Thank you for showing up

/in ,

This past long weekend put significant pressure on our ferry system. Delays, cancellations and long waits affected thousands of people travelling across the coast. It was frustrating for passengers and difficult for the communities that rely on these routes.

Behind all of that were crews doing everything they could to keep service moving. This weekend was a reminder of how much the system depends on your work.

To every crew member who showed up and kept going through a difficult long weekend, thank you. We see you, we appreciate you. We won’t stop fighting for you.

 

 

Spring break breakdowns and bigger questions at BC Ferries

/in ,

E. coli on two vessels. Lead concerns on another vessel. Mechanical breakdowns during spring break and the Easter long weekend.

During spring break, BC Ferries confirmed E. coli and coliform in potable water on the Queen of Alberni and Salish Orca. Then, it issued a notice about lead in drinking water on the Salish Raven.

Over the Easter long weekend, reliability issues escalated. Two major vessels were out of service, triggering cancellations on key routes, including Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay. This came during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, straining an already stretched system.

There was no one available from BC Ferries’ communications or executive teams to respond during the long weekend. There was just dead air when passengers were looking for answers and reassurance.

In the case of the E. coli detection, BC Ferries took steps to contain the issue. Potable water taps were shut off. Food service shut down. Follow-up testing cleared the systems and, thankfully, no illnesses were reported.

That’s what should happen. But communication matters just as much. Passengers weren’t broadly notified. Some only found out after the fact. A simple service alert or public notice would’ve made a difference. People could’ve brought water, packed food or chosen a different sailing. People with health conditions could have taken steps to limit their exposure.

We’re seeing the impact of maintenance not keeping pace with demand and the age of the fleet. You can only push vessels this hard for so long before reliability starts to suffer. BC Ferries is carrying record numbers of passengers and vehicles, but planning, maintenance and long-term decisions haven’t kept up.

Our engineering and maintenance crews are doing everything they can to keep vessels running. There’s a lot of quiet heroism behind the scenes. But we can’t fix problems that should have been prevented without resources. In short: crews are doing their jobs. But is leadership?

With responsibility for BC Ferries spread across multiple decision-makers, it’s not always clear who’s accountable for poor planning and structural failures. In the end, it’s crews and passengers who feel the impact. Delays and cancellations don’t just inconvenience people, they affect work, medical travel and daily life in coastal communities. A system this critical needs clear accountability.

BC Ferries is expected to act like a private business and a public service at the same time. In that set-up, cost-control tends to win out against reliability. When you’re managing a complex public transportation system year-to-year instead of building for the long term, there’s no slack, no redundancy and when things go wrong they cascade fast. Crews are holding this system together. Leadership is letting it fall apart.

Northern Operations

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

Northern BC Crisis Line: 1.888.562.1214
https://crisis-centre.ca/

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

24 Hour Helpline for Men & Women: 250.627.8588

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Northern Vancouver Island Mental Health and Substance Use
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/access-referrals-mental-health-substance-use-services/referrals-mount-waddington-mental-health-substance-use
Port Hardy – 250.902.6051
Port McNeil – 250.956.4461

Prince Rupert Adult Mental Health and Addictions – 250.622.6310
https://www.princerupert.ca/index-pages/directory-listings/mental-health-addictions-services-program

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

Stopping the Violence Counselling Program
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/bc-criminal-justice-system/if-victim/victim-of-crime/staying-safe/stv-directory.pdf

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Friendship House Association – 250.627.1717
https://friendshiphouse.ca/
The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert is an inclusive organization that exists to provide programs and services to the community at large, with an emphasis on the needs of the First Nations People in the areas of education, culture, health and recreation.

Other Offerings:
Aama Goot Aboriginal Women’s Wellness – 250.627.1717 ext. 28
Mental Health Outreach Worker – 250.627.1717 ext. 30

North Coast Transition Society – 250.627.8959
24 Hour Confidential Help Line: 250.627.8588
https://www.ncts.ca/
Sexual Abuse Intervention Program, Stopping the Violence Counseling Program, Supportive Recovery Program

Sacred Wolf Friendship Center – 250.902.0552
https://www.sacredwolf.ca/
Sacred Wolf Friendship Centre, a non-profit organization emphasizing the philosophies and values of varied aboriginal cultures and traditions provides programs in health, welfare, social services, human rights, culture, education, recreation and equality for all genders of aboriginal people of all age groups.

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Northern Gulf Islands

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

24 Hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1.888.494.3888
https://www.vicrisis.ca/
https://www.vicrisis.ca/crisis-chat/
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/access-referrals-mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/youth-family-substance-use-services/access-referrals-youth-family-substance-use-services

Comox Valley Transition Society 24 Hour Crisis Line: 250.338.1227

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

Care-A-Van – Where to Get Help
https://www.cvcareavan.ca/wheretoget-help

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Comox Valley Mental Health and Substance Use
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/adult-mental-health-substance-use-services/comox-valley-mental-health-substance-use

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

Comox Valley Transition Society
https://cvts.ca/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Anxiety Disorders Clinic: 
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anxiety-disorders-clinic

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

The Foundry
https://foundrybc.ca/comoxvalley/

Child & Youth TeleMental Health Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/children-youth-services/child-youth-telemental-health-service
The Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) TeleMental Health Program provides consultative psychiatric care to patients in areas that typically experience long wait times or do not have access to local psychiatry services.
Typical TeleMental Health and Substance Use consults could include: medication reviews, substance use screening, assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

Eating Disorder Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/eating-disorders-services

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Southern Gulf Islands

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

24 Hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1.888.494.3888
https://www.vicrisis.ca/
https://www.vicrisis.ca/crisis-chat/
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/access-referrals-mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/youth-family-substance-use-services/access-referrals-youth-family-substance-use-services

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Anxiety Disorders Clinic:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anxiety-disorders-clinic

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Child & Youth TeleMental Health Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/children-youth-services/child-youth-telemental-health-service
The Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) TeleMental Health Program provides consultative psychiatric care to patients in areas that typically experience long wait times or do not have access to local psychiatry services.
Typical TeleMental Health and Substance Use consults could include: medication reviews, substance use screening, assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

Eating Disorder Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/eating-disorders-services

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Powell River

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Langdale

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre Crisis and Information line: 250.383.3232

Victoria Women’s Transition House 24 Hour Crisis Line: 250.385.6611

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Lower Mainland

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

Fraser Health Crisis Line: 1.877.820.74444
https://www.crisislines.bc.ca/fraser
Serves the Fraser Health Region from Burnaby to Boston Bar: New Westminster, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, South Surrey, Delta, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, and Agassiz

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre Crisis and Information line: 250.383.3232

Victoria Women’s Transition House 24 Hour Crisis Line: 250.385.6611

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

As U Ar Counselling
https://www.asurcounselling.com/

EC Family Support Services (Maple Ridge)
https://ecfamilysupport.com/

Neurodiversity-Affirming Mental Health Professionals
Oralie Loong (Burnaby) – https://neurodivergentcounselling.ca/
Rae Morris – https://www.raemorriscounselling.com/
Alex Leslie – https://www.understorycounselling.com/
Cherish Clinic – https://cherishclinic.com/
Camille Long – https://www.camillelong.com/
Julia Olsen – https://www.juliaolsen.com/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Nanaimo, Cedar, and Parksville

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

24 Hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1.888.494.3888
https://www.vicrisis.ca/
https://www.vicrisis.ca/crisis-chat/
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/access-referrals-mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/youth-family-substance-use-services/access-referrals-youth-family-substance-use-services

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

The Village Clinic
https://thevillageclinic.ca/

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Anxiety Disorders Clinic:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anxiety-disorders-clinic

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Child & Youth TeleMental Health Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/children-youth-services/child-youth-telemental-health-service
The Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) TeleMental Health Program provides consultative psychiatric care to patients in areas that typically experience long wait times or do not have access to local psychiatry services.
Typical TeleMental Health and Substance Use consults could include: medication reviews, substance use screening, assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

Eating Disorder Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/eating-disorders-services

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

Swartz Bay and Victoria

/in Mental Health and Addiction Supports

Please note that our webpage contains external links. We do not control the content or availability of these external sites, and inclusion of any link does not necessarily imply endorsement or affiliation.

Crisis Lines

24 Hour Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1.888.494.3888
https://www.vicrisis.ca/
https://www.vicrisis.ca/crisis-chat/
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/access-referrals-mental-health-substance-use-services
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/youth-family-substance-use-services/access-referrals-youth-family-substance-use-services

Kuu-us Crisis Line: 1.250.723.2323
The KUU-US Crisis Line is a resource for suicide prevention for Indigenous people on Vancouver Island and in the province of British Columbia. Help is available 24 hours a day. If you are facing a crisis, call any time.

Adult Crisis Line:   1.250.723.4050

Youth Crisis Line:  1.250.723.2040

Vancouver Island and through the Province of BC:  1.800.588.8717

Victoria Women’s Sexual Assault Centre Crisis and Information line: 250.383.3232

Victoria Women’s Transition House 24 Hour Crisis Line: 250.385.6611

BC Bereavement Helpline
https://bcbh.ca/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/suicidal-thoughts-or-threats
https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line: 1.800.721.0066
www.irsss.ca

Youth Against Violence Line: 1.800.680.4264
http://www.youthagainstviolenceline.com/

Services and Societies

Victim Services in BC – 1.800.563.0808 (call or text)
211-VICTIMLINKBC@UWBC.CA
https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/women-leaving-violence
VictimLinkBC is a support program for victims of crime and trauma across B.C.

Information, Advocacy, & Support for BC Seniors
https://seniorsfirstbc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL) at 604.437.1940 or toll free at 1.866.437.1940, 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., to get a referral to their legal advocate and other programs.

BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services:
http://www.bcmhsus.ca/
https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/

Alcoholics Anonymous
https://aavictoria.ca/meeting-guide/

Narcotics Anonymous – 1.855.562.2262
https://www.bcrna.ca/index.php?category=meetings

Umbrella Society – 250.380.0595
https://www.umbrellasociety.ca/

Victoria Disability Resource Centre
https://drcvictoria.com/resources/https-drcvictoria-com-resources-http-drcvictoria-com-resources/
Organizations in the Greater Victoria area that offer either free or affordable counselling services.

Citizen’s Counseling Centre – 250.384.9934
https://citizenscounselling.com/

Mom’s Stop the Harm/Holding Hope
https://www.momsstoptheharm.com/

BC Schizophrenia Society:
https://www.bcss.org/
General Information on Early Psychosis Intervention

Transition House
Victoria – 250.592.2937
https://www.transitionhouse.net/
Sooke – 250.642.2543

Bridges for Women – 250.385.7410
https://bridgesforwomen.ca/

Mary Manning Centre/Child Abuse Prevention and Counselling Society – 250.385.6111
https://www.marymanningcentre.com/

Foundry – Victoria Youth Clinic
https://www.victoriayouthclinic.ca/

Big Brothers Big Sisters
https://victoria.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/

Anscombe Outpatient Services:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anscomb-outpatient-services
The goal of the Anscomb Program is to support children, youth and their families by evaluating and planning treatment for significant emotional, behavioural, psychological and psychiatric symptoms in order to increase the mental health and functioning of children and youth at home, at school and within their home community.

Child & Youth TeleMental Health Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/children-youth-services/child-youth-telemental-health-service
The Mental Health & Substance Use (MHSU) TeleMental Health Program provides consultative psychiatric care to patients in areas that typically experience long wait times or do not have access to local psychiatry services.
Typical TeleMental Health and Substance Use consults could include: medication reviews, substance use screening, assessment, diagnosis and intervention.

The Neurodiversity Family Centre
https://www.neurodiversityfamilycentre.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=wix_google_business_profile&utm_campaign=356880734935138948
We are an inclusive space, offering support, education, and fostering connections for individuals of all ages, with or without a formal diagnosis. We offer specialized counselling for neurodivergent children, youth, adults and their families, within, but not exclusively, areas like Autism support, parenting support, and ADHD services. Additionally, we also offer couple’s counselling and specialize in neurodivergent relationship dynamics.

Victoria Speech and Language Centre
https://victoriaspeechlanguage.ca/
Providing excellent evidence-based speech-language services and occupational therapy to children and adults.

Pacific Centre Family Services – 250.478.8357
https://pacificcentrefamilyservices.org/

Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services
https://surroundedbycedar.com/

Victoria Native Friendship Centre
https://vnfc.ca/

Nuerodiversity Affirming Mental Health Professionals
Ciara Hart – https://www.ciarahartecounselling.com/
Sarah Wilson – https://www.neurodiversityfamilycentre.com/
Tara Walters (Salt Spring) – https://www.diverse-pathways.com/

Anxiety Disorders Clinic:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/anxiety-disorders-clinic

Eating Disorder Service:
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/mental-health-substance-use-services/eating-disorders-services

Hoarding Services (HEAT):
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/hoarding-services/hoarding-services-heat

Gambling:
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/kids-and-gambling.html
https://www.playnow.com/gamesense/support-and-resources.html
https://headsupguys.org/

BCFMWU is the largest maritime union in Canada, representing more than 4500 members

Contact us

1511 Stewart Avenue
Nanaimo, BC V9S 4E3

Ph: 250-716-3454
Fx: 250-716-3455
Tf: 1-800-663-7009

Get in touch

Hours

Monday to Friday: 0830 hrs to 1630 hrs
Closed: 1200 hrs to 1300 hrs for lunch

Closed on holidays

Search

We acknowledge the homelands of the Indigenous Peoples of this place we now call British Columbia, and honour the many territorial keepers of the Lands on which we work.