Volunteer organization 'Būt blakus' supports relatives of schizophrenia patients

The association 'Būt blakus', which operates mainly on a voluntary basis, helps relatives of schizophrenia patients. Board members Signe Knipše and Ilze Kalvele explain that the organization cannot provide miracle cures, but emotional support makes people stronger.

Once, representatives of the Ministry of Welfare visited one of the support groups. Instead of giving guidance, they complained about their own structures and difficulties. Thus, these functions, even with state financial support, must be carried out by the NGO itself.

Ilze Kalvele came to the association after her adult daughter was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The daughter could not take care of herself, and reducing the medication dose caused anxiety that Ilze, as a non-professional, could not manage. She often has to return to the old medication regimen.

Signe and Ilze have known each other for a long time because their children attended the same school. Later they met in a store, and Signe asked how Ilze was doing – that was the beginning of her involvement in the organization.