HELP LINES
Immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors throughout 24/7 phone lines and online services. The Distress Services program provides support to vulnerable individuals across British Columbia.
Multilingual: Yes (140 languages)
Hours: 24/7 distress phone line and online chat services between noon and 1:00am
Contact:
Dial: Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Web: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/
Chat: Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
bc211 is a British Columbia, non-profit organization that provides a free, confidential, multilingual (160 languages) information about community, government and social services in BC. As a response to COVID-19, bc211 accepts applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up and help with non-medical needs.
Multilingual: Yes (160 languages)
Hours: 24/7
Contact: Dial: 211
Text: 211
Web: https://www.bc211.ca
Twitter: @bc211Help
Email: help@bc211.ca
Help line within the City for seeking information about operations and services or to report problems.
During COVID-19 only use 311 for urgent requests or language interpretation. Otherwise use online chat and email at City website.
Multilingual: Yes
Hours: 7am to 10pm daily
Live chat 9am-4pm
Contact:
Dial 311 within Metro Vancouver. Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000
App: VanConnect
Web: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-the-city-of vancouver.aspx
Multilingual: Yes (130 languages)
For translated resources in French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamesego to https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/translated-resources
Hours: 24/7
Contact:
Dial: 811
Web: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/
For nursing services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/nursing-services
For dietitian services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian-services
For pharmacist services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pharmacist-services
For qualified exercise professionals: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/physical-activity-services
Speak with an Information & Referral analyst or consult website about health care, housing, income supports, personal supports, transportation. Seniors’ services research reports and Long-term Care Quick Facts Directory. Provide feedback on seniors’ services.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays)
Contact:
Dial: toll-free 1-877-952-3181 or in Victoria 250-952-3181
If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free):
Dial:
- English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Web: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline
Need help getting around British Columbia? This is an initiative of B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation). You can find various transportation options: public transit, HandyDart, as well as community shuttle services, taxis and private driver services,volunteer ride programs, and walking groups in various regions of the province..
Web here:
https://www.seniorsonthemove.org/transportation-options-for-seniors-metro-vancouver#/
SAIL is a province-wide confidential service for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment. Seniors will receive information and support about issues that impact their health and wellbeing.
Multilingual: Yes, upon request (180 languages)
Hours: 8am-8pm 7 days/week (excluding holidays)
Contact:
Dial: 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940
TTY equipment: 604-428-3359 or toll-free 1-855-306-1443
Web-based service for answers to questions and practical information about technologies, tools and equipment that increase independence and wellbeing for BC seniors, and support their families and care teams.
Multilingual: Use an online translation app
Web: https://www.ability411.ca/find-answers
Ask a question https://www.ability411.ca/ask-new-question
“Helping simplify the exchange of home health equipment for our community” with blog, resources and searchable database of equipment listings, …”facilitating safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver by creating a network of Community Exchange Zones to help us facilitate safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver.” Non-profit operated by staff and volunteers; funded by partners and donors.
Multilingual: Use an online translation app
Hours: equipment list is available 24/7 here
Contact: online here with questions