More support coming for caregivers of loved ones who use substances

Thanks to a partnership with Interior Health, and funding for Youth Substance Use services from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, MSTH is expanding Holding Hope groups in communities in the Interior.

Plans are underway for groups in Williams Lake, Kamloops, Nelson and Trail. Two in-person and three virtual groups, as well as a B.C.-wide virtual group, are already active in the interior. Two more in-person groups are starting up in February in Kelowna, and an in-person group is starting in Penticton soon.

Alison Kyte is a practice lead with Interior Health’s substance use team, and leads peer inclusion and engagement projects and initiatives. She works closely with Moms Stop the Harm to deliver peer support services to youth 12–24 years old. 

“Support groups like Holding Hope are a really important part of Interior Health’s substance use services. We believe this kind of peer support is best delivered by an organization like Moms Stop the Harm.” Adds Alison, “Our new partnership brings a focus to caregivers who are supporting youth 12–24 years old. Holding Hope groups have been evolving to meet the needs of those who are caring for children and young adults.”

Expanding to these new communities means there’s an important need for facilitators to help get the groups off the ground. Facilitators receive training – including harm reduction training – education, resources and ongoing support.

As Jacquie explains, “Leading a peer-run group is both a supportive and rewarding experience. Our facilitators all have lived experiences, and heal alongside group members.” She adds, “They often come to us when they’ve reached a point in their journey when they’re ready to give back.”

For caregivers of Aboriginal youth, Interior Health and MSTH are working with the First Nations Health Authority to create culturally safe facilitator guides. An Indigenous strategy lead and Indigenous parent peer supporters are also being recruited to collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to create a model for peer support.

In Kelowna, Holding Hope has partnered with the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society to host an in-person support group for Aboriginal caregivers.

Everyone’s journey is unique. Becoming a facilitator and leading a new support group is a wonderful opportunity to bring together other caregivers in your community.

If you’re at a point in your journey where you feel you have capacity to give back, please contact Jacquie Huser, project coordinator for Interior Parent Peer Support by email. Facilitators are needed to help establish new groups in Williams Lake, Kamloops, Nelson and Trail. If you would like to stay informed about a new Holding Hope group in your community, please email holdinghopeiha@gmail.com.

Interior Health and MSTH are also seeking organizations that can provide a space to host in-person support groups twice a month. Please contact Jacquie to learn more.

Losing a loved one to substance use-related harms often brings with it complex layers of grief. Many individuals feel isolated in their grief journey due to the stigma associated with the nature of the passing. 

Started in 2016 by a group of three moms who had lost their sons, Healing Hearts offers a safe, non-judgmental place for people to share their grief journey. There are 20 in-person and virtual Healing Hearts groups in B.C.

Find a Group

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you’re not alone. Explore these Interior Health services and resource through our webpages:

MHSU Caregiver Support

Adult substance use services and resources

Youth substance use services and resources