We know that this is a hectic time as students, teachers, schools and families are wrapping up for summer.
We wanted to let you and VSB families know that FamilySmart parent and caregiver peer support remains available over the summer months. Families can reach out directly by email to Vancouver@familysmart.ca or by phone (604) 607-9581 . Please share this information with your school community
Support is free, confidential and for any parent or caregiver who is supporting a child or youth ( up until age 24) who is struggling with their mental health and/or substance use. No diagnosis required and no waitlists.
We also have summer Connect and Learn virtual events happening in July and August. Free . Registration required
July 9, 6:30-8:00 PM Beyond Behaviours: When is it More? Ages 13-18
It can be tricky to tell if our kids’ development is on track, if they are going through a phase, or struggling with something more? You are not alone. Come together with other families to watch this video presentation featuring speaker Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience and Karen Peters, Registered Clinical Counsellor who supports children, teens and families, for a discussion about understanding challenging behaviours in the teen years.
August 18 6:30-8:00 PM Working Together: Families and Schools
When our kids struggle with their mental health, challenges can often have a great impact on their school experience. As parents it can be really hard to know where to begin. How do we take the first step and let the school know what is going on for our family? What are the supportive options that are available to my child? We might even worry that we will be judged for the difficulties our child is facing.
Come together for a video presentation featuring a parent with lived experience and Ashley Ragoonaden, Principal at École KLO Middle School. Together they will discuss how looking at challenges from a strength based perspective can help us collaborate.
This video presentation will be followed by a facilitated discussion by a FamilySmart Parent Peer Support Worker.