Have you supported a friend or family member with mental illness and or a substance use disorder ? Would you be interested in facilitating or co-facilitating a support group for other family and friends? We are looking for individuals throughout the South Okanagan- Similkameen that would be interested in volunteering to co-facilitate family support groups. This is a wonderful opportunity to help others and give back.

 Requirements - Lived experience supporting a family member or loved one with mental illness and or substance use disorder 

 - Able to dedicate 1 - 1 1/2 hours weekly, biweekly or monthly , depending on the frequency of the group. 

 -Able to commit to a minimum of one year as a facilitator

 -Willing to work with a co-facilitator

 -Ability to provide two to three references 

 -Comfortable speaking openly about mental health and substance use and their experiences supporting a family member or loved one with mental illness and or a substance use disorder

 -Accepting and supportive of a variety of opinions, experiences, and identities

 -Able to tolerate a wide spectrum of emotions and recovery phases

 -Flexible and open to change

 -Willing to redirect others for the purposes of keeping a safe space and/or including everyone 

 -Able to model and encourage validation and encouragement