Strengthening Families Together
Education support group for families and friends of people with mental illness.
What is the program about?
Strengthening Families Together helps you understand, talk with and support your loved one with mental illness. Classes include a mix of education and discussion.
Who is the program for?
Anyone who has a family member or friend with a mental health diagnosis. The program helps people work through all types of serous mental illness such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, personality disorders or anxiety disorders.
How long is the group?
A 10 week group program that meets once a week for 2 hours.
Course Content
Week 1: Introduction to the program
Week 2: Facts about psychosis
Week 3: Causes and treatment
Week 4: Coping as a family
Week 5: Self-care
Week 6: Communication
Week 7: Living with mental illness
Week 8: Recovery
Week 9: Advocacy & understanding the mental health system
Week 10: Final session
Strengthening Families Together has been formally adapted by the Schizophrenia Society of Canada in collaboration with the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario to reflect the hope and recovery perspective of the Early Intervention Movement.
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“Recovery is a deeply personal process of changing one’s attitudes, feelings, goals, skills and/or roles. It is a way of living a satisfying, hopeful life even with the limitations imposed by disability. It involves developing new meaning and purpose in life as one grows beyond the catastrophic effects of illness/injury”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs the programs?
All programs have a minimum of 2 facilitators who are trained volunteers. Facilitators know people with mental illness or have a mental illness.
How are the programs funded?
By grants and donations. If you would like to donate money to the Kelowna branch, please call the office at 250-868-3119 or you may donate through our website.
Upcoming Program Dates & Locations:
Beginning of October
Location & format TBD