Embedded Files
Our school counsellors provide a variety of services to Claremont students and their families intended to facilitate the educational, personal, social, emotional, and career development of students in schools and in the community.
Check out this month's SD63 Mental Wellbeing Snapshot!
Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca
The Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca, managed by the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions.
Everyone’s journey to wellbeing is different – whether you are on a personal journey or are supporting someone who is facing mental health or substance use challenges.
Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca was created because:
People from all over British Columbia should have the tools necessary to navigate accessing the services and resources they need. And sometimes you may not know where to start.
People need access to the right supports, at the right time, that meet them where they are at, easily and quickly.
This site is your trusted guide to finding the right information and services to meet your needs.
Upcoming Opportunities
Check back frequently for information on upcoming community events for students and families.
FamilySmart: Parent Education Events Coming up Soon!
Hello Everyone,
Here are some events that might of interest to you:
(1) In Person - Connecting With Our Kids When Anxiety Leads to Social Isolation ** This is going to be a great opportunity for families to have their questions answered by the counsellors on hand
Host: Esquimalt Military Family Resource Centre
Details: Parenting when our kid’s anxiety leads to social isolation is hard for everyone. A parent and counsellor talk about what anxiety and social isolation are, what it can look like and feel like for our kids and at home, strategies families can try, and how important it is to connect with our children before doing the hard work of trying new things.
Join us as we come together with other families to watch this video followed by a facilitated discussion
Date & Time: April 17th at 6:00 pm
Address: 2610 Rosebank Rd, Colwood, BC V9C 4J7
RSVP: Lisa.Tate@FamilySmart.ca
If you want to watch the video now here is the link:https://youtu.be/x5rvQPUbnSI?si=r0o-gXdeA9IcLsik
(2) Online - Understanding, Supporting and Connecting with Teens with Depression
(2) Online - Understanding, Supporting and Connecting with Teens with Depression
Mood roller coasters are a part of normal development for our teens, but sometimes something more is going on with their mental health. How can we tell the difference? At what point should we intervene, and how can we go about it? If you as a caregiver and feel lost about how to best support your teen struggling with Depression, you are not alone.
Join Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience and Karen Peters, a mental health therapist who supports children, teens and families, for a discussion about understanding how depression shows up in teens and ways of journeying with them through it.
Dates: April 11, 23, 25
Register: https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/
(3) Special 2- Hour Live Online Event - CONNECTING WITH KIDS: We know that having caring, connected conversations can significantly impact the mental health of children and youth. Join us to listen to Kim Barthel talk about having more self-compassion, self-awareness and knowledge about the art and science of relationships. Kim will introduce the basics of attunement, attachment theory, trauma-sensitive practice, sustainable self-care and above all the power of connection and inclusion.
Date & Time: Tuesday May 7th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Our May 7th event link with Kim Barthel - https://familysmart.ca/event/connecting-with-kids/
Also a reminder that you can now book online for one on one appointments with me, Lisa Tate, for parent support and navigation. Here is a link to my calendar to book a time this week or next.
https://lisa-tate.youcanbook.me/
Thank you
Lisa
FamilySmart Monthly Event: December Parent Education Workshops
Hello Everyone,
December can be such a special and difficult time for the families we support, as they sometimes have to adjust their priorities, expectations and traditions. I know all of you understand this and are busy supporting these families. I am grateful to be a part of this supportive community.
FamilySmart's online parent education for December: ADHD - The Real Deal: Join us in watching a video by Dr. Duncan, who will dispel the many myths surrounding ADHD by presenting up to date scientific facts about cause, prevalence, diagnosis and treatment. He will explain how and why the ADHD brain works the way it does.
Speaker: Dr. Don Duncan, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Time and Dates:
Tuesday December 5th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Wednesday December 6th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Thursday December 7th, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Tuesday December 12th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday December 14th, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
RSVP: https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/
Watch now: https://youtu.be/A9Vpmh7iHbc
Thank you and take care.
Lisa
Parent Peer Support Worker - Victoria, Sooke, Westshore
250-818-4810 | 1-855-887-8004
FamilySmart Monthly Event: November Parent Education Workshops
Hello Everyone,
There are 2 Parent Education topics highlighted for November.
(1) FamilySmart offers 5 dates this month to join other parents to watch and discuss our topic:
Emotion Regulation
Details: Join us in watching a video conversation with Nicole Allen, Clinical Counsellor at Fraser Health’s START Program. Nicole offers support to parents and caregivers with information and strategies to cope with emotion dysregulation and the challenges which many young people begin to experience as they enter and move through the adolescent years. We will be exploring the critical role which parents and caregivers play in creating the environment for positive change for their young people especially when things can be the most challenging.
This video presentation will be followed by a facilitated discussion by a FamilySmart Parent Peer
Support Worker.
Dates & Times:
Wednesday Nov. 8, 6:00 pm
Tuesday Nov. 14, 6:30 pm
Thursday Nov. 16, 12:00 pm
Tuesday Nov. 21, 6:00 pm
Thursday Nov. 23, 6:30 pm
To Register: https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/
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(2) Foundry Victoria is hosting an in-person Parent workshop November 15th at 6:00 pm
Topic: The gift of Neurodiversity*: A strengths-based introduction for parents of newly diagnosed children & youth *(someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals.)
Speaker: Mary Klovance is a dedicated advocate and educator in the field of neurodiversity and the owner of The Neurodiversity Family Centre. With a background in school counselling and private practice and a passion for supporting families, she has devoted her career to helping parents navigate the often challenging journey of raising children and youth with neurodivergencies.
Mary's Neurodiversity Affirming Workshop is a unique and invaluable resource for parents of children and youth who have recently received a neurodivergence diagnosis. This workshop is designed to empower parents with knowledge, understanding, and practical tools to embrace neurodiversity and create a supportive and nurturing environment for their children.
Key Workshop Details:
(1) Neurodiversity Affirmation
(2) Strengths-Based Parenting
(3) Parental Self-Care
(4) Managing Expectations
(5) Parenting Tips and Strategies
Followed by time for Questions.
Time & Date: Wednesday November 15th at 6:00 pm ( In-Person )
Location: Foundry Victoria 546 Yates St., Victoria
Cost: Free
Please RSVP: Lisa.Tate@FamilySmart.ca
Thank you
Lisa
Beyond Behaviours: When Is It More? What It Looks Like at Ages 4 to 8:
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 25 minute video presentation featuring speaker Victoria Keddis, a parent with lived experience, and Karen Peters, a mental health therapist who supports children, teens and families, for a discussion about understanding challenging behaviours in the younger years.
This video presentation will be followed by a facilitated discussion by a FamilySmart Parent Peer Support Worker. 6:30pm to 8:00pm Pacific Daylight Time (British Columbia).
These events are funded for parents and caregivers living in the province of British Columbia and for CASA families in Alberta. If you are from another province or territory, or live outside of Canada, we welcome you to visit our video library at www.familysmart.ca/videos and use our resources. Thank you.
FamilySmart has one last parent education topic until the fall!
Beyond Behaviours: When Is It More? What It Looks Like at Ages 4 to 8:
Why can it feel so tricky to tell if our kids are on track, going through a phase, as opposed to struggling with something more, or beyond behaviours? In this video conversation, a parent and counsellor talk about the developmental stages of 4 to 8 year old children.
Speaker: Karen Peters, a mental health therapist who supports children, teens and families
Watch Now: https://youtu.be/pilkjOVOVaM
Join one of our online events for viewing the video followed by a discussion with other parents.
Dates and Times:
June 1 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
June 7 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
June13 - 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
June 19 - 9:30 am - 11:00 am
June 21 - 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost: Free of Charge
Registration: www.familysmart.ca/events
Thank you
Lisa
A message from Lisa Tate, Family Peer Support Worker, Family Start:
Hello Everyone,
I hope you are doing well and ready for spring!
I wanted to share with you a fantastic opportunity to register for an upcoming event by a professional whose work was an important turning point for our family!
Details:
Dr. Ross Greene will speak about how Collaborative and Proactive Solutions can help us show our kids we care about them. Solving problems together creates connection and allows our children to be a part of finding solutions to what is causing their concerning behaviour. Dr. Greene’s work reminds us that things go better for everyone, when we solve problems together and that kids do well if they can.
DATE: Thursday, May 4, 2023 TIME: 6:00pm - 8:00pm (PST)
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: familysmart.ca/events
This event is part of FamilySmart’s National Child & Youth Mental Health Day celebrations, for more info and resources go to: may7icare.ca
Thank you🌺
Lisa
Lisa Tate
Parent Peer Support Worker - Victoria, Sooke, Westshore
250-818-4810 | 1-855-887-8004
A message from Lisa Tate, Family Peer Support Worker, Family Start:
Hello Everyone,
Every month FamilySmart hosts events for families along with our regular support and mental health system navigation. If you would like to set up a chat please reply to this email.
(1) Monthly "In The Know" - We watch a video together and share experiences and strategies that may be helpful to your family.
March "In The Know" - A Conversation for Families About Digital Wellbeing & Mental Health - As parents It's not easy to know how much time on technology is too much and how to set boundaries that don't create conflict.
Join us for a conversation with a digital wellbeing expert to learn some practical solutions to our everyday concerns and challenges around our kids' use of screens and their mental health.
Come together with other families to watch this 30 minute video presentation followed by a facilitated discussion by a FamilySmart Parent Peer Support Worker.
Date(s):
Monday March 6, 2023 630-8pm
Thursday March 16, 2023 930-11am
Wednesday March 22, 2023 12-130pm
Tuesday March 28, 2023 630-8pm
Thursday March 30, 2023 5-630pm
Cost: Free of Charge
Registration required: www.familysmart.ca/events
(2) Help For the Hard Times Workshop - for parents and caregivers whose children have been at the ER or have had a hospital stay for mental health or substance use issues.
Details for 1-hour Workshops:
Session 1: How to support a safety plan at home (Part 1)
Session 2: How to support a safety plan at home (Part 2)
Session 3: How to take care of yourself and your family after a crisis
Session 4: How to find the resources you need
Cost: Free of Charge
Dates & Times: March 6, 8, 13, 15, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
For more information and registration please visit:www.familysmart.ca/workshops
Thank you
Lisa
Lisa Tate
Parent Peer Support Worker - Victoria, Sooke, Westshore
250-818-4810 | 1-855-887-8004
A message from Lisa Tate, Family Peer Support Worker, Family Start:
Happy New Year!
I hope you and your family members are well. Here are 4 things that might be of interest to you and if there are resources you would like me to look into or you have discovered some you would like to share, just let me know.
(1) FamilySmart'sTopic in our January Education and Parent Connection Groups will be Self Harm: There is Always Help, There is Always Hope
Hear Kim Leifso a clinical counsellor and Ciara, a young person with lived experience; talk about what they know and have experienced with self-harm. Come together with other families to watch this 30 minute video presentation followed by a facilitated discussion by a FamilySmart Parent Peer Support Worker.
"We understand that this topic can be hard and you are welcome to attend in a way that feels comfortable to you. You are welcome to attend with your camera on or off, and you are welcome to join anonymously or by changing your name".
Dates:
Monday January 9, 2023 12-130pm
Thursday January 12, 2023 5-630pm
Tuesday January 17, 2023 630-8pm
Monday January 23, 2023 630-8pm
Wednesday January 25, 2023 930-11am
Cost: Free
Registration required: www.familysmart.ca/events
(2) The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) is offering a series of online programs helping parents of teens, pre-teens, and children gain confidence, discover practical tips and resources, and find support from other parents.
Parents Together Tuesdays-Ongoing- For Parents with Kids age 13-25 - 12-1:30pm or 6:30-8pm
Parents in the Know Wednesdays For Parents with Kids age 13-18 - 6:30-8PM - 10-12 weeks
Parenting Without Power Struggles Thursdays For Parents with Kids age 9-12 - 6:30-8PM -10-12 weeks
Cost: Free
Information & Register: referrals@bgcsvi.org
(3) "New Digital Therapeutics for ADHD in Children." Video Replay: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/neurotechnology-options-adhd-treatment-children/
Dozens of new tools — variously referred to as digital therapeutics, neurotechnologies, and digital medicine — are now being developed and marketed. But what do we know about how they work, who they help, and whether they are effective?
Everyone who works for FamilySmart, has lived experience with their own children and we can offer support, help you navigate the Mental Health & School Systems and recommend resources in the community.
If you would like to have a chat about your child, just email me back and we can set up a time to talk.
Thank you & take care,
Lisa
We are a Neurodiversity (ND) affirming centre where we don't see ND as the problem but instead a roadmap for support. We focus on a family centered approach where the health and wellness of the whole family is the goal whether the primary client is the youth or caregiver(s). Although each practitioner uses their own unique set of skills and therapy styles, as a centre, we focus on the use of the collaborative problem solving approach by Dr. Ross Greene with our clients.
Upcoming Workshops provided by
The Neurodiversity Family Centre
Webinar - Parenting Neurodivergent Youth:
Emotional and Self-Regulation Strategies
Presented by Mary Klovance
September 28, 2022, 07:00 PM-8:30 PM
$50 per family
Webinar - Parenting Youth with ADHD: Newly diagnosed
Presented by Stephanie McAlister
September 29, 2022, 07:00 PM-8:30 PM
$50 per family
Webinar - Caring for Families Too: For Parents of Trans Children & Youth
Presented by Kirsten Mueller
October 05, 2022, 07:00 PM-9:00 PM
$60 per family
Webinar - More than just bathrooms: A Workshop for Parents of 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth
Presented by Sarah Wilson
November 2, 2022, 06:00-7:00 PM
$50 per family
Free Online Webinar
Parenting Youth with ADHD
Mary Klovance will be offering a free webinar for families in partnership with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. This is an introductory workshop to the paid workshop: Parenting Neurodivergent Youth: Social Emotional and Regulation Strategies.
October 6, 2022, 6:30pm
Parents Together - Parenting Teens
Boys & Girls Club
Tuesdays (ongoing) | 12:00pm -1:30pm or 6:30pm - 8:00pm | ONLINE
Sometimes parenting challenges can feel overwhelming. This program for parents of teens provides ongoing support. Manual and materials are provided to participants. Parents may stay in the group as long as they feel they need support and help in their daily parenting.
Topics include:
Attachment and relationship-based practices
Communication and 6 critical messages
Developmental changes in pre-adolescence
Adolescent brain development
Boundaries, and turning over responsibility as appropriate
Self-care – taking back your life
Adolescent mental health
Substance use and teens
Registration: parentingprograms@bgcsvi.org
Foundry Virtual BC: Check out all of the virtual groups and workshops available here! https://foundrybc.ca/virtual/groups-workshops/
Parents of Gender Creative or Trans Youth
Parent Support Services of BC
1st and 3rd Thursday of each month | 7:30PM
We understand parenting kids who are gender expressive or who are trans is unique. Connect with others in the same situation and share your joys, hardships and learn from each other. Circles are confidential and safe for all members.
For more information or to register contact: cassandra.strain@parentsupportbc.ca OR office@parentsupportbc.ca or register HERE
Mind Me
Foundry BC Virtual
Are you a youth between the ages of 14-17 struggling with low mood and anxiety? Join Foundry Virtual BC's new group, MindMe where we will learn about common worries, anxiety, and depression and understand the impact of emotions and thoughts on our well-being.
This group will also aim to facilitate the learning of strategies to cope with challenging emotions, worries and situations that can feel overwhelming. To learn more and register, email online@foundrybc.ca
Caregivers Support
Foundry BC Virtual
This is a support group for caregivers of young people age 12-24 to connect in a safe, inclusive, and confidential space. This group will be facilitated by two caregivers with lived experience supporting youth with various mental health and substance use challenges. Topics discussed each week will vary, and will ensure ample time for open dialogue.
For questions or registration, email online@foundrybc.ca
Teens in Control
BC Schizophrenia Society
Teens in Control is a support and education group for youth who have a family member (e.g., parent, sibling) with mental illness. The groups help youth better understand and cope with mental illness in their family.
For more information and registration, please contact: kidsincontrol@bcss.org
Help for the Hard Times
Family Smart
Monthly (ongoing)| ONLINE
FamilySmart is starting a new workshop series called Help For The Hard Times. These workshops are for South Island families and caregivers whose child or youth has been a patient in a psychiatric unit or have had repeated hospital ER visits at Victoria General or Ledger House. These will be facilitated by parents with lived experience and are hosted online. (I am one of the facilitators) Also, there is no cost to families.
Session 1: How to support a safety plan at home (Part 1)
Session 2: How to support a safety plan at home (Part 2)
Session 3: How to take care of yourself and your family after a crisis
Session 4: How to find the resources you need
Cost: FREE
For more information and registration: https://familysmart.ca/workshops/
Check out Family Smart's other parenting workshops! Click Here
Parent Support Circle Vancouver Island - Parenting Teens
Parent Support Services of BC
Thursdays (ongoing) | 7:30PM | ONLINE
Raising children to be the best they can be is no easy task. Parent Support Circles provide a safe, supportive space to share ideas and information with others who are raising teens. Join weekly for support circle meeting with other parents of teens to discuss common issues that come up. Explore ideas to help adjust in ways that allow you to support your teen in becoming a capable and independent adult.
Cost: FREE
To register, visit bit.ly/provcircleform or contact Sandi Halvorson at sandi.halvorson@parentsupportbc.ca or 250-468-9658
The Saanich School District resides on the traditional territory of the W̱SÁNEĆ people encompassing the four local communities: BO,ḰE,ĆEN (Pauquachin), W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), W̱,SIKEM (Tseycum), and S,ȾAUTW̱ (Tsawout). We would like to acknowledge and thank the W̱SÁNEĆ people for sharing their territory. HÍSW̱ḴE
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