A support group is starting in Salmon Arm for those with loved ones who use, or have used substances. 

The Salmon Arm Holding Hope peer support group begins meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3. It will be one of numerous  that provide mutual support and healing by "coming together to share our stories, information and resources," reads a media release from Holding Hope's Daryl Meyers.

The groups arose out of a need to offer support to families "under considerable stress and strain as they support their loved ones' challenges."

"Our groups provide the reassurance that you are not walking this journey alone," explained Meyers."We provide a safe place to build strength and resilience for families or friends who feel overwhelmed in supporting their loved ones. We provide a safe place to support, connect and share without stigma."

Holding Hope groups are for people ages 18 and over, and are ongoing with participants welcome to attend for as long as they need support. They are offered through, a network of Canadian families impacted by substance-use related harms and deaths that advocates to change failed drug policies and provide peer support to grieving families and those with loved ones who use, or have used substances.

Started by three mothers who lost their sons to substance-related harms, MStH was formed in 2016 as an advocacy organization, "to speak out about the ongoing drug poisoning crisis, and to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak and deep grief they knew too well." It now has more than 2,000 members comprised of mothers, fathers, siblings, friends and allies.

The Salmon Arm Holding Hope support group is free to attend, though registration is required. For more information and to register, contact Kathleen at salmonarm@holdinghopecanada.org.