An organization that helps parents who support young people with mental health issues is reaching out to more Renfrew County families this summer.
Pleo’s Mobile Support Group program is underway. It comes to a different community each month. It’s event in Barry’s Bay is August 15 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
Pleo Family Peer Supporter Bonnie Schryer says the meetings are bringing out new families, who can meet other families dealing with similar issues. They can learn more about services available in their communities.
“It’s really an opportunity for parents to come together and feel like they’re not alone in what they’re dealing with, that there are others out there,” she says. “It’s a very safe, positive atmosphere; a place to come together and say, ‘ok, I’m not alone in this.’”
Pleo supports parents of youth up to age 25. Schryer says its programs support families dealing with a range of different mental health issues, such as depression, or addictions.
For more information, see Pleo’s website.