Below is a list of free, low cost or subsidized community resources in the Greater Vancouver Area.
Crisis Services
Vancouver Crisis Centre
Business Phone: 604-872-1811
www.crisiscentre.bc.ca | YouthInBC.com
Crisis line: 604-872-3311 | Toll Free 1-866-661-3311
Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Operates two 24/7 crisis phone services and an online youth live chat website with trained volunteers providing support and referrals. In addition the community education team facilitates suicide prevention and stress management workshops.
S.A.F.E.R. (Suicide Attempt Follow-up, Education & Research)
Phone: 604-675-3985
Vancouver residents: People age 19 and over who have made a suicide attempt, are currently suicidal, or have suicidal ideation, and are assessed as fitting program criteria, can receive free individual counselling, advocacy, and hospital liaison. Also provides up to three one-on-one psychoeducational sessions to people concerned about suicide in a significant other. Anyone with concerns related to suicide can speak with an intake worker 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday
Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW)
Business Line: 604-255-6228
www.wavaw.ca
Rape Crisis Line 24 hrs/day
Lower mainland 604-255-6344 | Toll-free 1-877-392-7583
WAVAW also provides the following free services:
– STV (Stopping The Violence) counselling: Individual and group support
– Accompaniments to hospital, police and courts
– Assistance with Crime Victim Assistance forms, Victim Impact Statements and Third Party Reports
– Outreach and Public Education
– Aboriginal Outreach services for women and youth
– Community and advocacy work
GLBTQ Resources
Prideline BC
QMUNITY’s peer support/information/referral phone line
Open: weeknights (Mon to Fri) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Vancouver/ Lower Mainland: 604 684-6869
1 800 566-1170 (toll-free) in BC
Qmunity BC’s LGBT Adult & Youth Resource Centre
www.Qmunity.ca
Provide the following services: Gab Youth, Generations, Education/Outreach, Prideline Information and Referral line, Anti-Violence resources, Coming Out and Social Support Groups, Free Counselling, Meeting Spaces and an Out on the Shelves Library.
Physical Health
BC NurseLine – 24 hours a day
Puts you in touch with an RN who will answer your medical questions about symptoms, medications, health concerns, and health resources. Pharmacist available 5pm-9am Mon- Fri. Available in over 130 languages.
Toll free in BC:1-866-215- 4700 or Vancouver: 604- 215-4700
www.bchealthguide.org
Dial -A- Dietician
Provides quality, reliable nutrition services and resource information to British Columbians in 130 languages
toll free in BC: 1-800-667- 3438 or Vancouver 604-732- 9191
hours of operation: Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00 pm
www.dialadietician.org
BC Health Guide
A variety of web-based info, including the health guide online. Search topic areas include: healthy living, family child and youth health, women’s health, men’s health, senior’s health, aboriginal health, multicultural health, community supports, health tools, Ministry of Health, BC Health Authority, BC Centre for Disease Control
1-800-465-4911
www.bchealthguide.org
Addictions Treatment
Pacifica Treatment Centre
Provides three levels of in-patient substance addiction treatment: Level I Stabilization, Level II Intensive Therapy, Level III Transition & Re-entry. The co-ed facility aims to promote health and recovery from addiction through treatment, education and support that strengthens individuals, families and communities.
Phone: 604-872-5517
www.pacificatreatment.ca
Central Access – Detox Referral Line
Links people to detox and addiction housing services. Adults who require detoxification receive immediate screening by health care workers, who set up appointment times with the provider that most suits a client’s needs. Will accept methadone-using clients wanting to withdraw from other substances.
Toll Free 1-866-658-1221
Mental Health
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division
Promotes mental health awareness and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. They provide information resources, educational events, direct services, and research and advocacy.
Phone: 604-688-3234
www.cmha.bc.ca
Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia
Provides support and education for those struggling with mood disorders and their families. In addition MDABC provides a rapid mental health assessment walk-in clinic (doctors referral needed) for individuals requiring needing quick access to psychiatric assessment services. Follow up is offered in the form of psycho-educational groups facilitated by doctors.
Phone 604-873-0103
www.mdabc.net
Men’s Services
BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
The BCSMSSA is a non-profit society established to provide therapeutic services for males who have been sexually abused at some time in their lives.
Phone: 604-682-6482
http://bc-malesurvivors.com/site/
Sexual Health
Options for Sexual Health
Non-profit provider of sexual health services through clinics, advocacy, education programs, and the 1-800 SEX SENSE information and referral line.
Phone: 604-731-4252
www.optionsforsexualhealth.org
Sexual Health Rehabilitation Service
An opportunity for individuals with a physical disability and their partners or families to express their concerns about sexual health as well as to receive information.
4255 Laurel Street (GF Strong Rehab Centre), Vancouver
604-737-6233
http://www.vch.ca/locations-services/result?res_id=871
SexualityAndU.ca
www.sexualityandu.ca
A Canadian website that offers sexual advice for teens, parents, teachers, and health care professionals.
Debt Management/Credit Counselling
Credit Counselling Society Providing Free Credit Counselling, Budgeting Help and Planning for Debt Repayment. Phone: 1-888-527-8999�www.nomoredebts.org
Chronic Conditions
Living a Healthy Life with a Chronic Condition Course – Free
Free 6 week courses on various chronic pain conditions – Offered though the Centre on Aging, UVIC, funded through BC Ministry of Health. Offered at various cities throughout the province – Course teaches skills such as: developing a suitable exercise program, cognitive symptom management, nutrition management, use of medications, breathing exercises, problem solving, communicating with family, friends and health care providers, dealing with emotions such as anger and depression.
Karen Hannah, Program Coordinator
1-866-902-3767 or khannah@dccnet.com
www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp
Caregiver Relief / Respite
Respite care can give the caregiver temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or family member. Respite may take form of service in client’s home, or client maybe admitted on a short-term basis to a residential care facility, hospice or other community care setting.
http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/hcc/respite.html
New Immigrant Resources
S.U.C.C.E.S.S.
Multiple locations across BC. A non-profit service agency, which serves diverse communities in BC and strives to encourage Canadians and immigrants to overcome language and cultural barriers, achieve self-reliance, and contribute fully to Canadian society.
28 Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
604-684-1628
www.success.bc.ca
Mosaic Interpretation and Translation Services
A multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees in their settlement and integration into Canadian society .
1720 Grant Street, 2nd Floor, Vancouver, BC
604-254-9626
www.mosaicbc.com