Supporting Families aims to support families affected by parental mental health and addiction concerns. We offer opportunities for members of a family to access appropriate community supports, learn new information and skills, and most importantly, strengthen social connections in the community.
If you or someone you know is interested in accessing our services, please visit the Supporting Families page, or you may send us a completed referral form through our contact page. Once a contact is received, we will be in touch to set up an intake appointment (can be over the phone or in person).
Our Origin
In the mid-2000s, a group of health care, not-for-profit and social service providers gathered in Richmond to discuss and hold a series of community consultations about gaps in services. A clear theme emerged: there was an unmet need for services to support children, youth and families affected by parental mental health or addiction concerns– especially among children and youth who were themselves not affected by a mental health or addiction concerns and therefore not able to connect to many existing supports. Thus, this program was born!
All of the services we offer are free! Our program is run as a partnership between several Richmond-based health care, not-for-profit and social services. The program is formally led by RASS with community partners such as Vancouver Coastal Health, Canadian Mental Health Association-Vancouver Fraser, Ministry for Child and Family Development, Touchstone Family Association, Pathways Clubhouse, and Chimo Community Services among others.
Our Mission
Our mission is to engage with children, youth and families affected by parental mental health and addiction concerns in a welcoming, respectful and fun manner. In an effort to support children, youth and families affected by parental mental health lead lives they can feel proud of, we offer:
- Individual or family-based short-term counselling with a clinical counsellor to determine which local service(s) may best suit a family’s needs
- Multi-week groups and one-time events that offer opportunities to learn new information and build new skills for children, youth and families
- Social events that offer opportunities for children, youth, and families to build social connections in the community and connect with program staff and community partners in more relaxed, activity-based settings…often with shared meals and games!
Testimonials from Supporting Families clients
Family Fun Night
Kids liked the craft and games
Parent Education Group
Great experience to learn new ideas
Parent Education Group
The presenters were really knowledgeable, and I wish the parent group can be longer.
Family Fun Night
Meeting new friends and knowing I’m not the only one struggling with mental health concerns. I like the food and games.
Family Fun Night
Thank you for always being so kind and for making the effort to ask how we are!
Parent Education Group
Learning things I never knew and listening to other families.
Parent Education Group
Having to know that there is support and I am not alone.
Parent Education Group
Gaining insights on how to better understand your child and also hearing what other parents experienced.
Parent Education Group
At first, I was not comfortable of the idea of a parent group because of the fear of being judged, but it’s comforting to know that parents undergo difficulties and it’s not just me.