Three Williams Lake women are helping to support families whose loved ones struggle with substance use.
Doreen Laughlin, a family support worker for the Cariboo Chilcotin Foundry, Ruth Shaw, with the Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development (CCCDC) Centre and a foster parent and advocate, and Laurel White, harm reduction coordinator with the BGC Club Williams Lake, are working together to support substance users and their families.
All three women are working hard to advocate for those who struggle with substance use, and their families through the program Holding Hope.
"It's just got to stop, it can't go on like this," said Shaw.
"I've personally known over 30 that have passed away. That's like a whole classroom," she said.
Holding Hope is a program being offered twice a month under the umbrella of Moms Stop the Harm, which advocates for changes to drug policy and evidence-based prevention, and treatment.
The Holding Hope group program provides a safe space for family members, caregivers and loved ones to share stories, find support, away from the stigma often encountered in society.
"It is so difficult to go through things alone and to try to find your way when your stress is just out of this world," said Laughlin.
White said when the caregivers of people using substances get together, it helps them see they are not alone and it can be like an epiphany.
"Though the stories might be different, the emotions are all the same," added Laughlin.
People in the group relate to one another and help support each other, as well as learning about what services and resources are out there.
All three women spend a lot of time in the community engaging with people living on the street, unhoused or otherwise, and they say it is hard to hear some of the false narratives and stigmatizing of people which takes place. They want to help create more positive stories and share their experiences with people in the downtown.
They mention how it is unhoused people who help water the garden at the Foundry on the weekends and help pick up garbage around the BGC Clubhouse. These are the stories they want to share to help balance the information being shared.
In B.C., an estimated seven people a day are still being lost to toxic drugs.
Since declaring the toxic drug crisis in Canada in 2016, over 45,000 people are believed to have died as a result of toxic drugs.
"The truth of the matter is these are our community," said Laughlin.
For more information on Holding Hope and Moms Stop the Harm, email holdinghopewilliamslake@gmail.com or call the Foundry at 250-398-2185 and ask for Doreen Laughlin or call Laurel White at 250-305-4235.
International Overdose Awareness Day events will also be taking place in Williams Lake again on August 31 from noon until 3 p.m. in Boitanio Park and will include information on programs and services in the community as well as stories.
