Support Guide
Use this menu to navigate the full support guide by topic.
- ↳ Crisis Helpline and Contact Directory
- ↳ Mental Health Emergencies
- ↳ Mental Health Issues
- ↳ Schizophrenia Support
- ↳ ADD and ADHD Support
- ↳ Hospitals with Emergency Departments
- ↳ Pharmacies / Chemist / Drug Store
- ↳ Support Groups and Meetings
- ↳ Addiction Issues
- ↳ Alcohol Addiction
- ↳ Drug Addiction
- ↳ Gambling Addiction
- ↳ Cancer Support
- ↳ HIV/AIDS Support
- ↳ Support for Women
- ↳ Sexual Health
- ↳ Victim Support
- ↳ Eating Disorders Support
- ↳ Bereavement Support
- ↳ Disability Support
- ↳ Immigrant and Newcomers' Support
Crisis Helpline and Contact Directory
Resources and Emergency Help Lines in Metro Vancouver
Non-emergency police services
Tel: 604 717 3321
BC Drug and Poison Information Centre
Tel: 604 682 5050 / 1 800 567 8911
Website: www.dpic.org
HealthLink BC – Non-emergency medical questions
Tel: 811
Website: www.healthlinkbc.ca
Vancouver Coastal Health – Emergency Mental Health Services – Car 87 / Car 88
Service: Daily from 07:30–15:00
At: 520 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604 874 7307
Website: www.vch.ca/en
Fraser Health – Emergency Mental Health Services
Tel: 1 877 384 8062 (toll-free)
Crisis Centre BC
Programmes available 24/7 for all ages with concerns such as mental health, suicide, self-harm, violence, and abuse. Calls are anonymous and confidential. Also offers community education and professional development courses.
Vancouver Tel: 604 872 3311
Howe Sound and Sunshine Coast Tel: 1 866 661 3311 (toll-free)
TTY/TDD: 1 866 872 0113
BC-wide Tel: 1 800 SUICIDE (784 2433)
Website: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Youth in BC – Online anonymous and confidential youth service
Website: www.youthinbc.com
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter – Women and children
Tel: 604 872 8212
TTY/TDD: 604 877 0958
Website: rapereliefshelter.bc.ca
Salal – Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
Tel: 604 255 6344 / 1 877 392 7583 (24/7)
Website: www.salalsvsc.ca
Kids Help Phone
Support by telephone, online or email, for problems, questions, or concerns about health, sexuality, bullying, suicide, and problems with parents, school, or emotions. From age five to teenagers.
Tel: 1 800 668 6868
Website: kidshelpphone.ca
Mental Health Emergencies
The Lower Mainland is divided into Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. Each operates emergency health services.
Vancouver Coastal Health
Provides intervention to people with mental health emergencies. Answers calls from police, health care professionals, clients, family members and the general public. Services include mobile outreach assessments, accompaniment to local emergency departments and referrals to mental health teams, health care professionals or other agencies. Also offers evening and weekend intervention and support to mental health team clients. No fees, and no referrals needed to use the service.
Mental Health Emergency Services – Car 87 / Car 88 Service
At: 520 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604 874 7307
Fraser Health – Emergency Mental Health Services
24-hour emotional support for people suffering a mental health crisis, and referrals to community resources. Staffed by registered nurses, psychiatric nurses, social workers and counsellors.
Toll-free: 1 877 384 8062
Mental Health Issues
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Prevention, education, and information services, rehabilitation and community support to those recovering from mental illness. Recreation and employment programmes, peer support, and programmes for youth.
CMHA – Vancouver-Burnaby Branch
At: 175 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604 872 4902
Email: info.vb@cmha.bc.ca
Website: www.cmha.ca
For information from the CMHA, and programmes for mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder: Click here- CMHA programs and services
Crisis Centre BC
Programmes for all ages with concerns such as mental health, suicide, self-harm, violence, abuse. Telephone lines are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls are anonymous and confidential. Also offers community education and professional development courses.
More information: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca/get-support
For other distress contact numbers: Click here- Crisis Centre BC
For list of related help-lines from the Crisis Centre: Click here- Crisis Centre BC
The Kaleidoscope
Provides a safe, stigma-free environment for individuals living with mental illness in and around the UBC community. A place for people to participate in a growing support network where they are able to share their stories with others going through similar experiences, in confidence, without fear of discrimination.
Website: www.the-kaleidoscope.com
Email: info@the-kaleidoscope.com
Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia
Education, resources and support group for those with mood disorders and their friends and family.
Mood Disorders Association of BC
At: 200–460 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver, BC, V5L 4W3
Tel: 604 873 0103
Email: info@mdabc.net
Website: www.mdabc.net
Vancouver Coastal Health
The Vancouver Coastal Health website lists a wide range of support programmes, hospital and medical services, education and information, community and peer groups, for both mental health concerns and neurological disorders, including chronic illnesses (for example arthritis, dementia, diabetes, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease).
To find programmes or support, visit the official website and search in the drop-down menu under “Services and resources” – Find health services on vch.ca
Schizophrenia Support
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society
Provides information, live online chat and forums; a list of services and support groups for individuals and families, information on how to support someone with mental illness, and support and advice for caregivers.
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society Provincial Office
At: 201–6011 Westminster Hwy., Richmond, BC
Tel: 604 270 7841
Email: bcssprovincial@bcss.org
Website: www.bcss.org
ADD and ADHD Support
A support group providing information, meetings, and peer support for adults affected by attention deficit disorder.
Tel: 604 263 6997
Email: pete@addcoach4u.com
CHADD Vancouver
A support group and information resource for families affected by attention deficit disorder. (Chapter of CHADD Canada).
Tel: 604 222 4043
Email: chaddvan@vcn.bc.ca
Hospitals with Emergency Departments
St. Paul’s Hospital
Vancouver General Hospital – VGH
Jim Pattison Pavilion – Emergency Department
At: 920 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604 875 4111
BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre
BC Children's Hospital
To search for hospitals and emergency departments in Metro Vancouver: Click here- Vancouver Coastal Health hospitals and emergency departments
Pharmacies / Chemist / Drug Store
Safeway, Costco, London Drugs, and Shoppers Drug Mart are well-known international chain stores that offer pharmacies on-site.
24-hour pharmacies in Vancouver:
To view a map with addresses, phone numbers, and websites for all pharmacies in Metro Vancouver, including independent pharmacies: Click here- Pharmacies in Metro Vancouver
Support Groups and Meetings
For Alcoholics Anonymous, drug aid, cancer support meetings, AIDS and more.
Organisations in Metro Vancouver offer a range of support programmes for:
- Mental health
- Addictions
- Physical disabilities
- Immigrant settlement
Their services may include:
- Information
- Educational resources
- Counselling (by trained professionals and peers)
- Links to community services and support
This page lists information in three ways:
- Organisations with a single focus (such as Alcoholics Anonymous)
- Organisations offering multiple support programmes (such as the Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Organisations that link to additional programmes (such as the Disability Resource Network of BC)
If a specific programme is not listed, check general directories for further links to specialised services. Support is available for:
Addiction Support
Health Conditions
Groups & Communities
Emotional & Social Support
Accessibility & Settlement
Addiction Issues
Alcohol, Narcotics, Gambling.
For a wide-ranging list of alcohol and drug rehabilitation programmes — including support groups, medical services, de-tox, and residential programmes — see:
(Fraser Region)
(Vancouver Coastal)
Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholics Anonymous of Greater Vancouver
Tel (24-hour support line): 604 434 3933
To find a meeting by day or location: Click here- Alcoholics Anonymous of Greater Vancouver meetings
Al-Anon / Alateen Family Group
Support for friends and family affected by someone else’s drinking
For a list of meetings call: 1-888-4AL-ANON (1 888 425 2666)
Monday to Friday, from 08:00–18:00
Website: vancouveraa.ca
Al-Anon Vancouver Central Services Office
At: 101-3680 East Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, V5K 2A9
Tel: 604 688 1716
Website: www.bcyukon-al-anon.org
Drug Addiction
Support Programs:
Vancouver Area Service Committee of Narcotics Anonymous
Tel: 604 873 1018
Tel (Lower Mainland): 866 683 6819
Toll-free 24/7 helpline: 604 662 8500 / 866 662 8300
Informational Resources
Academic and practical information on substance abuse and government policy.
Education, support groups, resources, information and support for parents and families of children who are or may be using drugs. Includes links and descriptions of community resources and support groups. To view the list of services and support groups: Click here- From Grief to Action
Overview of substance abuse treatment from identification to recovery.
Government information on risks, assessment, and recovery. Features guides for parents and details of government initiatives.
Gambling Addiction
Support Programs:
Gamblers Anonymous
24/7 Vancouver Hotline: 1 855 222 5542
Website: gamblersanonymous.org
To search for meetings: gam-anon.org/meeting-directory/canada-meeting
British Columbia Partnership for Responsible Gambling
Educational resources and prevention programs
Website: www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca
Gambling Help Line
Free, confidential 24/7 counselling by phone or in person
Toll-free: 1 888 795 6111
TTY (Deaf/Hard of hearing): 604 875 0885
Cancer Support
The BC Cancer Agency operates regional cancer centres with links to local hospitals. They offer a number of services including patient and family counselling and a cancer information library.
HIV/AIDS Support
Canadian AIDS Society
Charity with over 120 community-based organisations throughout the country. Their website includes links to other organisations, information, and resources.
Website: www.cdnaids.ca
AIDS Vancouver
Provides a range of services for those living with HIV/AIDS, including case management, peer support programmes, a grocery delivery programme, resource centre, and education.
Ribbon Community
Address: 1107 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5S8
Tel: 604 893 2201
Email: info@ribboncommunity.org
Website: www.ribboncommunity.org
BC Persons With AIDS Society
Affiliated with AIDS Vancouver. Provides counselling support groups for individuals and families.
Website: www.positivelypositive.ca
Email: info@bcpwas.org
Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation
Runs a day programme and a 24-hour nursing care residence. Offers assessment, counselling, assistance with recreational outings, art and music therapy, short-term stabilisation and long-term care.
Website: www.drpeter.org
Gang Prevention
Support workers, resources, videos, events, and links to community services and counselling.
Website: www.gangprevention.ca
Tel: 1 800 680 4264
Youth in BC
Part of Crisis Centre BC — online support for youth. In addition to helplines, YouthInBC offers online opportunities to chat live, one-on-one with a crisis volunteer, receive email support from professional staff, quickly locate accurate information on different issues, and connect to referral services in their own community. Calls and online contact are anonymous and confidential.
Website: www.youthinbc.ca
Toll-free: 604 872 3311 / 1 866 661 3311
More resources at: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca
Support for Women
CARE Program – Comprehensive Abortion and Reproductive Education
Part of BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre, supporting women’s emotional, social, and physical needs. Confidential care offering options for birth control and pregnancy choices.
Tel: 604 875 3163, from 07:30–16:00
Salal – Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
One-to-one counselling for women who have experienced sexual assault or other forms of violence, for example, violence in relationships, childhood abuse or mental and emotional abuse.
Tel: 604 255 6344
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter – women and children
Offers safe temporary shelter, information and a free legal clinic. Staff can accompany women to hospital, to the police, through court proceedings, appointments with lawyers and social workers as well as provide emotional support and advocacy.
Tel: 604 872 8212
TDD: 604 877 0958
Pacific Post Partum Support Society
Telephone support, weekly support meetings, books and guides for women who are suffering from depression following the birth of a child.
At: 200-7342 Winston Street, Burnaby, BC, V5A 2H1
Tel: 604 255 7999
Sexual Health
Sexualityandu: Provides links, information and resources provided by medical doctors, researchers, nurses, midwives and other health care providers, for teens, adults, teachers and healthcare professionals. It also includes articles, online videos and links for support organisations.
Victim Support
Child and Family Services of Greater Vancouver – provides services to victims of trauma and sexual abuse and to their non-offending family members. Support is available for sexually abused children, their families, and adult survivors of childhood sexual trauma.
Trauma and Sexual Abuse Program – Richmond – TASA
At: 250 – 7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond
Tel: 604 279 7100
Vancouver Police Department Victim Services – information and support for victims of crime. Services range from assistance at the time of the crime, to support in court, information about the court processes, follow-up assistance for counselling and links to community programs.
Vancouver Police Department
At: 2120 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4N6
Tel: 604 717 2737
Email: vpd.vsu@vpd.ca
Website: Victim Services on vancouver.ca
Eating Disorders Support
There are a number of support groups and programmes available for anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or other problem behaviours centred around food and health.
For a list of treatments in BC for eating disorders, including doctors, counsellors, and treatment centres: Click here- Eating disorders treatment in BC
Vancouver Anti-Anorexia/Anti-Bulimia League – 24-hour helpline for people with eating disorders.
Vancouver Anti-Anorexia/Anti-Bulimia League
At: 303–1212 West Broadway, Vancouver BC
Tel: 604 731 7304
Be Real Eating Disorders Clinic – Vancouver Coastal Health
For children and teenagers from 11 to 19 years of age, the clinic offers access to medical support, dietician consultation and counselling for youth suffering from eating disorders. (North and West Vancouver only).
West Vancouver Community Health Centre
At: 2121 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Tel: 604 983 6847
Email: feedback@vch.ca
Website: www.vch.ca
BC Children’s Hospital Eating Disorders Program
Provincial programme for children and adolescents with eating disorders. Information from BC Children’s Hospital: Click here- BC Children's Hospital Eating Disorders Program
Bereavement Support
BC Bereavement Helpline – Information on bereavement support groups, agencies, and peer-based support, connections to local support groups, articles and publications on grief, grieving, and recovery. Some publications offered in languages other than English.
Tel: 604 738 9950, Monday to Friday from 09:30–15:00
Website: bcbh.ca
BC Children’s Hospital program – List of resources (books, videos) available from their library, pamphlets, suggested activities for children, teens, adults to help deal with grief, links to other support groups and counselling.
The Compassionate Friends of Canada – Self-help organisation for parents who have experienced the death of a child.
TCF Canada – Vancouver Branch
Tel: 604 293 1790
Email: vancouver@tcfcanada.net
Website: www.tcfcanada.net
For other locations in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland: Click here- The Compassionate Friends of Canada for other locations in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
Disability Support
Disability Resource Network – Resource to quickly locate basic information as well as links for more detailed information, including web links to relevant community support organisations. The Network lists a wide range of disabilities – physical, developmental, learning, neurological, and psychiatric.
For specific information: Visit www.drnbc.org and choose from the drop-down menu “Info by Disability”.
Immigrant and Newcomers’ Support
Immigrant Services Society of BC
Relocation advice, settlement information, newcomer’s guides on housing, healthcare, public school system and employment.
Head Office
At: 501–333 Terminal Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6A 2L7
Tel: 604 684 2561
Fax: 604 684 2266
Email: iss@issbc.org
Website: www.issbc.org
Welcome House and Settlement Services
At: 530 Drake Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4H3
Tel: 604 684 7498
Fax: 604 684 5683
Email: settlement@issbc.org
Pacific Immigrant Resources Society
Programmes and information for immigrant women and their pre-school children.
At: 210–3680 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V5K 2A9
Tel: 604 298 5888
Fax: 604 298 7115
Email: info@pirs.bc.ca
Website: www.pirs.bc.ca
MOSAIC
Multilingual services for men and women, children and youth. Language skills, education and work workshops, justice and settlement information, refugee support.
Pregnancy
What to expect from the system if you are planning a family or find yourself pregnant in Canada.
The Canadian College of Family Physicians recommends that women see their family doctor before getting pregnant to discuss diet, habits and to undergo a physical check-up. It is advisable that a woman sees her doctor as soon as she finds out she is pregnant, so diet, family history, health and allergies can be discussed early.
- For general information provided by the Federal Government about maintaining a healthy pregnancy, nutrition and other information: Having a baby.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada has produced a Sensible Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy, which can be downloaded online.