Focus Group

MetroValley Newspaper Group

Focus groups seek to improve services for the mentally ill

Fri 31 Oct 2008

Section: Richmond Review - Community

Richmond resident Mary Ann Wasnick has battled mental health issues her entire life, from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as a child to depression and bipolar disorder as an adult.

Wasnick sought help when her illness became worse, but mostly she tried to ignore her symptoms.

"I would take my medications until I felt well and then discontinue them," said Wasnick. "I didn't stay on my meds because having a mental illness meant an uncertain future for my kids."

According to Roz Walls, facilitator of the Richmond Supporting Family Project, the demands of looking after their mental health while wanting to protect their children from disruption can create a difficult combination of needs and stressors for parents with mental illness.

Walls hopes to determine what supports families coping with mental illnesses need in this community through three focus group discussions. Feedback will be sought on where participants have felt supported in Richmond. Where is there room for improvement? And what Richmond needs as a community?

Upcoming sessions:

Monday, Nov. 3, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., St. Alban's Church, 7260 St. Alban's Rd.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Cambie Community Centre, 12800 Cambie Rd.

Friday, Nov. 7, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Gilmore Park United Church, 8060 No. 1 Rd.

"We want to hear directly from this group to learn more about where they feel supported and where they believe the service gaps are in Richmond," said Walls.

"For many parents the most difficult time to access support for their illness is when they need it the most."

If you're a parent with a mental illness, a friend or a family member of a parent with a mental illness, you're invited for an evening of discussion, food, fun and entertainment.

The sessions are sponsored by Vancouver Coastal Health and the Ministry of Child and Family Development. Children are welcome.