Month: February, 2012

BCSS Victoria Video Popular on YouTube

In 2007, BCSS Victoria, with funding from the Vancouver Island Health Authority, produced a compilation of four short films by filmmakers Pauline Karch and Darren Anderson, about the Early Psychosis Intervention Program on Vancouver Island.  The first short film, Facing Psychosis, profiles six young people who have experienced psychosis.  To date, it has had over 17,000 YouTube views. The young people were involved in a month-long workshop to learn film-making. In For Family and Friends, two women share their personal stories to provide insight into the family experience of psychosis.  There is also a description of the recovery model and practical suggestions of what families and friends can do to help themselves through the journey. Early Intervention Program provides an overview of the Early Psychosis Intervention Program on Vancouver Island.  It features psychiatrist Dr. Richard Williams, and clinicians from across Vancouver Island.  The final film, After Psychosis, demonstrates the courage, resilience and wisdom of three people who have experienced psychosis and the pivotal role of hope in their recovery.  The films have been shared across Canada with the provincial branches of the Schizophrenia Society, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, World Federation of Schizophrenia and Allied Disorders, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Australia and England.

View video here

Peer Support Worker Nominated for Prestigious Victoria Leadership Award

BCSS Victoria Peer Support Worker Doreen Marion Gee has been nominated for the first United Way of Greater Victoria Award for Collaboration and Partnership.   The newest of the Victoria Leadership Awards, which have been honouring inspired leadership in the community since 2005, the award for which Doreen has been nominated recognizes a leader in a social profit organization who is building community capacity by creating partnerships and collaboration. Winners will be recognized at a gala ceremony on February 21st at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.  Says Doreen, “As someone with lived experience [of mental illness], I want my nomination to give hope to those who feel hopeless.  People can and do recover.”

A community leader and mentor, Doreen excels in her roles at BCSS Victoria.  In addition to being a peer support worker, she co-led Your Recovery Journey for youth in recovery and is a community speaker in the Partnership Program. As a journalist and award-winning writer, she gives a voice to people who have none.  Doreen enriches and improves the quality of life in our city.  She works hard to support the expansion of opportunities for people with mental illnesses and to promote tolerance and understanding towards them.  Doreen continues to inspire and motivate young people who are exploring leadership roles.  Her comapassionate work is deserving of recognition.

Identifying Symptom Trajectory in Early Schizophrenia – GoodTherapy.org (blog)

Identifying Symptom Trajectory in Early SchizophreniaGoodTherapy.org (blog)Symptoms of schizophrenia usually develop in the late teen years and early adulthood. But many individuals who develop schizophrenia exhibit symptoms long before the onset of th…

New Technique May Reduce Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia – GoodTherapy.org (blog)

New Technique May Reduce Auditory Hallucinations in SchizophreniaGoodTherapy.org (blog)Recently, research has examined how rTMS could help reduce auditory hallucinations (AH) in individuals suffering with schizophrenia. AH is a rather common symptom of…

BCSS Victoria will be part of Times Colonist Charity Pledge Program for GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon

It was announced today that BCSS Victoria will be one of twenty charities participating in the 2012 Times Colonist Charity Pledge Program in the GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon.  Charities raise awareness and funds by encouraging individuals to run or walk for their individual causes, and by collecting pledges.

“Each and every charity involved in the 2012 Charity Pledge Program has been selected based on the work that they do, and the commitment that they have to each and every participant that raises much needed funds locally, provincially and nationally,” says Cathy Noel, General Manager of GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon.

BCSS Victoria was one of the 22 charities raising money through the marathon last year.  The approximately $7,000 raised was divided between the Peer Support Program and the Memorial Fund.

The 33rd Annual GoodLife Fitness Victoria Marathon takes place Sunday, October 7th, 2012.  In addition to the Marathon there is a Half Marathon, 8K Road Race and Thrifty Foods Kids Run & Marathon. For more details visit www.runvictoriamarathon.com.