FamilySmart: Mental Health Support & Family Peer Support for Families

As we begin 2026, the team at FamilySmart is sharing a message of care and connection for families. January can feel challenging with the return to school and full schedules, and many parents and caregivers may feel stretched or unsure about what their family needs next. If that’s the case, you are not alone — and support is available.

FamilySmart is grateful to walk alongside families and offer opportunities for connection, understanding, and practical help throughout the year.

Family Peer SupportFamily Peer Support Workers are at the heart of FamilySmart. They are parents who understand the emotional challenges of supporting a child with mental health and/or substance use concerns, because they have lived this journey themselves.

This month, FamilySmart is introducing Corinna, a Family Peer Support Worker supporting families in the Fraser Health region. Families whose children or youth are connected with Fraser Cascade ICY, ADTP East, START, or Transition Team East may be invited to connect with her.

Corinna shares her perspective on walking alongside families during hard moments and reminding parents and caregivers that they don’t have to do this alone.

“As parents we do the best we can with what we have, and we can still feel like complete failures. Parenting a child or youth who is struggling is hard. We are here for you.”

👉 Find support here

Support After a Mental Health CrisisFamilySmart also offers Help for the Hard Times, a free online series created by families, for families, to support caregivers after a child experiences a mental health crisis.

The series provides reassurance, practical tools, and opportunities to connect with others who have had similar experiences.

👉 Learn more here

Families who want to learn about crisis support and safety at home — even if their child has not had an emergency room or inpatient experience — can also access the video:

Supporting Safety at Home When Your Child Has a Mental Health Crisis.

FamilySmart reminds families that support is available, questions are welcome, and no one has to navigate these challenges alone.