Who are we and what are we about?

We are families of loved ones living with a serious mental illness helping other families with this shared experience.

We help families through support, education and advocacy. We’re a volunteer-driven and membership-based family support organization doing ambitious work.

What do we mean by “family”?

For us, ‘family’ is an inclusive word. When we use it, we’re typically referring to a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend or partner. But you’re family to us if you’re caring for and supporting a loved one with a serious mental illness.

 

What serious mental illnesses are our families affected by?

The serious mental illnesses of our loved ones include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, concurrent disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia.

 

How did Pathways SMIS start?

Our society was born organically out of a need among families caring for a relative with a serious mental illness for information, resources and support that formal channels have not provided. We’ve been helping hundreds of families for nearly four decades.

 

What is unique about our programs and services?

Our programs and services are based on a peer support model. All the programs and services we offer such as one-on-one support, peer support groups, skills-building workshops and our Family-to-Family educational program, are delivered by trained Family Peer Support Volunteers. Family Peer Support Volunteers all have lived experience of caring and supporting a loved one with a serious mental illness.

 

Our vision

Our vision is to be a vibrant, innovative centre of support, education, awareness and advocacy for families and others affected by serious mental illness.

 

Our mission

Our mission is to alleviate the suffering caused by serious mental illnesses, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, concurrent disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and schizophrenia.

 

We achieve this mission and help hundreds of families a year through our four pillars.

 

Find out how our families can help yours: