Umbrella AGM

The Umbrella Society for Addictions and Mental Health’s is pleased to announce the upcoming Annual General Meeting at Christ Church Cathedral This brief meeting and get together will include highlights of Umbrella’s growth and strategic direction, and an informal r...

Youth Hub

Our wonderful board member, Jen (in the photo) and our ED Sharlene attended the official announcement and beginning of construction of the Youth Hub here in yyj today. This new Youth Hub is going to provide so many opportunities, supports and connections for youth ...

Congratulations Volunteers!

  Last night, 35 volunteers finished the Community Volunteer Training Program. Thank you to our partner organization, The Cool Aid Society, and to the United Way for being the sole funder of this program. The next session starts in the fall. If you are interested...

Vital Youth Award

Last fall, Evan and Sharlene were invited by the youth philanthropy class at Frances Kelsey Secondary, to talk about Umbrella, the clients we serve and share our experiences. The class had invited several organizations and had the difficult task of selecting who would re...

Yoga and Connection

Our good friends at She Recovers are hosting a Yoga and Connection event on June 17 here in Victoria. If you aren't familiar with She Recovers, please have a look at their intentions and guiding principles. For more information about this upcoming event, exciting retreat...

Community Collaboration

Last week, at the Songhees Wellness Centre, AVI hosted a community collaboration to discuss the overdose crisis. The forum consisted of people with lived experience, family members and service providers from Victoria. In addition to breakout groups, there was a panel of ...

Balancing our Minds Conference

Yesterday, Evan and Conor from Umbrella joined youth from all over the island at the Balancing our Minds Conference at Bear Mountain Arena. The youth were very engaging, curious and interested in Umbrella and addiction. Many great conversation and interactions were had!...

MHSU Advisory Committee 2nd annual awards

Kindness and compassion are ageless and secular. That’s what Island Health’s Mental Health Substance Use (MHSU) Advisory Committee discovered when considering nominations for its awards program. Both of this year’s recipients responded with dignity and fairness to the...

This is why we do the work we do…

Today, a young girl gave us this card she made. We had helped her dad a few years ago. A genuine and heartfelt reminder to never give up on anyone. Ever.

Happy Administrative Professionals Day

Today is Administrative Professionals Day, and Umbrella happens to have THE BEST admin person working with us. Bronwyn is a true gift to the team, clients and the community. She is the backbone of our organization and she keeps all of us on track. We are grateful to have ...