Visions Journal, 2019, 15 (1), p. 44
BC Schizophrenia Society
The BC Schizophrenia Society supports families and loved ones who care for people who experience schizophrenia or other serious mental illnesses. Find information and tools, support groups and education events, and learn more about family advocacy. Two programs in particular include:
- Strengthening Families Together: A ten-session course for family and loved ones of people who experience a serious mental illness. Strengthening Families Together – First Nations was adapted in partnership with the Stó:lo Nation for First Nations communities. Visit www.bcss.org/support/bcss-programs/strengthening-families-together.
- Family Support Calendar: Find family support groups and other events around BC. Visit www.bcss.org/events.
Family Caregivers of British Columbia
Family Caregivers of British Columbia offers support, education, system navigation, and resources for caregivers of adults in BC. You can also call the Caregiver Support Line for advice and information at 1-877-520-3267 Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm.
From Grief to Action
From Grief to Action supports loved ones of adults who use substances. Learn about substance use and find support networks and resources in BC. The Coping Kit helps families work through difficult feelings around a loved one’s substance use, build communication skills, reduce some harms of substance use, take care of their own well-being, and navigate substance use treatments.
Spotlight on Mental Health: Family Involvement
www.spotlightonmentalhealth.com/family-involvement
Spotlight on Mental Health offers support to families and loved ones through Vancouver Coastal Health’s Family Support and Involvement Team. Find resources on VCH systems and family policies, and learn more about the Family Connections Support group and other support groups.
Disability Alliance BC: Help with the RDSP and DTC
www.disabilityalliancebc.org/direct-service/help-with-the-rdsp-and-dtc
A registered disability savings plan (RDSP) and disability tax credit (DTC) are tools to help families manage savings for a loved one who experiences a disability, including a mental illness. You can also call 604-872-1278 or 1-800-663-1278 (toll-free) to make an appointment with an RDSP/DTC advocate at Disability Alliance BC.
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
PLAN helps families build Personal Support Networks to better support a loved one who experiences a disability. These networks ensure that a loved one’s needs, preferences, and goals are fully supported while connecting family members with the right information, help, and support.
HeretoHelp resources
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Family Toolkit: A workbook with information and resources to help families support a loved one. Visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/family-toolkit.
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Family Self-Care and Recovery from Mental Illness: A workbook to help families take care of themselves and work well together. Visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca/workbook/family-self-care-and-recovery-from-mental-illness.
