Support Group for Families

Family support groups give families the opportunity to share fears, insecurities, successes, approaches to problem solving and to reinforce good and appropriate coping skills.  Families know they are not alone.

The family support groups are structured and have a clear set of guidelines to encourage full group participation in meetings that are constructive, effective and positive.

Families who have a loved one with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD or panic/anxiety disorders are welcomed and encouraged to attend. 

The Branch meets regularly (January, March, May, September, and November).  Click the link for information on the next Branch meeting.

Regional Coordinator The Regional Coordinator’s task is to support  families to access the resources and services they may need for their loved one.   This may include help with letter writing, setting up and attending meetings, and other tasks unique to you. 

The Regional Coordinator, Danita Senf may be contacted at 604-485-8266.

The Support Group meetings for family members is the second Tuesday of each month at the Source club, 7pm to 8:30pm.

Family to Family Education

Family to Family education is a twelve-week program for families who have a loved one with a serious mental illness.  This course is offered to the residents of Powell River annually, usually in the early spring. The course balances basic psycho-educational skill training with self-care, emotional support and empowerment. Important components of the course are:

¨      brain diseases and biology

¨      coping skills

¨      handling crisis and relapse

¨      listening and communicating skills

¨       problem solving and limit setting

¨       rehabilitation, family stressors

¨      responsibilities expectations and self care

¨       medication and treatment options

¨      how to work with mental health professionals.

¨      The BC Mental Health Act and mental health services in Powell River

¨      Intervention

¨      Recovery

¨      Caring for well children

¨      Planning for the future

¨      Advocacy – getting better services, fighting discrimination