The BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) is a registered charity (118801141RR0001) started in 1983 by families, in support BC families affected by schizophrenia and psychosis.

Schizophrenia affects one in 100 people, with the predominant age of onset between 15 and 25 years old. If treated early, schizophrenia can be managed effectively, allowing for a reasonable quality of life. If not diagnosed and treated, this brain disease can cause continued psychotic episodes that reduce an individual’s quality of life to extended hospital stays (more than any other disease or disorder), homelessness (80% of Canada’s chronic homeless are mentally ill), and revolving periods in jail (9.5% of Canadian inmates have schizophrenia). In addition, 50% of all people with schizophrenia attempt suicide; 10-15% will succeed.