovery Family & Friends Support Group
DESCRIPTION:Do you have a friend or family member living with mental illness? – You are not alone. \nThe Northern Interior is running virtual Family Support Groups for family members and close friends who are supporting a loved one with a severe and persistent mental illness.  \nIt 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. Trained facilitators or educators lead Family Support Groups\, and they provide support and resources to family members and caregivers of individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. \nThis group includes SMART Recovery tools for people affected by the addictive behaviour of a loved one. \nNorthern Interior SMART Recovery Family & Friends Support Group – Virtual \n\nDate: Every 2nd Monday of the month (excluding October)\nTime: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm\nLocation: Virtual via Zoom\nFor more information please contact Michelle at  250-613-3040 or pgeducator@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/northern-interior-smart-recovery-family-friends-support-group/2026-11-09/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Family Support Group
ORGANIZER;CN="Michelle Ellerton":MAILTO:pgeducator@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261110T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20261110T203000
DTSTAMP:20261007T173256
CREATED:20260922T200927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T224638Z
UID:10014184-1794337200-1794342600@www.bcss.org
SUMMARY:Strengthening Families Together - Virtual
DESCRIPTION:Strengthening Families Together (SFT) is a 6-session program for anyone who has a caring relationship with people who are living with a mental illness. This will be a virtual course with two sessions a week for 3 weeks scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting November 10 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm \nParticipating families learn about the impacts of stigma as well as information about psychosis\, schizophrenia\, mood disorders\, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses. Topics 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 services and resources available across the province. \nStrengthening Families Together (Virtual) \n\nDate: Tuesdays and Thursdays – November 10 & 12\, 17 & 19\, 24 & 26\nTime: 7:00 – 8:30 pm\nLocation: Online via Zoom\nFor more information or to register\, please contact Clara Donnelly at bulkleyvalley@bcss.org
URL:https://www.bcss.org/event/strengthening-families-together-bulkley-valley-region/2026-11-10/
LOCATION:BCSS – Virtual\, British Columbia\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Strengthening Families Together
ORGANIZER;CN="Clara%C2%A0Donnelly":MAILTO:bulkleyvalley@bcss.org
END:VEVENT
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