Strengthening Families Together

Strengthening Families Together is a 10-week course for families and friends of people with mental illness.

The curriculum focuses on three major psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression), emphasizing the treatment of these illnesses and teaching the knowledge and skills that family members and friends need to cope.  Course content will also reflect the needs of the group and include topics such as: substance use and mental health, forensics and information on the latest local developments in the mental health system and recovery programs. The course is led by trained BCSS Victoria facilitators.

Educational modules cover the following topics:

1. Facts about Psychosis – treatment and recovery.

2. Coping as a family.

3. Dealing with a crisis.

4. Daily living tips.

5. Supporting yourself and your loved one.

6. Effective communication.

7. Living with mental illness.

8. Promoting recovery.

9. Advocacy and understanding the mental health system.

Course content is enriched, whenever possible, by guest speakers from local mental health and addictions agencies presenting valuable information to the group.

BCSS Victoria offers the Strengthening Families Together education program twice a year; in the spring and fall.  Each offering consists of 10 weekly 2 hour sessions.

There is no charge to participants.  To find out when the next session will begin or to add your name to the contact list, please call  BCSS Victoria at 250-384-4225 or select the CONTACT US option at the top right hand of the screen to send us an e-mail.