ReachOut is a program of the BC Schizophrenia Society with funding from BC Partners of Mental Health and Addictions Information. We are proud to present ReachOut, a program which educates young people and their parents about psychosis, and in a fun and interactive environment reduces the stigma surrounding mental illness. (Click here for a video showing what our presentation is like.)

Information for Families and Teachers

In addition to the school concert for youth, ReachOut also provides resources and information for teachers and parents education program. Teachers are given a cd of resources on psychosis, and parents groups are provided with information and presentations on how to spot and stop this brain condition early. Early medical treatment of psychosis is very important to ensuring that young people make a full and speedy recovery. Click here for information and resources for parents, friends, siblings and teachers.

ReachOut Performances

Performances by the popular Vancouver band The Matinee and Slam Poet Barbara Adler are interspersed with psychosis information and tons of prizes from our Sponsors to help educate young people about psychosis. ReachOut is a dynamic performance suited for high school assemblies, as well as universities and evening shows.

ReachOut started touring lower mainland high schools in the spring of 2005, and continued to do so in the spring of 2006. Through its huge success Reac Out received more funding and sponsors, which has allowed the program to perform all year long. This extended funding also allowed us to travel through British Columbia to places like Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Pemberton, Williams Lake, Prince George and Victoria throughout the fall of 2006 and spring of 2007. (click here to find out more about our Tours and local dates).

ReachOut’s Message

The goal of ReachOut is to bring down barriers that exist around psychosis through music, slam poetry and fun, and to increase the chances of early intervention.

Psychosis is a topic that needs to be addressed in both high schools and universities, purely based on the large amount of misconceptions and the high prevalence.

Psychosis has no borders and affects 3% of the population at some point during their life, which makes it 6 times more common than diabetes! Most experience the first symptoms during high school or early university, and it can be a scary and intimidating time for affected individuals as well as those close to them. Early intervention is extremely important to increase the chances of full recovery. The earlier individuals receive treatment, the better it is. This is why we are educating young people, their teachers and families on how to spot and stop psychosis early.(to learn more about psychosis click here)

The Focus of ReachOut’s Message:

To find out more about Reach Out, and how to book us please click here

What People are Saying

“I have to say I appreciated the show coming to Kamloops as well as the grassroots interaction between performers and audience. Though Ten Ways and Barbara were preaching to the converted for the most part, the performers were so honest in their approach that the audience was comfortable enough to share gut-wrenching stories. It was those stories which underscored the tour’s message of “Psychosis Sucks … If there’s no one there to catch you.” - Bart Cummins: Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops

“All of Reach Out’s participants were excellent. A great balance of talking, music and slam poetry. Definitely a great consciousness raising event!” - Michael Douglas, Psychology Teacher at Okanagan College, Kelowna

“My husband & I have recently moved here for the winter from Ontario and went to a talk re Reach Out at TRU in Kamloops last eve. We have a 29 yr old son who suffers from schizophrenia and just wanted to say that we were very impressed with the Reach Out program to raise awareness of this illness. It is a very worthwhile program and again thank you!” - Lorraine Frymire, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops

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