Other Places to Get Help
Other Places to Get Help
If you find yourself in need of immediate help, call Emergency Services – 911
Youth Resources
This page is designed to help you find support quickly. Whether you’re facing a crisis, need legal advice, or want to talk to someone who understands, you’ll discover a service that’s right for you.
BC Wildfire Support
For additional mental health and substance use supports, visit HelpStartsHere.gov.bc.ca
All current and verified emergency information in BC can be found at EmergencyInfoBC. If your community has been issued an Evacuation Alert or Evacuation Order, follow the directions of your local authority.
Emergency Support Services (ESS)
ESS can advise on supports that may be available to young people and families/caregivers. Signing up with ESS can also be helpful for those that are displaced and may have loved ones unable to make contact.
*not specific to youth or families with support or mental health needs
Visit
the ESS website
Foundry
Foundry Penticton is offering a drop-in space for youth who have been evacuated. Snacks, showers, laundry services and a place to decompress are available there Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
- Foundry virtual: Download the mobile app to access virtual counselling and peer support Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
- Foundry Penticton: call 778-646-2292 to make an appointment
- Foundry Kelowna: call 236-420-2803 to make an appointment. Drop-in counselling is also available at the Kelowna, West Kelowna and Lake Country locations
Kids Help Phone
Free, confidential counselling and support for anyone under 20, available 24/7.
24/7 by text: Text CONNECT to 686868
24/7 by phone: 1-800-668-6868
24/7 online messaging: kidshelpphone.ca/need-help-now-web-message-us
Visit
Call
Non-Emergency Urgent Help
BC 211
A free, confidential service that connects you to programs, housing, food, financial help, and crisis services in your community.
Helpline for Children
A 24/7 helpline for children and youth who are experiencing abuse, neglect, or unsafe situations—at home, at school, or in the community.
Call
310-1234 (no area code needed)
Kids Help Phone
Free, confidential counselling and support for anyone under 20, available 24/7.
Visit
Call
Mental Health and Addictions Support
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Free, confidential support if you’re thinking about suicide or in emotional distress. Bilingual, trauma-informed, and culturally safe.
Call or text
Mental Health Support Line
24/7 immediate mental health support or referral.
Call
Crisis Centre BC
24/7 emotional support and crisis intervention across British Columbia.
Call
Youth in BC Crisis Support
Live online chat with trained volunteers. Open daily from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Visit
Substance Use Services – Foundry BC
Get connected to youth-friendly services for substance use, harm reduction, and recovery.
Visit
Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre
24/7 emotional support and crisis intervention across British Columbia.
Call
Bullying and Violence Support
Youth Against Violence
This phone line is for young people and any adult who is concerned about a young person. They can connect you to the police, anonymously, if needed.
Call
Erase (BC Government)
An anonymous reporting tool and education resource for students facing bullying, racism, violence, discrimination, and cyberbullying.
Visit
NeedHelpNow
Helps youth manage the impacts of online sexual violence, sextortion, and cyberbullying.
Visit
PREVNet
PREVNet (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) offers resources and tools to help you understand and stop bullying, , teen dating violence, peer violence, and abuse.
Visit
VictimLink BC
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone impacted by violence, abuse, or crime—including sexual and domestic violence.
Visit
Kids Help Phone – Bullying and Abuse Resources
Articles, chat, and phone support if you’re being bullied or experiencing abuse.
Visit
Supports for Youth with Disabilities
Inclusion BC
Advocacy, resources, and referrals for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
CanAssist
University of Victoria program that creates technologies and services for youth with disabilities to live more independently.
Visit
Disability Alliance BC
Offers support, advocacy, and programs for people with disabilities navigating income assistance, benefits, and accessibility barriers.
Call
Visit
Legal Support for Youth
SCYofBC – Child and Youth Legal Centre
Free, confidential legal advice and representation for youth under 19, including help with family law, child protection, education, and human rights.
Call
Visit
Legal Rights for Youth – Justice Education Society
Easy-to-understand legal information for youth in BC, covering school, work, housing, and criminal law.
Visit
Access Pro Bono BC
Connects you with free legal clinics and advice if you can’t afford a lawyer.
Call
Visit
Transition to Adulthood Supports
Youth Educational Assistance Fund (YEAF)
Helps youth from government care with the cost of post-secondary education.
Visit
AgedOut.com
A resource hub for youth transitioning out of care – covering housing, education, identity, health, and more.
Visit
TRAC – Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre
Know your rights if you’re renting as a student or youth—evictions, deposits, and landlord disputes.
Call
Visit
Support for Indigenous Youth
Cuystwi Young Warriors Quest (ages 10-12)
This program for Indigenous children and youth can help you learn about identity, culture, the history of colonization, racism, and what it means to be a warrior.
Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC
Culturally safe legal support for Indigenous youth navigating the legal or child welfare systems.
Call
Visit
