Our History
A Storied Past
Our pasts are important; they inform our present, guide our future, and help us to understand the values that we hold. Mental Health Recovery Partners – Central Island has a storied history with deep roots in Nanaimo. From the need of a single family, to assisting thousands of families throughout the years, this story guides us to walk alongside caregivers through every walk of the mental illness recovery journey, offering support, a listening ear, education, and so much more.
We believe in you. You are doing a great job. This journey is hard, with many twists and turns, and we’re with you every step of the way. This is our story, so far.
Support Group Formed
Doris Rumsby reached out to the Canadian Mental Health Association to see if there was support for family members shortly after her daughter was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. While there wasn’t a group, Doris took up the mantle herself to invite others into her home for support, and the genesis of MHRP was born. It grew rapidly as a deep need was filled for caregivers to be seen and heard.
BCSS Nanaimo Founded
The needs of families were immediate and intense, with many caregivers coming forward into a safe community. This need led the group to reach out to the BC Schizophrenia Society for additional support and resources, ultimately fomring a local branch.
Housing
Recognizing the need for a future for their loved ones, members of the society purchased a local apartment building to house their loved ones suffering from mental illness. To ensure the future of the housing, a new society was spun off from the BCSS branch.
Friends of Schizophrenia continues today, offering housing in two separate locations in Nanaimo.
Society Registration
BCSS Nanaimo has continued to grow through the years, participating in local high schools, events, and growing connections with like-minded organizations. The next logical step is to obtain registered charity status from the CRA.
Name Change: MHRP Formed
With caregivers from all expressions of mental illness coming forward, BCSS Nanaimo, along with Victoria and Campbell River jointly formed Mental Health Recovery Partners to ensure we could offer the best programs to our communities.
Programs Expand
With additional funding secured, MHRP CI expanded education programs, support groups, and launched Nanaimo’s first Mental Health Navigator position.
The Story Doesn’t End Here
Mental Health Recovery Partners continues to push into our community to ensure that there is hope and support for all. Through community education, caregiver community, peer support, advocacy and more, we are dreaming of a different future for all who wrestle with mental illness. We’d love to have your voice as part of our community, wherever you happen to be in the journey today.
