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The Family Advisory Council (FAC) speaks for families supporting loved ones with mental illness. The FAC ensures family perspectives influence treatment, policy, programs and research at The Royal. Families are part of the care team. Evidence shows family engagement improves outcomes, reduces harm and strengthens recovery.
The FAC actively shapes care, policy, and programs across The Royal. As a member you will:
Members of the FAC are integrated into essential oversight and operational areas of The Royal. They take part in training and learning opportunities, including conferences, and receive a Royal-based email address and access to similar resources as staff. FAC members play an essential role and are recognized accordingly.
FAC initiatives have strengthened care, family engagement, and organizational programs:
2024: Supported the implementation of family peer support
2022: Participated in Royal Ottawa Foundation fundraising events
2022: Supported launch of Ozerdinc Grimes Family Regional Psychosis Clinic
2022: Implemented Essential Care Partner Policy in a Mental Health Setting, published in Ontario Caregivers Organization Bulletin
2022: Co-hosted Engaging for Impact conference
2018–2022: Developed staff training on family engagement, confidentiality and grief (adopted into Carleton University social work curriculum)
Membership in the FAC requires direct caregiving experience supporting a loved one living with mental illness or addictions through The Royal. A limited number of positions are available for family members and caregivers from the broader community.
If you would like to learn more about the Council or how to become a member email us at FAC@theroyal.ca or call (613) 722-6521 ext. 6919
The FAC also helps oversee other patient-focused resources and projects at The Royal alongside the CAC. We work to ensure families feel supported and have access to important information about mental illness and recovery.
Families and friends play a critical role in mental illness recovery. The Client and Family Resource Hub offers information, education, peer support and other resources to patients, clients and their caregivers throughout the journey. This initiative, developed in partnership with the CAC, launched in 2023.
The Voice is a publication for clients and families, produced with the CAC. Read about the patient and family experiences shaping care and programs at The Royal.
Stay informed on the practical tools, insights and strategies shaping care at The Royal. Each issue tackles real challenges, including mental illness, suicide, addictions, grief and relationships.
Caregivers are entitled to certain levels of treatment, information and access while their loved ones are undergoing treatment. Our Caregiver Bill of Rights outlines these in full.
A research project about building a meaningful framework for supporting meaningful family caregiver engagement.
Involving family and caregivers is an essential piece of effective care. The Royal conducted surveys and research to understand what would help with caregiver engagement.
Stay informed about what’s happening at The Royal with our newsletter. Typical features include updates on exciting research, patient success stories, community impact, fundraising campaigns and new treatment programs.
1145 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4
(613) 722-6521
1141 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K1Z 7K4
(613) 722-6521
1804 Highway 2 E, P.O. Box 1050,
Brockville, ON K6V 5W7
(613) 345-1461
2121 Carling Ave.,
Ottawa, ON K2A 1H2
(613) 722-6521
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