BC Government: Expanded supports to help families coping with mental illness

Press Release

May 27, 2021

VICTORIA – British Columbians who have family members living with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia, will benefit from expanded educational supports to help families thrive.

During World Schizophrenia Awareness Week, May 23-29, government is announcing more than $1 million to provide families throughout B.C., and particularly those in rural and underserved communities, with better access to educational programs and supports that help them understand and cope with their family member’s mental health challenges. The resources are being developed and led by the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS).

“For too long, families who have a loved one experiencing serious mental illness have struggled to access services they desperately need,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “That’s why we are expanding supports for people whose family member is experiencing a serious mental illness, including schizophrenia. I am proud to be partnering with the BC Schizophrenia Society to help families in every part of B.C. understand and cope with their family member’s mental health challenges.”

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCSS saw a nearly 40% increase in families asking for urgent support. BCSS helps people whose family member experiences serious mental illness to gain healthy coping strategies, better understand mental illness and connect with a supportive community. More than 900 new families connected with BCSS seeking support and information in the past year.

“We know families urgently need support when a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased this need,” said Faydra Aldridge, chief executive officer, BC Schizophrenia Society. “We are grateful to the Province for this investment that improves access to vital supports for families supporting people living with serious mental illness in B.C.”

With this investment, the Province has provided over $4 million to the BC Schizophrenia Society since 2016.

“I am thankful that these programs will now be available to families in all parts of the province,” said Michele K., who has a son diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder. “People like me need to know that they aren’t the only one who has a sibling, parent or child living with mental illness. I feel much more able to help my family member after receiving support from the BC Schizophrenia Society – just knowing they are there, listening to us, understanding the challenges we face and advocating for us is a calming relief.”

Learn More:

British Columbia Schizophrenia Society: https://www.bcss.org/

A Pathway to Hope: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCMentalHealthRoadmap_2019.pdf

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Communications
236 478-2408

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BACKGROUNDER

Supports for people with serious mental illness

All programs are free of charge, provided by the BC Schizophrenia Society:

Direct family support

• BC Schizophrenia Society has more than 20 regional educators in communities throughout B.C. providing direct family support and education.
• Call 1 888 888-0029, email info@bcss.org, or visit www.bcss.org to find local support.

Family support group

• Open to anyone who is supporting or caring for a person living with serious mental illness.
• Operates virtually on a monthly basis – dates and times vary depending on region.
• No referrals required, although participants will need to speak with the group facilitator before their first session.

Strengthening Families Together, and Strengthening Families Together-First Nations

• A group program that runs online for approximately two months. Each weekly session is approximately 1.5 to two hours in length.
• No referrals required, although participants will need to speak with a regional educator before beginning the course.

Kids & Teens in Control

• Kids in Control is for children ages eight to 12 years. Teens in Control is for youth ages 13 to 18.
• Referrals can be made by health-care professionals, community agencies, counsellors, family members and caregivers.

Contact:

Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
Communications
236 478-2408

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