Do You Need Help During COVID-19?
BC211
- BC211 - a Vancouver-based nonprofit organization that specializes in providing information and referral regarding community, government and social services in BC.
Mental Health Supports and COVID-19
In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic. WHO and public health authorities around the world are acting to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, this time of crisis is understandably generating stress throughout our population.
We want you to know that you are not alone and there are a number of Mental Health Supports in place to help you, your family and your friends:
- How to manage stress, anxiety and depression and a list of available resources
- Locally, people experiencing a mental health crisis/emergency, can connect through one of these agencies. Please note that people should NOT be attending any of these agencies in person.
Mental Health Resources:
- Wellness Together Canada
- Kids Help Phone - Call 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or text 686868 (24/7)
- Crisis Services Canada - Call 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645 (1pm-9pm PST)
- Vancouver Island Crisis Line - Call 1-888-494-3888 (24/7) or text 1-250-800-3806 (6-10pm PST)
- Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health
- Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Mental Health Supports for Children and Youth
- Island Health Child, Youth and Family Mental Health Services
- Booster Buddy App - A free app to help young people improve their mental health
- Kids Help Phone - Call 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or text 686868 (24/7)
- Community Safety Net - Information on how to talk to your child about COVID-19
Senior's Resources
- BC211 Safe Seniors Stronger Communities Program - for seniors looking for volunteer services such as grocery shopping, meal preparation, prescription pick up, phone/virtual friendly visits, etc.
Resources For Those At Risk
For people in B.C. currently receiving income assistance or disability assistance, the Province will temporarily exempt federal employment insurance benefits, including the new $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). These payments will be fully exempted for the next three months so people receiving income assistance and disability assistance in B.C. will benefit from these new emergency federal support programs, without any reductions to their monthly assistance payments.
For everyone on income assistance or disability assistance who is not eligible for the emergency federal support programs, including the CERB, the Province will provide an automatic $300-monthly COVID-19 crisis supplement for the next three months. This supplement will also be provided to low-income seniors who receive the B.C. Senior’s Supplement and recipients of income assistance or disability assistance who reside in special care facilities.
With the current provincewide suspension of BC Transit and Translink bus fares, the Province will also provide all BC Bus Pass Program users receiving income assistance and disability assistance with the $52 Transportation Supplement for the duration of the fare suspension. This will be included on the next cheque and for each subsequent month while the fare suspension remains in place.
Click here to read the Provincial Government's news release.
Other Resources
- BC Centre for Disease Control Information Sheet - COVID-19 Harm Reduction and Overdose Response
- Provincial Government Information for Unsheltered People: Protect Yourself and Others
- Provincial Government COVID-19: Access Income Assistance Services and Payments Without Coming to an Office Info Sheet
- BC211 Greater Victoria Shelter List
How to Speak to Your Children about COVID-19
With the overwhelming amount of information coming at us regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, kids in your community may be feeling anxious or confused. Though the news may cause stress or depression, young people who receive parental support, positive role-modeling and helpful information can build the confidence to stand tall and feel safer. Click here to learn about things you can do to help the young people around you.
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