Late registrations are still being accepted for a unique, 12-week program being offered by the North Shore Schizophrenia Society in Squamish.
“Family-to-Family is a peer-based, 12-session course that helps family members with a mentally ill relative — those with an illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or an anxiety disorder. It covers symptoms, medications, problem-solving, how to communicate, what it's like to be mentally ill, looking after yourself as caregiver, and many other subjects,” society officials said in a statement.
The course, which began on Tuesday (March 9), runs on consecutive Tuesday evenings through May 25. Late registrations are welcome, officials said.
Family-to-Family aims to reduce stress levels and help family members cope. The tools and skills are designed to help family members re-balance their personal goals with their care-giving roles, society officials said.
Sessions in West Vancouver are always full and have included participants from the Sea to Sky corridor, officials said.
“We continue to hear how much services offered by NSSS are needed in Sea to Sky,” said Christine Buttkus, NSSS outreach coordinator for Sea to Sky. “We really want families to know that there are supports available close to home: You don’t have to struggle in isolation.”
There is no charge for the Family-to-Family program. To register, please contact Sue at (604) 898-9372 or by email at sue@northshoreschizophrenia.org, or Marguerite at 1-604-926-0856. For more information visit the NSSS website at www.northshoreschizophrenia.org.
