Self-Care Tips and BC Community Resources
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Selfcare Tips
- Canadian Red Cross: Mental health and wellbeing during COVID 19
- Wellness Together Canada: Resources for coping with Stress
- Mindshift – Mindfulness App
Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program
The Friendly Calls program matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check-in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.
Friendly Calls is safe, accessible, free, and available nationwide. Call 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, or click here to sign up.
Want to learn more? Click here to explore our Frequently Asked Questions.
Opioid Harm Reduction (OHR) at the Canadian Red Cross:
Visit us for FREE education on how to respond and help in the event of an opioid poisoning (overdose), and information on how to received a FREE nasal naloxone kit. We are committed to help Canadians access to OHR education, and increasing access to naloxone– a life-saving medication that temporarily reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid poisoning.
Community Links and Resources
Medical information
Health Link BC 24/7
Mental Health Supports
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE).
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
First Nations Health Authority
- For services including mental health counselling and cultural supports, please refer to FNHA's resource guide
- Keeping well and staying connecting during COVID19
KUU-US Crisis Services 24/7 to support Indigenous people in BC
Adult/Elder: 1-250-723-4050
Child/Youth: 1-250-723-2040
Metis Crisis Line: 1-833-638-4722
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line 24/7: 1-866-925-4419
LGBTQA+ Resources
Trans lifeline: 1-877-330-6366
Trevor Project (suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ Youth)
LGBT Youth line: 1-800-268-9688
24/7 national support service offering professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to youth.
- Call: 1-800-668-6868
- Text: the word “connect” to 686868 to access text support.
Free health and wellness resources, services and supports, including counselling and mental health support services – in person or online for young people aged 12-24, and their caregivers.
- Virtual Services through https://foundrybc.ca/virtual
Help-line and on-line counselling service offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to Indigenous people across Canada. Toll-free 1-855-242-3310
BC Bereavement HelplineA free and confidential service that connects the public to grief support services within the province of BC.
1-877-779-2223 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
www.bcbh.ca
Substance use
Provincial Alcohol and Drug Information Referral Service provides free referral services to support with any kind of substance use issue (alcohol or other drugs).
Toll-free: 1-800-663-1441
Take Home Naloxone program (British Columbia)
Aim to reduce the harm and deaths associated with opioid overdoses. The program provides training in overdose prevention, recognition, and first aid response.
Community Assistance Supports
BC 211Life isn't always easy, but finding help can be. 211 connects you to programs and services in your community.
- Free | Confidential | 24/7 | 150+ languages Dial | Text | Chat
- Call or text 211
- Visit https://bc.211.ca/
Supports for Seniors
Seniors AdvocateFor help finding seniors programs and services Monday to Friday from 8:30-4:30 (except statutory holidays).
- Toll-free: 1-877-952-3181
- In Victoria: 250-952-3181
- BC Senior’s Guide
Financial assistance
- BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA); 1-866-866-0800
Child Protection
- Child Protection - Ministry of Children and Family Development. To make an anonymous report or request support services, call 1 800 663 9122 any time of day or night.
Domestic Violence
- VictimLinkBC staff can connect you to a network of community, social, health, justice and government resources, including victim services, transition houses and counselling resources. VictimLinkBC provides service in up to 150 languages, including many North American Aboriginal languages.
- If you require assistance, please call or text VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 or email VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca