In 1977, eight anglophone parents in the Montreal area who were caring for adult children with mental illness realized that there were few if any resources in English in Quebec for families like theirs – so they got together and talked among themselves, and then they made their own.

The AMI-Québec network began with in‐person caregiver support group meetings in Montreal and pre‐internet phone conferences. Today, they offer support groups for caregivers and for people living with mental illness, one‐on‐one counselling for families and spouses and a range of online workshops and educational activities to help caregivers better understand mental illness and gain resilience.

Although the network is based in Montreal, its activities are open to anyone in Quebec who is dealing with a mental illness or caring for someone who is, and who needs support in English. Some activities are for people with mental illness only, some for caregivers only and some “mixed” to let participants see both perspectives.

“Several of our programs are support groups and workshops are available to English speakers across Quebec,” said AMI adminis- trator Diana Verrall. “We’re trying to reach out, because we know there are not many services in English across the province.”

Verrall said the organization moved many of its in‐person and phone‐based services “online overnight” in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are people who prefer things in person, but if you’re further afield, it can be a real lifeline,” said Verrall. “There are a number of community organizations who support caregivers but so few of them provide services in English, and when you’re having a tough time, it really helps to have support in your language.”

The support groups for caregivers are open to anyone, “regardless of what’s happening with your loved one – whether they’re hospitalized or newly diagnosed or dealing with a situation for 10, 20, 40 years.” The workshops are varied and explore everything from the clinical aspects of specific mental illnesses to coping mechanisms like meditation, movement therapy and learning to set constructive boundaries. All activities are free. To learn more, visit amiquebec.org or call 514- 486-1448.

JH Partners also offers a series of in‐person activities for English‐speaking caregivers in the Quebec City region, including a book club and an activity group for male caregivers, as well as personalized email or phone support and resources for children and young adults who are caregivers. These programs are not exclusive to people dealing with mental illness. To learn more, contact JH Partners at 581-705-2205.

Neither AMI-Québec nor JH Partners operate a 24-hour crisis line. In an emergency, call 911. If you would like to speak to a nurse or a social worker, call Info-Santé 811 or Info-Social 211. If you or someone you know may be at risk of self‐harm or suicide, call 1-866-APPELLE. These services are free, bilingual and available anywhere in the province at any time, day or night.