Our Story
The BPD Society of BC
We began with our first support group in Victoria on April 13, 2010 by and for those those living with BPD. The support group idea grew from a discussion between our two founders Baylie McKnight and Elizabeth Bogod – “if there’s no support out there, let’s start our own!”. It was an initiative to fill in the huge gaps in service to a highly stigmatized population of folks with high rates of stigma, and their loved ones. In no time, we expanded to groups across BC - in Nanaimo, Vancouver, and New Westminster - and now virtually to anywhere in the world! Our groups are a safe place to talk about living with BPD, receive validation of our experiences of BPD, and to share skills and techniques that have worked for us. It's amazing how valuable it is for people to meet others going through the same things! In 2012, building on the group’s success and the continuing need for education, awareness, and support, the Borderline Personality Disorder Society of British Columbia was founded – a registered non-profit charitable organization with an active Board of Directors and growing programs such as DBT.
What We Do
BPD Peer Support Groups - We deliver these throughout British Columbia – in Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver and New Westminster and virtually. If you would like to work with us to start a support group in another community within BC, please get in touch with us and we can discuss what is needed to make it happen.
Awareness Presentations – We can provide speakers for educational presentations at high schools, college or university classes, health authorities, nonprofits, community events, mental health information days, etc. Get in touch with us if you want a speaker to share their lived experience with BPD, myths and facts, research on BPD, treatments and more!
Advocacy & System Navigation - Wherever and whenever, we are working hard to stomp out stigma against BPD. We regularly attend and host awareness events, received a grant to see the effectiveness of implementing peer support in psychiatric emergencies, are involved in community engagement and stay in touch with members to be of support and see where the need is. Check out our “gallery” section to see what we’ve done over the years! Please also have a look at our resources page for more information on BPD and community support.
DBT Skills Group - We run a virtual, affordable, accessible DBT multi-skills group twice a year. We are excited to continue to meet our mission by filling in the gaps in service for folks living with BPD so that they can build a life experienced as worth living by offering evidence-based programs.