http://www.bcss.org/programs/2007/05/kids-in-control/
Teens in Control – Educational and Support Group for teens who have a parent with a mental illness
Following the tremendous success of the Kids in Control program of the BC Schizophrenia Society in your community and a demand for a similar program for older youth, the Teens In Control Program was created and is now being offered. Funding for this program is usually only offered once a year, so now is the time to refer youth who could benefit! The next program begins Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 and spans eight weeks (one session per week). It will take place at The Lower Mainland Purpose Society in New Westminster, BC from 5:00-7:00pm.
The TIC program builds on the curriculum offered in the original with some age-appropriate adaptations. In the group, teens learn:
1. that their parents’ mental illness is not their fault nor responsibility to care for or fix
2. how to deal with stigma about mental illness
3. the facts about mental illnesses and treatment
4. how to identify feelings and defenses
5. about healthy boundaries and how to communicate feelings
6. how to make conscious and responsible choices
7. communication and listening skills through role-play exercises
8. about the connection between attitudes and self-esteem (negative self-talk and the power of positive thinking)
9. healthy self-care practices and means to cope with stress.
10. that they are resilient and to recognize their means for future success.
The group is run in a relaxed and social setting. One of the greatest benefits of the group is that teens get the support of other teens who share their unique experience. Whether teens have a parent with depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or any other mental illness, they all find that they have some common experiences and ways to cope.
Again, the program will take place on Tuesdays, beginning March 5th and ending on April 30th. There is no cost to participants. The Lower Mainland Purpose Society is located at 40 Begbie St, New Westminster, which is two blocks from the New West Skytrain station. Bus tickets will be provided to participants who require them. We are asking for your assistance in identifying and referring teens who would benefit from this group. To refer a teen to the group, or if you have any questions about whether this group is appropriate for a family you know, please contact us.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Paige Freeman
The Lower Mainland Purpose Society
(604) 526-2522
paige.freeman@purposesociety.org