Opportunities From: iVolunteer Powered by United Way British Columbia

Co-Facilitator Family Recovery Journey

Family Recovery Journey is a program of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada to educate families and friends and provide tools for managing the impact of psychosis on their lives. 

This 5 session 2 hour each program provides:

- Strategies for Managing the Impact of Psychosis and Schizophrenia on the Family  

 - Overview of Psychosis and Schizophrenia

 - Living with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

 - Managing Crises

 - Lived Experience & Recovery

 - Building Strengths and Going Forward

Who can be a Co-facilitator?  

Any person with lived experience as a family member supporting a loved one or close friend with serious mental illness and an understanding of recovery who has:

·       A desire to facilitate the program and to help other families by sharing information along with personal knowledge and experience.

·       An ability to share information from a personal perspective about the issues that friends and family members may face.

·       Good communication skills, both as a speaker and a listener.

·       An ability to co-lead and share the workload with another facilitator.

Family Recovery Journey is offered 3 times per year during the months of January, May, and September. The course at this time is offered in a hybrid model online and in-person at the Mental Wellness Centre. 

Additional Requirements: 

Lived/living experience of supporting a loved one or close friend with serious mental illness Maintain the confidential information of the organization and support group attendees.  Read and comply with SOSMWS’ policies, procedures and guidelines  Willingness to undergo training relevant to duties (Required) A commitment to facilitating the full program for a year. Experience and comfort leading adult groups. (asset) Criminal record check (Required)

 

Mental Health Support Group Co-facilitator
Description:

Have you supported a friend or family member with mental illness and or a substance use disorder ? Would you be interested in facilitating or co-facilitating a support group for other family and friends? We are looking for individuals throughout the South Okanagan- Similkameen that would be interested in volunteering to co-facilitate family support groups. This is a wonderful opportunity to help others and give back. 

Requirements:
- Lived experience supporting a family member or loved one with mental illness and or substance use disorder

- Able to dedicate 1 - 1 1/2 hours Co-

-Able to commit to a minimum of one year as a facilitator

-Willing to work with a co-facilitator

-Ability to provide two to three references

-Comfortable speaking openly about mental health and substance use and their experiences supporting a family member or loved one with mental illness and or a substance use disorder

-Accepting and supportive of a variety of opinions, experiences, and identities

-Able to tolerate a wide spectrum of emotions and recovery phases

-Flexible and open to change

-Willing to redirect others for the purposes of keeping a safe space and/or including everyone

-Able to model and encourage validation and encouragement

The South Okanagan Similkameen Mental Wellness Society provides education and support for children ages 8 to 18 who have a family member with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.

The Kid and Teens in Control programs provide an opportunity for group members to learn about mental health and mental illness, and build resilience by learning about self-care and healthy coping strategies.The programs provide a safe space for children and youth to talk about mental illness, share their experiences, and ask questions.

Kids in Control is an eight-week program for ages 8-12 each session is 1.5 hours.

Teens in Control is a two-day workshop for ages 13-18 each session is 2 hours. 

As a Co- Facilitator you will be Expected to do the Following:
• Build an inclusive environment and ensure the equitable participation of everyone present;
• Create a safe space for group members to engage according to their own comfort level.
• Modify the content to suit the learning needs, interests, and maturity level of the group;
• Manage group time effectively, being mindful of start, break, and finish times;
• Be well-prepared and organized for each session, including being familiar with the activities, handouts, and discussion topics;
• Share personal stories and experiences wisely, always maintaining the focus on your role as a facilitator, not a group member;
• Maintain accurate records

Requirements:
• Experience working with children and youth
• Education related to topic area (Prefered)
• Lived experience of mental illness or supporting someone with mental illness
• Criminal Record Check (Required)

The Partnership Education Presentation Program uses a personal storytelling model to shed light on the reality and scope of severe and persistent mental illness. The Partnership Education Presentation acts as a anti-stigma and public awareness presentation. Partnership Presentations are made up of  a panel of three guest speakers — usually a person with a mental illness, a family member, and a mental health professional— share their insights and personal journeys with mental illness.

 

Person with Lived Experience of Mental Illness:

If you are a person who lives with schizophrenia, psychosis, or a related mental illness such as schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, clinical depression or anxiety; then you might fit into this role. We provide an opportunity for you to share your story of recovery and hope with others.

Family Member with Experience of Supporting a Loved one with Mental Illness:

If you are a family member of someone living with schizophrenia, psychosis, or a related mental illness such as schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, clinical depression or anxiety; then you might fit into this role. We provide an opportunity for you to share your story of supporting your loved one and how you have been affected by mental illness with others.

Mental Health Advocate:

If you have a passion for mental health and enjoy public speaking, then you might fit into this role. Mental health advocates share common misconceptions and stigmas, wellness tools and resources, while also providing a brief overview of schizophrenia and related mental illnesses.

Requirements:

Knowledge of the various types of mental illness and local resources Willingness and ability to present in front of large groups of people Willingness to be open and share about your experience Criminal Record Check (Required) Ability to reliable commute within the community and throughout the South Okanagan Similkameen