Holding Hope Partners with the Interior Health Authority in BC

Moms Stop the Harm BC is excited to announce our partnership with the Interior Health Authority (IH). In September of 2022, as part of their new and expanded youth substance use services, Moms Stop the Harm was awarded a contract to deliver peer support services for caregivers of youth who use substances.

We will offer the same Peer-led Holding Hope Support Groups to support, connect, and share without stigma. Parents, spouses, siblings, and friends whose loved ones, of all ages (including youth 12-24), who use or have used substances are welcome. Holding Hope groups provide the reassurance that you are not walking this journey alone. It’s a safe place to build your strength and resilience to support your loved ones.

Holding Hope support group facilitators within the IH offer some one-to-one support in addition to meetings. The one-to-one support may include helping participants navigate services for their loved ones, accompanying them to services, providing information about services, providing emotional support, and providing other information as needed.

Holding Hope (IH) will be recruiting an Indigenous Strategy Lead and Indigenous Parent Peer Supporters with a goal of having Elders and Knowledge Keepers developing Indigenous resources and creating a model for Indigenous Holding Hope groups for caregivers of youth and one-on-one support.

We are looking forward to partnering with other organizations within the Interior Health (BC) during the next year to grow the Holding Hope groups. This includes reaching out to treatment centres and community organizations to help spread the word.

Holding Hope offers support groups in the following areas of the Interior Health region: Castlegar (in person group), Cranbrook (in person group), Kelowna (in person group), East Kootenays & Kootenay Boundary (virtual), and Vernon (virtual). There is also a BC- wide virtual support group option. To find a group in your area click on the website tab “Find a Group”.

If you know someone who resides in the Interior Health Region and who might be interested in volunteering as a facilitator, please contact Jacquie Huser at holdinghopeiha@gmail.com