Mental Health resources for families

(message received via family smart) FamilySmart Help for the Hard Times Monthly Poster 2023-24-1

Hello Comox Valley Community Partners,

Below are some new and upcoming mental health resources in the Comox Valley and province wide that might be of interest to you or the families you support:

1. Help for the Hard Times Workshop

• Are you a parent or caregiver of a child or youth who has been a patient in a psychiatric unit or had an ER visit due to their mental health?
• Help for the Hard Times workshops are hosted online and facilitated by parents with lived experience.
• Workshop is offered 4 times each month for families across BC. Registration is required.
• See attached poster for more info.

2. New FamilySmart Video: Supporting the Mental Health of our Trans and Gender Diverse Children and Youth

• This video resource has been created for parents and caregivers who are stepping into this journey with their child who has come out because we know how challenging it can be to discover and learn on our own.
• We also know our kids do better when the adults who care about them are supported.
• We hope this video conversation helps to support you and your family.

3. Parent Summer Walking Group with Foundry Comox Valley

• What: Connect with Foundry’s parent support counsellor and other parents/caregivers
• When: Tuesdays 4:30-5:30pm July & August

• Who: All parents of youth ages 12-24 are welcome to join.
• Contact: Lee at parentgroup.foundry@gmail.com or text 250-898-4842
• See attached poster for more info.

4. Skills System Training with Foundry Comox Valley

• What: Get traction in your life with the support of peers and professionals. A user-friendly set of emotional regulation skills, designed to manage emotions and move forward in your life.
• When: Mondays 1-3pm from July 17-August 28.
• Who: Youth age 12-24
• Contact: Text Shaeden at 250-218-1741
• See attached poster for more info.

5. Resource Spotlight: Breathr App

• Developed by the BC Children’s Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre and BC Children’s Centre for Mindfulness, along with young people, this free app provides ways to get started with mindfulness.
• Breathr provides opportunities for youth and young adults to try a variety of mindfulness practices, from guided meditations to simple practices that can be used anywhere.

Thanks for all the work you do to support families in our community!

All the best,