Resources for you in Vancouver, BC
These are community resources I feel good about suggesting. It is a growing but not yet comprehensive list.
Note: descriptions are quoted directly from their websites.
Vancouver Crisis Centre
24/7 distress phone service
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis.
The Crisis Centre has been providing emotional support to youth, adults and seniors in distress since 1969. As a safe place to turn when there seems to be no hope, the Crisis Centre is operated by 425+ frontline volunteers and a small team of professional staff who support and empower individuals to see their own strengths and options, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We work at the community level to provide education and training aimed at fostering resiliency and building capacity to respond to crisis and suicide.
Crisis line: 604-872-3311
Toll Free: 1-866-661-3311
Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Seniors’ Distress Line: 604-872-1234
Website: crisiscentre.bc.ca
BC211
BC211 is a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization that specializes in providing information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC. Their help line services include 211, the Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service (ADIRS), the Problem Gambling Help Line, VictimLink BC, and the Youth Against Violence Line.
Phone: 211
Website: bc211.ca
British Columbia Bereavement Helpline
A non-profit, free, and confidential service that connects the public to grief support services within the province of BC. Whether you are looking for bereavement support groups, community events, information on BC Bereavement Day, information on how to donate or to volunteer with them you will find it here. Please call the BC Bereavement Helpline and speak with one of their caring volunteers for information on bereavement support groups, agencies, and peer-based support.
Website: British Columbia Bereavement Helpline
Anxiety BC
An organization whose mission is to promote awareness of anxiety disorders and increase access to proven resources.
Website: Anxiety BC
S.A.F.E.R. (Suicide Attempt Follow-up, Education & Research)
S.A.F.E.R. is a free of charge, time-limited counselling service offered at Vancouver Coastal Health. They provide psychoeducational sessions to people concerned about suicide in a significant other. Anyone bereaved by a suicide death who can attend the office may access one-on-one counselling and a structured support group.
Phone: 604-879-9251
Website: Vancouver Coastal Health
Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW)
Rape Crisis Line 24 hrs/day.
Open to all women as well as other genders: WAVAW recognizes the critical need to make support services available to people of all marginalized genders, including Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people. We welcome gender diverse survivors to access our existing services, and are offering new specialized services for trans survivors.
Phone in the lower mainland: 604-255-6344
Toll-free: 1-877-392-7583
Website: www.wavaw.ca
Qmunity
QMUNITY is a non-profit organization based in Vancouver, BC that works to improve queer, trans, and Two-Spirit lives. They provide a safer space for LGBTQ/2S people and their allies to fully self-express while feeling welcome and included.
Website: Qmunity.ca
H.I.M. — Health Initiative for Men
With five health centres throughout the Lower Mainland, Health Initiative for Men is a non-profit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being of gay men. They offer the full spectrum of gay men’s sexual health testing, as well as professional counselling, sexual health education, and an engaging mix of social and volunteer opportunities. They welcome trans and non-binary folks.
Website: checkhimout.ca
Mood Disorders Association of BC
The Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDABC) is a nonprofit organization that provides treatment, support, education, and hope of recovery for people living with a mood disorder.
Website: mdabc.net
Canadian Mental Health Association
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
Website: cmha.bc.ca
Transcare
Trans Care BC aims to enhance the coordination of trans health services and supports across the province, bringing gender-affirming care closer to home wherever possible
Website: Transcare BC
Trans Alliance Society
Trans Alliance Society (TAS) is a registered non-profit with the British Columbia government and is governed by the society act and its constitution. The aims, goals and mission statements associated with Trans Alliance Society (TAS) are enshrined in their Constitution and their website. They broadly summarize these as transgender support, education, outreach and advocacy.
Website: transalliancesociety.org
BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
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
Website: bc-malesurvivors.com