Covid-19 and Supporting Parents

Parent Support Services Society of BC understands that these are stressful times for everyone, and that those in a parenting role face particular challenges. We know it is difficult.

Our mission is to support healthy families (including that of our staff), and therefore we are operating with skeleton staff during this pandemic. We are monitoring messages and will return phone calls and emails as soon as possible.

  • Our Kinship Care (Grandparents Raising Grandchildren) Support Line is operating with regular hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (10-2 pm). Toll free 1-855-474-9777 or email grgline@parentsupportbc.ca.
  • Following the recommendations of the Provincial Health Office, Bonnie Henry – Support Circle meetings are cancelled through till the end of March. We will revisit this decision, based on medical recommendations at that time.
  • All Parenting Workshops and Trainings are postponed till further notice.

We are currently exploring alternative ways to provide some of this much needed support and connection.

Our priority is the health and well-being of the families we serve. Please follow the advice of the health authorities, wash your hands frequently and for 20 seconds, maintain a safe social distance of 2 meters from each other when outside of our home. Cough into your elbow or sleeve. Avoid social gatherings. http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19 (Info is available here in multiple languages).

Look to our Facebook page for resources and ideas – https://www.facebook.com/ParentSupportBC/

The BC Council of Families recommends these helpful articles for families making the best of self isolation:

Here are some links to helpful resources on talking with children about the current situation:

We understand that these restrictions may cause emotional hardship for you. While there is a call for social distance, we encourage you to find alternate ways to connect with others, by phone Facetime, and other creative methods. If you are in emotional crisis please contact https://crisiscentre.bc.ca. For Indigenous people: https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca For domestic violence https://bwss.org. Other emergencies call 911.

This is a unique opportunity for families to spend time together. If you have the opportunity, get outside for fresh air, exercise, and even a moment or two in nature.

Please monitor our website, social media for future updates, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.