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Strengthening Families Together offers education and support to family members, friends and caregivers of a loved one with a mental illness. This 6-week program meets once a week for approximately 2.5 hours, during which families, caregivers and friends learn more about mental illness and the mental health system. They are given an opportunity to develop and practice healthy coping strategies for dealing with some of the difficulties they may be facing. Families will also learn: * effective communication skills to help handle new challenges * how to deal with stigma * how to resist messages of self-blame Refreshments will be provided and there is an optional celebration dinner after completion of program. Contact the Northwest Regional Educator at 250-922-5178 or terrace@bcss.org for more information and / or to register.