Launched as a pilot project in 2005, ReachOut quickly grew into a year-round program with a dedicated team of organizers and professional presenters. The generosity of our funders and sponsors lets us present our award-winning show FREE to schools across the entire province. Each year we reach tens of thousands of youth audience members with a message helping them to spot and stop psychosis early.
What we do
- ReachOut is a one hour assembly presentation full of life-saving information, brain science and music.
- The show is presented by professional musicians and performers who have years of experience performing for youth.
- ReachOut is geared to secondary and post-secondary students, ages 14 and up.
- The sensory-rich, interactive show is designed for seated groups of 300 or more, in an assembly format.
- It is presented free of charge to school across British Columbia and has also toured to the Yukon Territories
Why is early medical intervention in psychosis so critical?
Psychosis is a brain condition that affects a person’s ability to process information from their senses. There is mounting research to show that the sooner youth with symptoms of psychosis receive medical attention the faster and more complete their recovery.Prolonged untreated psychosis can have profound social, employment and health impacts. More information
ReachOut works best when it is offered to the entire student body. This creates awhole school approach, which studies have found to be the most effective way to provide support, timely identification and help for young people affected by psychosis.
Psychosis will affect 3 % of your student body under the age of 25.
Psychosis has no borders. It is 6 times more common than diabetes and affects men and women equally. Yet, misconceptions about mental illness can make it hard for young people to get help. Most experience the first symptoms during high school or early university. It can be a scary and intimidating time for affected individuals as well as those close to them.
ReachOut helps students who may be experiencing psychosis as well those close to them.
They learn that:
- Psychosis impacts us all: it affects 3% of the population (6 times more common than diabetes) and the first onset usually occurs between 16 and 25
- Psychosis has many causes: Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Depression, head trauma, drug use and stress can all trigger psychosis, especially in those with a genetic vulnerability
- There is treatment: Recovery is expected and early intervention is key.
ReachOut gives young people the information they need by teaching them:
- Basic symptoms of psychosis
- What it might feel like to have psychosis
- What psychosis looks like to someone else (how a person with psychosis might act)
Most importantly, young people learn to seek appropriate medical treatment for themselves and for their friends.
All medical information presented has been vetted by our medical advisory committeemade up of staff from BC Early Psychosis Intervention clinics.
View the Prescribed Learning Outcomes fulfilled by ReachOut Psychosis..
Resources for Families and Teachers
In addition to the school concert for youth, ReachOut also provides information for teachers, counselors and parents.
Click here for online information and resources for parents, friends, siblings and teachers.