Vancouver DPAC
If you are interested in finding out more about what the Vancouver District PAC is working on, please check out their website here.
Mental Health Resources
1. PACIFIC SPIRIT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE
https://www.vch.ca/en/location/pacific-spirit-community-health-centre/about
Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre provides services for people of all ages. The centre works with community organizations and health-care providers, such as your family doctor, to keep people and communities healthy.
The Child and Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Team at Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre serves children, youth and their families with serious mental health difficulties and/or social, emotional or behavioural disturbances. We also offer one-to-one counselling to youth presenting with moderate to severe substance use issues from ages 13 to 24.
2.KELTY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCE CENTRE
We help families across BC navigate the mental health system. If you are concerned about your child or a child you care for, the BC Children's Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre has resources to support you. Information on key topics that parents and caregivers often have questions about – including some first steps you can take if you are concerned about your child, how to navigate through the different options for treatment and support in BC, information on different medications for mental health challenges, and how to connect with a parent peer support worker at the Kelty Centre.
3.FOUNDRY
Our mission is to support young people in living a good life. This mission was co-created by a diverse group of youth, families, caregivers, staff, and service providers across the province. The phrase “living a good life” was inspired by First Nations and Métis youth who participated in a Talking Circle with Foundry and it acknowledges the diverse nature, experiences, and perspectives of health and wellness. Foundry is a province-wide network of integrated health and wellness services for young people ages 12-24.
Our integrated services allow youth to access five core services in one convenient location: mental health care, substance use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer support, and social services.
Young people can access our integrated services by walking into one of our local Foundry centres, exploring our online tools and resources at foundrybc.ca, or connecting virtually through the free Foundry BC app.
4.HEALTHY MINDS BC
https://healthymindsbc.gov.bc.ca
HealthyMindsBC provides evidence-informed prevention and early intervention tools and resources in many different languages. This site is for B.C. parents, caregivers, families, educators, and other professionals to help them support the “everyday” mental health of children and youth. All online courses and resources align with the B.C. government’s ongoing commitment to provide promotion, prevention, and early intervention resources for the mental health and wellness of children and youth, their families, and the professionals who support them. This commitment is reflected in the Ministry of Children and Family Development’s strategic priorities, the provincial mental health and addictions strategy, A Pathway to Hope, and the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Mental Health in Schools Strategy. Available in many languages
5.ONE MIND PSYBERGUIDE
https://onemindpsyberguide.org/
One Mind PsyberGuide is a non-profit project that aims to help people use technology to live a mentally healthier life. Through rigorous evaluation of technology and promotion of scientific best practices, we seek to guide the science, practice, development, and use of digital mental health tools in various settings. We hope to improve access to mental health resources for those who lack access to traditional support and to help people explore how technology can be used to improve wellbeing.
6.MATTERS OF THE MIND – public presentations
https://learn.bcacc.ca/category/webinars/
These presentations are free online events for the public that are focused on mental health topics that are relevant to the people of BC. We are looking to contribute to the wellness of all British Columbians by fostering community connection, breaking stigma, and providing empowering information to help people through complexity.
Some of the available past webinars: Understanding Eating Disorders – Parenting Youth with ADHD – Helping Teens Who Cut: How Can We Help? – Holiday Stress: Setting Boundaries You Can Live With.
7.CHILD MIND INSTITUTE
We’re dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need. We’ve become the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health by providing gold-standard evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.
8.BOUNCE BACK reclaim your health BC
BounceBack® is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness. Learn skills to manage low mood, stress, and worry with the support of a coach. With the right tools and practice you can bounce back and reclaim your mental health.
9.Dr. DEBORAH MACNAMARA
Dr. Deborah MacNamara shares developmental science, stories, and research to make sense of kids for parents, professionals, and educators. Her books, articles, infographics, and newsletters share relevant developmental and relational science. Courses on topics such as human development, parenthood and education are available in-person and online.
10.CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH QUARTERLY
https://childhealthpolicy.ca/the-quarterly
https://childhealthpolicy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RQ-17-03-Summer.pdf
The Quarterly provides summaries of the best available research evidence on a variety of children’s mental health topics, prepared using systematic review and synthesis methods adapted from the Cochrane Collaboration and Evidence-Based Mental Health. Our goal is to improve outcomes for children by informing policy and practice.
11. CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION – Vancouver Fraser Branch https://cmhavf.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association Vancouver Fraser branch offers community-based mental health education, services, and supports for children, youth, adults, and seniors. CMHA Vancouver-Fraser contributes to the long-term health and wellbeing of our communities.
The Chinese Mental Health Promotion Program improves the lives of individuals in the Chinese community by increasing awareness of mental health issues, promoting wellness through educational/ recreational/leisure activities as well as reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.
華人心理健康促進計劃， 是透過社區教育及舒展身心的康樂活動， 來提高社區人士對心理健康問題的認識，及促進個人健康生活，並消除對心理疾病的誤解。
12. ERASE = EXPECT RESPECT & A SAFE EDUCATION https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase#
ERASE is all about building safe and caring school communities. This includes empowering students, parents, educators, and the community partners who support them to get help with challenges, report concerns to schools, and learn about complex issues facing students.
Services and information topics include Online Safety, Mental Health and Well-Being, Bullying, Racism, School Safety, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI), Substance Use, Compassionate Systems Leadership, and Gender-Based Violence.
13. CHILDREN AND SCREENS
https://www.childrenandscreens.org
Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development is dedicated to understanding and addressing compelling questions regarding media’s impact on child development through interdisciplinary dialogue, public information, and rigorous, objective scientific research bridging the medical, neuroscientific, social science, education, and academic communities. Our organization advances interdisciplinary research, supports human capital in the field, informs and educates the public; and advocates for sound public policy for child health and wellness. Together with our supporters, we are helping children lead healthy lives in a digital world.
The Institute’s mission is grounded in four pillars: advance and support interdisciplinary research, inform and educate the public, influence sound public policy for child health and wellness, and enhance human capital in the field. These pillars are interconnected, and all are driven by research.
14. STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH TOOLKIT
https://studentmentalhealthtoolkit.com
The Stigma-Free Society recognizes how difficult it can be for parents who are worried about their youth’s mental health. Parent(s) will find conversation cards that they can use to talk to their youth about mental wellbeing. They will also find a comprehensive Parent Resource Guide on how to get your youth help when they need it most.
The Student Mental Health Toolkit is a valuable educational resource that includes:
-
Mental Wellness Lesson Plans for grades 4-7 and 8-12 aligning with BC school curriculum guidelines. These resources are cross-curricular and are applied in numerous course subjects. Lesson Plans are created on an ongoing basis by Samara Liberman, BA Equity Studies, MA Elementary Teaching and Education.
-
section devoted to diverse-ability and inclusion with many resources including an engaging comic book, personal experiences from those with diverse-abilities and steps to achieving inclusion at school.
-
countless resources that include animated videos and unique mental health resources that emphasize the importance of reaching out for help.
15.YMCA MENTAL WELLNESS PROGRAMS
https://www.gv.ymca.ca/mental-wellness
Y Mind Teen is a free seven-week mental wellness program delivered across BC. This program supports teens ages 13 to 18 who are experiencing symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress. Participants learn and practice evidence-based strategies to help manage anxiety.
If you are aged 18 to 30 and struggling with mild-to-moderate anxiety or stress, this group is for you.
Y Mind Youth is a free seven-week mental wellness program delivered across BC. Participants learn and practice evidence-based strategies to help manage anxiety.
Y Mind Adult supports adults ages 31+ who are experiencing stress and mild to moderate anxiety. This mental wellness program is a skills-based group led by mental health professionals in a supportive virtual environment. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies to increase coping skills.
Mind Medicine is a group-based, early-intervention mental wellness program for young people ages 13 to 30 experiencing anxiety and stress. Mind Medicine is offered by Indigenous-serving organizations to young people in their community. The facilitators deliver the program in a culturally responsive way, incorporating connection to culture throughout the sessions to help young people learn ways to cope with anxiety. Mind Medicine is based on the YMCA mental wellness program, Y Mind, and was developed in 2019 through work with an Indigenous consultant, Indigenous youth focus groups, an Indigenous Advisory, and 13 communities across BC who piloted Mind Medicine.
Learn More: Learn about A Pathway to Hope, government’s vision for mental-health and addictions care in BC at https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0049-001787
16. FAMILY SMART
https://familysmart.ca/monthly-events/
Every month, we host online events for parents & caregivers who are parenting a child or youth with a mental health and/or substance use challenge called “in the know.” We watch a video and share experiences and strategies that help in the hard moments and focus on strengthening our understanding and connection with our kids. For additional support register onto the event mailing list through the Family Smart website or contact one of the Vancouver Parent Peer Workers: JAMIE AGTARAP or MELINA AUERBACH vancouver@familysmart.ca 604-878-3400.
Jamie has been a Parent Peer Support Worker since 2015 and Melina since 2019.
17. ANTIDEPRESSANT SKILLS WORKBOOK (ASW) and DEALING WITH DEPRESSION: Antidepressant Skills for Teens
https://psychhealthandsafety.org/asw/
https://psychhealthandsafety.org/dwd/
The Antidepressant Skills Workbook (ASW) is a self-care manual based on scientific research about which strategies work best in managing depression. It provides an overview of depression, explains how it can be effectively managed, and gives a step-by-step guide to changing patterns that trigger depression. In this self-care guide, we show how to use cognitive and behavioural methods to make important changes in thinking and actions that help one to emerge from depression and make it less likely to recur. These methods can be used in combination with depression treatments, increasing their effectiveness.
Dealing with Depression is a workbook for teens that explains depression and teaches three main antidepressant skills you can use to help overcome or prevent it. The skills are presented in a step-by-step way so that you may learn them easily and apply them to your life. Sometimes these antidepressant skills can be used on their own, when the mood problem isn’t too severe, and sometimes they have to be used along with treatments prescribed by professionals. Either way, practicing these antidepressant skills will help you deal more effectively with low mood and depression.
18. MINDFLIP: BRAIN SCIENCE TOOLS FOR EVERYDAY LIVING
https://crisis-centre-bc.thinkific.com/courses/mindflip-brain-science-tools-for-everyday-living
New online program for teens that provides practical and accessible knowledge and tools to support mental health and navigate life challenges! MindFlip is a self-paced, youth-friendly online program with four core modules. Geared towards youth in late elementary and secondary school, topics include brain science and skills for mental fitness, emotional regulation and awareness of our thoughts and emotions, self-awareness and self-compassion, and mindful tools to deal with stress and life challenges.
19. QMUNITY
QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. We provide a safer space for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included. Our building serves as a catalyst for community initiatives and collective strength.
We empower queer, trans, and Two-Spirit individuals to be their best selves through free counselling, information and referrals, access to gender-affirming chest wear, and youth one-on-one peer support.
20. RESILIENCE BC
https://www.resiliencebc.ca The Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network is a province-wide program focused on and taking leadership in identifying and challenging racism. The program is the result of community dialogues, that occurred in 2019, that explored issues of racism and hate and sought advice from community leaders about how the BC Government could help to build a safer and more inclusive province.
NEURODIVERSITY SPECIFIC RESOURCES
-
ADDitude
Get the latest news, information and research insights about ADHD and related conditions like ODD, OCD, autism, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and learning disabilities. ADDitude collaborates closely with leading medical experts to publish accurate, clear, and authoritative content. Since 1998 millions of people have trusted ADDitude’s expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions.
2.AUTISM BC
We are a grassroots organization founded in 1975 to support people on the autism spectrum and their families. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown to become one of the most trusted non-profit organizations for autism in BC. We continue to support autistic individuals by providing parents and communities with knowledge and by engaging with people on the autism spectrum to create stronger, more diverse communities. We are proud partners of the Stigma Free Society and welcome feedback on how we can better meet the needs of community members.
Stay up to date with our upcoming social events, workshops, program information and information and resources. Membership is FREE.
3.AUTISM SUPPORT NETWORK
https://www.autismsupportbc.ca
The Autism Support Network holds neighbourhood network meetings where parents can connect with other parents and share trials and tribulations. Most of these meetings also feather guest speakers who give presentations to parents in their area of specialization. Topics have included social skill development, feeding challenges, practical functional analysis, aggression a self-injurious behaviour, sexual health, sibling issues, and a myriad of other subjects.
The Autism Support Network Mandarin Educator holds solution oriented monthly meetings for parents or caregivers of autistic children and can provide one-on-one support on finding a quality behaviour consultant, advocating for school supports or dealing with issues at home. We can also connect you with other Mandarin parents in BC.
کانال تلگرام والدین فارسی زبان شبکه حمایت از اتیسم، گروهی برپایه إی بی إی و مختص والدین فارسی زبان ساکن بریتیش کلمبیا می باشد تا با والدین دیگر ارتباط برقرار کنند ،سؤال بپرسند، صحبت کنند و یا داستان و تجارب خود را به اشتراک بگذارند . هدف از تشکیل این گروه ،یافتن منابع و اطلاعات مربوط به اجرای برنامه های مداخله ای و درمانی و حمایت از خانواده های دارای فرزند اتیسم می باشد
ਔਟਿਜ਼ਮ ਸਪੋਰਟ ਨੈੱਟਵਰਕ, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਪੇਰੈਂਟਸ ਸਪੋਰਟ ਫੇਸਬੁੱਕ ਗਰੁੱਪ ਏਬੀਏ ਮਾਪਿਆਂ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਪ੍ਰਾਈਵੇਟ ਗਰੁੱਪ ਹੈ ਜੋ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬੋਲਦੇਹਨ ਅਤੇ ਬ੍ਰਿਟਿਸ਼ ਕੋਲੰਬੀਆ ਵਿੱਚ ਰਹਿੰਦੇ ਹਨ, ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨ, ਸਵਾਲ ਪੁੱਛਣ, ਕਹਾਣੀਆਂ ਸਾਂਝੀਆਂ ਕਰਨ ਅਤੇ ਦੂਜੇ ਮਾਪਿਆਂ ਨਾਲ ਜੁੜਨਲਈ। ਇਹ ਔਟਿਜ਼ਮ ਸਪੈਕਟ੍ਰਮ 'ਤੇ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਵਾਲੇ ਦਖਲਅੰਦਾਜ਼ੀ ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਚਲਾਉਣ ਅਤੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਦਾ ਸਮਰਥਨ ਕਰਨ ਨਾਲਸਬੰਧਤ ਸਰੋਤ ਅਤੇ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲੱਭਣ ਦਾ ਸਥਾਨ ਹੈ।
ਤੁਸੀਂ QR ਕੋਡ ਦੀ ਵਰਤੋਂ ਕਰਕੇ WhatsApp ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਪੇਰੈਂਟ ਗਰੁੱਪ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੀ ਸ਼ਾਮਲ ਹੋ ਸਕਦੇ ਹੋ।
4.AUTISM COMMUNITY TRAINING
ACT’s Vision
To be one of the world’s leading producers and providers of evidence-based information to enable autistic people to live productive, satisfying lives.
ACT’s Mission
The mission of ACT – Autism Community Training Society is to provide evidence-based information, resources, and training that benefits autistic people as well as their families, professionals, and other community partners to enable autistic people to live productive and satisfying lives.
Information Services
ACT – Autism Community Training provides information and training relevant to the autism community internationally. Based in British Columbia, Canada ACT develops a wide range of positive and practical information on everything from sleep problems and diet to core issues such as diagnosis and aspects of intervention, including information on setting up intervention programs. These resources are free and are available online without a password requirement.
ACT’s Information and Training resources are funded by the income generated by our live events, sponsorships, and donations. The resources that we share, or develop ourselves, are evidence-based. We do not enter in commercial relationships to promote products or intervention approaches.
We provide a comprehensive information portal with 3,000 resources, the Autism & Intellectual Disability (AID) Search.
5.BC CENTRE FOR ABILITIES
Services for persons with diverse abilities. In 2013, the Federal Government of Canada provided the BC Centre for Ability with funding to develop a resource and training centre focused on Social Emotional enhancement and Development (SEED) for children with neurodevelopmental conditions. This was the beginning of the Centre’s strong, evidence-based foundation of understanding the social and emotional health of children and youth.
Over time we have focused on understanding the continuum from early social emotional development to social emotional health for middle aged children and youth. This includes best practice interventions for teaching social emotional competencies based on research and our experience working with neurodiverse children and youth. Our focus has grown to include the prevention of mental health challenges and support for complex child and youth who may be vulnerable to developing anxiety and/or depression.
Child/youth services: brain injury – early intervention – family counselling support – key worker program (FASD and CDBC support) – supported child development
Adult services: employment/opportunities fund – Coast Capital THRIVE
6.DYSLEXIA BC
The Dyslexia Advocacy Society of BC (Dyslexia BC) is a parent/family-led grassroots movement within British Columbia concerned with the limited access to educational interventions and resources for dyslexia. We help advocate within the K-12 education system as well as post-secondary education, the community, and the workplace.
We advocate for systemic changes, including universal dyslexia screening across BC from kindergarten, a shift towards science-based reading curriculum (structured literacy), free and timely diagnosis, and improved access to technology and resources for dyslexic individuals.
7.ASPERGER EXPERTS
https://www.aspergerexperts.com
You’ve found a place for help, advice, guidance, and hope straight from the horse’s mouth. Asperger Experts is created and run by people on the autistic spectrum, so you can learn best practices and mistakes to avoid directly from those who’ve been there and lived it.
Our online community is the #1 place to learn useful and immediately implementable strategies direct from those who are living it.
8.Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC)
CADDAC is a national charity providing leadership in awareness, education, and advocacy for ADHD across Canada. CADDAC is committed to increasing the understanding of ADHD. Through generous donations, CADDAC's programs support parents and individuals affected by ADHD. Key programs and initiatives include CADDAC's Executive Functioning program, group coaching programs, resource navigator program, educational events, awareness initiatives and advocacy initiatives.
9.IMPACT PARENTS
Impact Parents provides affordable behaviour management training (Behaviour Therapy) for parents and educators worldwide, online and on the phone – a first-line recommended treatment for kids with ADHD and related challenges of executive function.
-
Free Tipsheets and Parent Guides and other downloads
-
A robust website with an award-winning blog with content you can Read, Watch, and Listen to - new content each week – a quick tip, a Guest Expert, and a coach’s blog.
-
A weekly newsletter – short, sweet and to the point, with direct access to our new blog posts each week and information about events and other things we think will be interesting to our community.
-
Vetted Resources, with links to Friends and Colleagues we trust.
-
Free and fee-based public speaking events, workshops and trainings, hosted by a wide range of colleagues from around the world.
-
Free webinars, telesummits, and other events hosted by ImpactParents
-
Recommended Reading list, divided into 4 clear categories.
-
Sanity Session – a free and private consultation to talk about which of our programs would be the best fit for your personal situation.
-
A private group on Facebook, the Impact Parent Community.
-
Active engagement on social media, including sharing relevant content from other trusted resources. (Follow on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!)
-
10.SETH PERLER – ADHD/2 Exceptional Coach for Parents & Teachers
Welcome to your go-to resource for how to help struggling students learn to thrive. I’m Seth Perler, Executive Function, ADHD & 2e Coach, and guy who cares about seeing outside-the-box kids succeed.
1. Parents, teachers, therapists, I help outside-the-box, neurodiverse learners turn it around in a baffling system so they can launch a successful future. My blog gives you game-changing answers in a sea of misguided educational fluff.
2. Maladaptive patterns: There’s no instruction book for how to help your child navigate school & life. Traditional interventions often fail because:
-
They don’t get to the root of a child’s problems, and
-
They’re often based on misunderstanding, misinformation and outdated paradigms.
Consequently, a child’s patterns get worse each year, leading to pervasive difficulties transitioning into adulthood. That’s the opposite of what education should do, and the sooner we get the facts about Executive Function, the better.
3. How to help? Parents often feel helpless, watching their child drown in school, as they spin their wheels trying to help. There’s no time for bs, life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Parents want tools that are 1) practical, 2) that demystify the problem and 3) that consider a child’s unique needs. It’s simple, but not easy, and there is so much hope.
Hint: It’s all about Executive Function
11.LEARNING DISABILITIES SOCIETY
Learning Disabilities Society (LDS) is a BC-based nonprofit charity. Our mission is to empower all children, youth, and adults with learning differences to recognize their unique strengths and develop the tools to achieve lifelong independence, confidence, and success.
LDS offers accessible, innovative, and proven research-informed student education (RISE) support programs to individuals with learning differences, like dyslexia, aged 3 to adult.
We are driven by and committed to the following core values: community, kindness, acceptance, and achievement.
12.ADHD Information Tips Tricks
https://attentiondeficit-info.com/a-propos/?lang=en
This site was awarded the Prix du Développment Continu de l’Association des Médecins Psychiatres du Québec (2017) and is recognized as a TOP 101 site by howtolearn.com.
-
Explore what science teaches us and maybe even reduce associated misconceptions.
-
Discover how to take care of the attention capacity and learn about the factors that can influence it.
-
Maintain healthy habits.
-
Deepen your knowledge on useful strategies for everyday life, school, and work.
-
Get better at managing emotions.
-
Perceive the many faces of ADHD and the diagnostic.
-
Learn the specific treatment strategies.
-
Find resources to explore further.
13.Parenting ADHD & Autism
https://parentingadhdandautism.com (plus free webinars on their Facebook page)
We transform the science on behavior into real-life insights and strategies parents can easily apply and succeed with in everyday life with neurodivergent kids. Celebrate and support your child through our neuroscience-backed insights, hard-won strategies, compassion, and guidance.
14.Driving with a disability (ADHD)
milavetzlaw.com/driving-with-a-disability-guide/
Learn more about driving with a disability (ADHD, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, etc.).
15.AIDE Canada https://aidecanada.ca
Autism and/or Intellectual Disability Knowledge Exchange Network (AIDE Canada) is a tool to connect members of our community to the information and resources that they need. We deliver credible, reliable, and evidence-informed resources in an unbiased and accessible way.
ILLICIT SUBSTANCE CHALLENGES
1.THE ABC’S OF YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE
https://sites.google.com/bunyaad.ca/the-abcs/home
The ABCs of Youth Substance Use is an initiative to promote evidence-based approaches to youth substance-use education in BC schools.
Autonomy, Belonging and Competencies are important protective factors that promote youth wellbeing and prevent, delay and reduce substance-related harms.
This is where you can find archived resources and useful links. If you have questions, contact us at hello@theABCs.ca.
2.HERE TO HELP – mental health and substance use information
We're here to help you find quality information, learn new skills, and connect with key resources in BC. Explore strategies to help you take care of your mental health and use substances in healthier ways, find the information you need to manage mental health and substance use problems, and learn how you can support a loved one.
We are a group of seven leading mental health and substance use non-profit agencies. Since 2003, we've been working together to help people live well and better prevent and manage mental health and substance use problems.
3.FROM GRIEF TO ACTION – when addiction hits home
From Grief to Action is a volunteer-based not-for-profit association in British Columbia. We are a voice and a support network for families and friends affected by drug use. Our vision is to provide hope, support, resources, and respect for families and friends affected by drug use.
PARENTS FOREVER (https://www.parentsforever.ca/meeting.html) is a professionally supported mutual support group for parents and family members of adult addicted children (18 years of age and up) and is managed by Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Vancouver, which has been providing services to parents for over 20 years. Support group meets 7 – 9:30 pm, every second Friday, at St. Mary’s Kerrisdale 2490 West 37th Avenue Vancouver, BC Phone: 604-524-4230 E-mail: fkenny@uniserve.com
4.DRUG COCKTAILS INFORMATION
The DrugCocktails.ca website is the only one of its kind in the world. It helps youth and professionals 'get the facts' about the risks of mixing medicine, booze and street drugs. Best of all - it’s private and free! It has been developed as a resource for youth, guardians, and staff within Children’s and Women’s Health Centre of British Columbia (C&W), for Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), and its branch agencies.
5.SUPPORTING AND CONNECTING YOUTH (SACY) SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION INITIATIVE https://www.vch.ca/en/service/supporting-and-connecting-youth-sacy-substance-use-prevention-initiative#short-description--6746
Supporting and Connecting Youth (SACY) - Substance Use Health Promotion Initiative engages Vancouver parents, teachers, students, administrators, and the greater community in a process to strengthen school-based alcohol and drug prevention and early-intervention programs and policies.
6.FAMILIES FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY
Families for Addiction Recovery is a national charity founded by parents of children who have struggled with addiction from their teens. Our goal is long term recovery for those with addiction and their families.
-
We offer parent-to-parent support for families struggling with addiction.
-
We are a voice for families to influence government policy.
-
We educate community groups, health care providers and law enforcement about addiction, health laws and drug policies.
7.SMART RECOVERY
Self Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
SMART Recovery is an evidenced-informed recovery method grounded in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), that supports people with substance dependencies or problem behaviors to:
-
Build and maintain motivation
-
Cope with urges and cravings
-
Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviors
-
Live a balanced life
INDIGENOUS SPECIFIC SUPPORTS
FNHA First Nations Health Authority
https://www.fnha.ca/Documents/FNHA-Mental-Health-and-Wellness-Youth-Poster.pdf
FNHA Support Available 24 Hours a Day
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention by phone or online chat. Call toll-free 1-855-242-3310 or start a confidential chat with a counsellor at hopeforwellness.ca
Indian Residential School Crisis Line is a national service for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of their residential school experience. Call toll-free 1-866-925-4419.
KUU-US CRISIS LINE SOCIETY
https://www.kuu-uscrisisline.com
Provides crisis services for Indigenous people across BC. Adults/Elders line 250-723-4050; youth line 250-723-2040. Or call toll free 1-800-588-8717.
KUU-US Crisis Line Society works and operates on the unceded territory of Tseshaht and Hupacasath. The KUU-US Crisis Line Society is an Indigenous non-profit registered charity that provides 24-hour BC-wide crisis services through education, prevention, and intervention programs.
Services include: 24-hour crisis and support phone services; suicide risk assessments and safety monitoring; A.H.O.P.E and HOMEFULLNESS Programs; Saturday indoor and mobile outreach; Transitional Housing Program and Suites; West Coast Supportive Housing; West Coast "We Care" Mobile Outreach; food hampers daily at our administration building; drop-in services.
METIS NATION - Métis Crisis Line is a service of Métis Nation British Columbia. Call 1-833-MétisBC (1-833-638-4722). Available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day
The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/proclamations/proclamations/SuicidePreventionDay2023
It is a day for people around the world to come together to support and demonstrate compassion for those who have been impacted by suicide, and to remember loved ones who have lost their lives. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness, to learn more about suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention, to support mental wellness and wellbeing, and to reduce the number of people affected by suicide.
Suicide is a multi-dimensional public health problem that is rooted in biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. It leads to the death of many British Columbians each year and is one of the most common causes of death among youth and young adults between 15 and 34. Suicide also disproportionately affects Indigenous people in Canada, with suicide rates being higher among Indigenous populations than among non-Indigenous people, as well as 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
In 2003, the World Health Organization, the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the LifeLine Canada Foundation, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, and similar organizations worldwide designated September 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day.
Every year on this day, people in over 50 countries connect to assist in “Creating Hope Through Action.”
“’Creating Hope Through Action’ is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide. It aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is often possible and you are a key player in its prevention. Through action, you can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a member of society, as a child, as a parent, as a friend, as a colleague, or as a neighbour. We can all play a role in supporting those experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide.”
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Find Support:
-
BC-wide crisis line: 1-800-784-2433 or National Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988
-
The KUU-US Crisis Line Society operates a 24-hour Indigenous BC Wide Crisis Line for Adults/Elders 250-723-4050 - Child/Youth 250-723-2040 - Toll free 1-800-588-8717 Métis Line 1-833-MétisBC
-
Mental health support line: 310-6789 (no area code needed)
-
If you are in immediate danger, feeling unsafe or have taken action to hurt yourself, please call 9-1-1
Additional Resources:
-
Language Matters - Safe Communication for Suicide Prevention - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/language-matters-safe-communication-suicide-prevention.html
text.
Parent Community Resources
One of our goals is to support you with relevant information and education that will benefit you and your family.
Resources for educators and students - Statistics Canada
View a collection of educational resources created by Statistics Canada, including innovative materials, classroom-ready activities and interactive data visualization tools. Whether you are a student, and educator, a parent or just curious, there is something for everyone.
Other resources
Best websites for High School students (worksheets & educational resource websites)
2024/2025 Mental Health Events
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21 is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-racism-day
The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust and dangerous and must be rejected, together with theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
