Site update: New web address

You may have noticed that our former web address, bchearingvoicesnetwork.wordpress.com, now redirects to a fancy new one: bchvn.ca. We think you’ll agree that this new address is a bit easier to remember! Don’t worry if you need some time to get used to the new address, though – the old one should still work just fine. While we’re in the process of switching over to the new bchvn.ca domain, you may have temporary trouble loading the BC Hearing Voices Network website. This should be resolved within the next two days.

We’ve also set up a new email address for questions related to the BC Hearing Voices Network or support groups in BC. You can now contact the BCHVN site administrator here: admin@bchvn.ca.

Thank you for your patience as we continue updating the site!

Site Updates and Art Opportunity for Youth

First, a brief site update: the BC Hearing Voices Network website is in the process of switching administrators this month, and you may notice changes to group information pages, site layout, etc over the next few weeks. This shouldn’t impact any groups that are currently running! We’re just in the process of bringing the website up to date to reflect what’s actually going on around BC. For now, any questions about the BCHVN, Hearing Voices groups in BC, or the website itself can be directed to Rory Higgs at rhiggs@foundrybc.ca. Please note that it might take a little while for us to get back to you during this transitional period. We appreciate your patience!

Second, an update on opportunities in the community: Foundry and the Consumer Initiative Fund will be offering a series of virtual art groups starting in February for young people ages 12-24 who live anywhere in BC and who identify as experiencing voices, visions, unique beliefs, and/or psychosis. Participants will be provided with supplies from The Paint Spot valued at $125, and each group cohort will be six sessions long, with sessions held every other Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 pm. Sessions will take place over Zoom and consist of a combination of guided creative exercises, discussion, and free creating time, as well as participation in a collaborative art project and (optionally) the opportunity to have your work exhibited online. The group will. be peer-led, meaning that the facilitators are not clinicians, but people who identify as having personal experience of voices, visions, unique beliefs, and/or psychosis.

To learn more, or to register for the group, check out the Groups & Workshops for Young People page on the Foundry website: https://foundrybc.ca/virtual/youth-groups/

Or, view the Spotlight on Mental Health posting: https://www.spotlightonmentalhealth.com/consumer-initiative-fund-cif/

For any additional questions, please contact the group facilitators, Rory Higgs (rhiggs@foundrybc.ca) and Anne Liao (aliao@foundrybc.ca).