Family Advisory Council

Who we are

Formed in 2006, the Family Advisory Council (FAC) is the voice of families at The Royal, transforming lives through family partnership in care, policy, programs and research. We are family and/or friends supporting loved ones through their mental health journey, either through care from The Royal or elsewhere.

Families are an integral part of the team supporting loved ones’ mental health recovery. Evidence shows that family engagement in care and treatment leads to better outcomes.

What we do

champion the Client and Family Centred Framework
work in partnership on projects with the Client Advisory Council and contribute to The Voice newsletter
co-design new strategies, policies, programs, research and evaluations to support mental health across the lifespan and spectrum of client and family needs
sit as volunteer advisors on committees for policy and program review, quality improvement, senior hiring appointment, ethics, etc.
research best practice in family engagement to inform organizational change
represent families at events and consultations held by The Royal
organize events to share knowledge and promote best practice to improve the quality of care and experiences for clients and families
act as a liaison with family support/service groups in the community
update the Welcome Families & Friends displays on the units and in outpatient waiting areas where you can find information and resources for families.
sit on the board of trustees and board committees

FAC impact and accomplishments

(2018-2022) Developed family skills training modules for staff on topics such as: engaging family caregivers; confidentiality and consent; and grieving. The engaging family caregivers module was incorporated into the Carleton University school of social work curriculum.

(2022) Co-hosted the second annual Engaging for Impact conference.

(September 2022): Implemented an Essential Care Partner Policy in a Mental Health Setting published in Ontario Caregivers Organization Bulletin 4.

(2022) Supported launch of The Royal’s Ozerdinc Grimes Family Regional Psychosis Clinic.

(2022) Collaborated with the Royal Ottawa Foundation and participated in fundraising events such as golf tournaments, Leaders for Mental Health Breakfast, and more.

Click here to read more about our impact.

The FAC is growing! Our goal this year is to recruit 15 executive council members – nine volunteers with experience at The Royal and six from the wider community. All members should have experience in: advocacy; supporting a loved one with a mental health or substance use challenge; and navigating the mental health system in Ottawa.

Some of the benefits of FAC membership:

Free training relevant to advisor role
Paid parking when representing the FAC at The Royal
Complimentary beverage from volunteer services
Use of FAC office with laptop and phone
Free learning opportunities
Volunteer appreciation
Access to medical library
Royal email address (@theroyal.ca)
Opportunities to apply for funding to attend mental health conferences
Royal website presence (photo and bio)

Have a look at our terms of reference to learn more about our role. Lend your voice to provide the family perspective to ensure the highest quality of care for all those served at The Royal. Come to a meeting and join the Family Advisory Council.

How to get involved

If you want more information and would like to get involved with the Family Advisory Council, please complete our application form or email FAC@theroyal.ca.

Are you supporting a family member or friend?

Families and friends are part of the team supporting loved ones’ mental health recovery. Evidence shows that family engagement in care and treatment leads to better outcomes.

And to do this well, they need support for themselves. The Client and Family Resource Hub offers a variety of resources to meet family caregivers’ needs for information, education and support through their mental health journey.