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Peer support and counselling |
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Our peer support program provides family members with information and explanations of the illnesses - what the illnesses
are and what to expect - personal support, understanding through others' experiences, emergency advice, and recommendations on how to deal with the system. This is one-on-one counselling, given freely without an eye on the clock. Meetings usually take place in the Centre or by telephone, including contact
after hours if an unexpected development occurs. The support is provided by someone who knows the ropes and, equally important, understands the tumultuous feelings
families are often contending with because he
or she, being a family member, has gone through
the same kinds of experiences. |
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Difficulties and issues are discussed from the same practical, front-line perspective - the most important having to do with getting an ill relative or friend, suffering from psychosis, into treatment, including involuntary committal where indicated. Problems with the system are put into context and suggestions made for dealing with them. Departures from best practices by professionals when they occur - for example, not sharing information with families - are addressed. Peer support draws on the shared experiences of
society members and their often detailed background knowledge,
as well as our relationships with a network of
other mental health-related organizations. In the end, what makes peer support and counselling most meaningful and useful is that it comes from peers. Everyone is in the same boat
- it's families helping families. |
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If you would like to get together, please call the office at
604-926-0856.
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2010 North Shore Schizophrenia Society.