Family-to-Family Education, is a free 8-session educational program developed by NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, for family and friends of adults living with any mental illness. The NAMI Family-to-Family is a designated evidenced-based program. Research shows that the program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of the people closest to an individual with a mental health condition.

Family-to-Family is taught by NAMI trained family members who have been there and includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.

Family-to-Family not only provides critical information and strategies for taking care of your loved one, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.

In the program, you will learn: how to manage crises, solve problems and communicate effectively; to take care of yourself and manage your stress; develop the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion; find local supports and services; current information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain; treatments, including evidence-based therapies, medications and side effects; and the impact of mental illness on the entire family.

“My husband and I took the family education program and we learned a lot about mental illness.
We are better able to manage our expectations around our loved one and feel better equipped to handle any crisis that comes our way”.
– Leslee S.

Next Course: FALL 2023 (October-November) will take place in North Nanaimo -- Register for the Course Now