A Campbell River family is bringing awareness to mental health and addiction.
Tracy Masters and her niece, Krista Masters, created the Masters of Hope support group last spring.
“My daughter passed away March 5th of last year due to a long struggle with addiction,” Tracy says. “In May, I was posting on the Campbell River Rant, Rave and Randomness Facebook page wondering what the community needs. Obviously, we have this huge overdose opioid crisis happening.”
She says Krista jumped in and said “let’s do it, let’s start a support group.”
And, nearly a year later, the group continues to grow.
“Recently, we had two ladies come up from Nanaimo for a meeting because they’re wanting to start their own group down there. So, it’s really branched out and has affected a lot of people.”
Tracy says all are welcome to attend the meetings.
“We’re here to help anyone struggling, whether it be addiction, depression or suicidal thoughts. It’s just to have people know there are ways to contact people and to not feel like they are alone.”
Loved ones or those who know someone suffering are encouraged to attend as well.
“We wanted to reach out to even family members that are dealing with someone with addiction, what their feelings are and what they’re going through.”
Tracy adds that, as far as she knows, they’re “one of the only groups doing this on a continuous basis” in the area.
Online, Masters of Hope now has over 300 members on Facebook and there’s no sign of slowing down any time soon.
Meetings are held from 6:00pm until 7:00pm on the first and third Tuesday of every month at the Campbell River Library.
