SFT is offered at least twice per year to caregivers, family members, and students at no charge. There is a fee for professionals. There are 10-12 two-hour sessions covering topics such as different kinds of mental illness, local services available, medications, substance use, financial issues, suicide, communication, advocacy and self-care. The class is facilitated by a staff member from MHRPNI and a family member of someone with lived experience. The program empowers family members to help them help their loved ones get the best care possible.
This program was made possible with support from the City of Campbell River Social Grant Program, the CR Community Foundation and the Hamber Foundation.
Held at various times throughout the
year. Please contact us to put your name on the interest list or to arrange for
your staff to have a private workshop. Class size is limited to 15.
Free to family members with a loved one who has a mental illness, social work/nursing/community support worker college students and volunteers with social service agencies. $50 for Professionals.
Hearing Voices is an empathy-building experience which helps participants understand the challenges and strengths of people who experience psychosis. You will hear distressing voices while attempting to do different tasks, such as a mock intake at the ER. This is done by listening to voices on an mp3 player that were recorded by people who have experienced psychosis. The voices are based on those they have actually heard during their psychotic episodes.
Anyone can take this class: a neighbour, a paramedic, a bus driver, a cashier at a local store, a counsellor at a social service agency, a volunteer at a soup kitchen or a parent of someone with a mental illness. You will gain a better understating of what it’s like to live with a mental illness, and be able to communicate more effectively and empathetically with your loved one/client/patient.
A travel allowance is available for those who live outside of Campbell River (professionals not eligible).
The Nutritional Learning Program takes place every Wednesday at the Campbell River Beacon Club where adults with mental health issues learn valuable life skills while preparing a nutritious lunch for themselves and their peers. They work alongside the Beacon Club staff and sometimes practicum students and community volunteers. The participants learn how to shop on a budget, gain proper food handling and clean up skills, work as a team and socialization skills.