A free, Indigenous-centered coaching program to help parents/caregivers support children with big worries

Big Worries Strong Spirit is a free program designed to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit families whose children aged 3 to 12 years old are struggling with big worries—also known as anxiety.

You’ll learn some Indigenous-centred wellness practices, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) strategies, to strengthen your child’s skills and strong-spiritedness. With guidance from your support coach, you’ll be encouraged to use the skills you learn, along with the ones you already have, to navigate big worries together.

The program takes 6-12 weeks to complete and includes watching short online videos, practicing skills with your family, and 30–60-minute phone coaching sessions every two weeks to guide you step-by-step through the program, helping you build skills, answer questions, and support your progress.

This program is grounded in Indigenous perspectives and was developed with the leadership and guidance of the Indigenous advisory group, Caring in All Directions.

Big Worries Strong Spirit is available at no cost to parents and caregivers across BC, through referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, teacher, counsellor, social worker, early childhood educator or family/youth support worker.

Learn More

 • Download a Referral Form

 • View the Big Worries Strong Spirit brochure

Big Worries Strong Spirit program funding provided by the Province of British Columbia

About the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that promotes mental health for all. CMHA responds to the unique needs of each community through experience and expertise on community-based services and supports. CMHA BC provides advocacy, programs and resources that help to promote mental health, support recovery and resilience, and enable all in British Columbia to flourish and thrive.

Learn more at www.cmha.bc.ca