BCSS Youth

05/28/2026

Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month exists partly because the condition is still so widely misunderstood, and that misunderstanding has real consequences for people trying to get help.

BPD affects emotional regulation, relationships, self-image, and the way someone experiences stress or perceived rejection. It's frequently misdiagnosed and carries stigma that often stops people from reaching out at all. At Eli's Place, it's one of the conditions we think about deeply, because the people we exist to serve deserve better than a system that writes them off before they've had a real chance.

DBT and other approaches can make a genuine difference. But the evidence points to something broader too: recovery takes root in the right conditions. Stable community. Meaningful structure. Relationships where someone is truly known. Our blog takes a closer look at what BPD actually is, and why that context matters so much.

Read the full blog at https://heyor.ca/MWN8pY

05/13/2026

Last week, our BCSS Youth Manager spent the day at the UVic Flourishing Children and Youth Fair! ✨ We were so inspired by how engaged and proactive the youth speakers and panellists were. It’s amazing to see the next generation in action.

A huge thank you to the organisers for having us! 🤝

05/08/2026

We are shining a light on the incredible team behind BCSS Youth! 💫 They provide a vital safe space for kids, tweens, and teens navigating a family member's mental illness. They ensure that no young person has to walk this path alone.

We are proud to work alongside youth workers across BC to ensure every young person has the tools, community, and voice they deserve. To our team and all those in the field: thank you for your unwavering dedication.

Tag a youth worker you'd want to thank below! 🫂

05/07/2026

Youth don’t always have the words to describe deep emotional pain. Sometimes, that distress shows up in ways that can feel scary for parents and caregivers.

Tonight at 6:30 pm, join FamilySmart for a gentle, supportive webinar: 'When Our Children Hurt Inside.' Katie DeReus, a Registered Clinical Counsellor, will explore how small moments of 'being seen' can make a massive difference in a child’s safety and well-being.

More information here: https://familysmart.ca/event/when-our-children-hurt-inside-nurturing-awareness-and-the-power-of-relationships/

Younger children can experience emotional pain that they don’t yet have the words to describe. Sometimes this shows up as...

05/07/2026

BC Youth Week has become a provincial celebration to promote awareness of youth. Whether it's through art, sports, or advocacy, this week is all about building strong connections between youth and their communities.

Let’s celebrate the spirit of youth and the impact they make every day 💫

Learn more here: https://www.bcyouthweek.com/

BC Youth Week is a celebration of youth held annually from May 1st to 7th. Find out about youth week events in your area, how to become a member or sponsor and more.

05/07/2026

May 7 is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day 💫

Today reminds us to recognize that youth go through tough times too. It's a time to make sure they feel heard, understood, and supported. That means talking openly about mental health, teaching them the ins and outs of mental illness, and giving them the tools that help them address their own needs.

At BCSS Youth, we believe that no young person or young caregiver should have to navigate these 'tough times' alone. Through our programs, we create a safe space for youth to connect, learn, and realize that their experiences matter.

05/04/2026

Families caring for loved ones with schizophrenia or psychosis shouldn’t have to navigate both the illness and the stigma surrounding it. When we shift our perspective, we change the outcome for everyone involved.  This is why we are calling on everyone to Change Your Mind About Schizophrenia and Psychosis.
 
This May, we invite people to turn *understanding* into *action*. It’s not just about learning new facts; it’s about unlearning the biases that keep us apart. Doing so can change how we show up for the people living with a mental illness and the families who love them.  
 
Visit our website to learn how you can start to change your mind and take action today: bcss.org/changeyourmind
 
 

02/11/2026

Our deepest condolences go out to everyone affected by Tuesday’s unthinkable event in Tumbler Ridge - a tragedy no community should have to endure.

You are not alone. We are here for you.

In times like these, it is important to take care of ourselves and each other. If you or someone you know needs support, mental health resources are available:

• Anyone can call BC’s support line: 310-6789
• Visit foundryBC.ca or kidshelpphone.ca
• Youth can text: 686868
• Adults can text: 741741

02/06/2026

Calling all young adults (18–30) in BC! 📣 Are you looking for a career opportunity that prioritizes your personal growth and well-being? Outward Bound - Canada’s Youth Career Catalyst program - is now accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort.

This program is designed for youth who are currently not in school or working, and are looking for a supportive way to enter the workforce.

What’s included?
✅ 24 days of paid hands-on training (Vancouver Island)
✅ Up to 14 weeks of supported, paid work placements
✅ Individualized career coaching and mentorship

Learn more at https://bcssyouth.org/news-stories/ready-for-a-change-join-the-youth-career-catalyst-program/ 💡

Navigating the transition into the competitive workforce can be a complex and often overwhelming process, particularly for those seeking a career path that aligns with their personal strengths and goals. Outward Bound Canada’s Youth Career Catalyst (YCC) program is specifically designed to bridge ...

02/06/2026

Our ongoing *in-person* and *virtual* programs continue this February for youth aged 8–18 who have a family member living with a serious mental illness across BC. These offer a secure environment where participants can enhance their mental health literacy, build practical resilience, and connect with a supportive community of peers sharing similar lived experiences 💜

For detailed program information and registration, please visit bcssyouth.org 💫