WelcomeBC is the Government of British Columbia’s official resource for newcomers, providing essential information and services to help immigrants, refugees, and temporary residents settle and thrive in BC. The site offers guidance on finding housing, employment, healthcare, education, and language services, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the province. 

It also connects newcomers with community support programs, immigration pathways, and legal resources, making it a valuable tool for those looking to build a future in British Columbia. 

Visit the website to explore settlement resources and find support tailored to your needs.

ED Wait Times is a new online tool developed by the Government of British Columbia to provide estimated wait times for emergency departments across the province. The platform helps patients make informed decisions about when and where to seek care by displaying real-time data on current wait times and patient volumes at select hospitals.

Please note that this tool is still in its early stages and currently does not include locations on Vancouver Island. As it expands, it aims to improve transparency and access to emergency healthcare information throughout BC.

We Are BC Students is a platform dedicated to supporting post-secondary students across British Columbia. It provides resources on student rights, advocacy, financial assistance, mental health support, and academic success. 

The site offers information on grants, scholarships, bursaries, tenant rights, employment standards, and healthcare access, ensuring students are aware of the services available to them. Additionally, it connects students with advocacy groups and initiatives that work to improve the student experience in BC. 

Explore the website to learn more about the resources and support available for BC students.

Help Starts Here is a comprehensive mental health and substance use support hub created by the Government of British Columbia. It connects individuals, families, and caregivers to reliable information, services, and tools to support their health and well-being. 

The site features resources for people experiencing mental health challenges, substance use concerns, or crises, as well as links to harm reduction programs, peer support, counselling, and treatment options. Help Starts Here is designed to make navigating the system easier and ensure that no one has to face these challenges alone. 

Visit the website to explore personalized support options and take the first step toward finding help.

Youth in BC is an online support service dedicated to young people across British Columbia who need immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, or access to community resources. The site offers a 24/7 online chat service, connecting youth with trained volunteers and professional crisis responders. 

In addition to live chat support, Youth in BC provides information on mental health, suicide prevention, substance use, housing, and LGBTQ2S+ support services. It also offers links to local organizations that can help with a variety of challenges youth may be facing. 

Visit the website to access confidential support and find the right resources for your needs.

Here2Talk is a free and confidential mental health support service available to all post-secondary students in British Columbia. It provides 24/7 access to professional counsellors through phone, online chat, and mobile app, ensuring that students can get support whenever they need it. 

Here2Talk offers help with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, academic pressure, and more. Whether you need immediate crisis support or someone to talk to about everyday struggles, this service connects students with qualified professionals at no cost. 

Visit the website or download the app to access support anytime, anywhere.

Toward the Heart is a harm reduction initiative led by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), aimed at reducing the risks associated with substance use. The program provides education, resources, and life-saving tools to help individuals, families, and communities across British Columbia. 

Key services include overdose prevention, naloxone training and distribution, supervised consumption site information, drug alerts, and harm reduction strategies. The site also connects people to treatment, recovery, and peer support programs. 

Visit Toward the Heart to learn more about harm reduction, find naloxone kits, and access resources to promote safer substance use practices.

Man Therapy is a mental health resource designed specifically for men, using a humorous and approachable style to encourage open conversations about mental well-being. The platform provides tools, self-assessments, and practical strategies to help men manage stress, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.

With a focus on breaking stigma, Man Therapy offers guidance on suicide prevention, substance use, relationships, and workplace stress. It also connects users to professional support services when needed. 

Visit the site to explore resources that support men's mental health in a relatable and engaging way.

VictimLink BC is a confidential, multilingual, and 24/7 support service available to anyone in British Columbia and Yukon who has been impacted by crime, violence, or abuse. The service provides immediate crisis support, information, and referrals to victim services, transition houses, counseling, and legal resources. 

VictimLink BC specializes in assistance for victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and other crimes. Trained support workers offer guidance and connect individuals with appropriate services in their communities. 

The service is free, available in multiple languages, and accessible via phone or text. Visit the website or call 1-800-563-0808 to get help anytime.

The BC Government’s Overdose Prevention & Response provides critical information and resources to help prevent and respond to the ongoing toxic drug crisis in British Columbia. This platform offers guidance on overdose awareness, harm reduction strategies, naloxone training, drug alerts, and treatment options. 

It also connects individuals with supervised consumption services, substance use support programs, and emergency response resources. The goal is to provide life-saving information and access to care for those affected by substance use. 

Visit the website to learn more about overdose prevention, available support, and how to take action in your community.

Together Against Poverty Society (TAPS) provides free legal advocacy and support for low-income individuals in British Columbia. Their services focus on tenants’ rights, income assistance, disability benefits, and employment standards, helping people navigate complex legal and bureaucratic systems.

TAPS is committed to social justice and poverty reduction, ensuring individuals have access to housing security, financial support, and fair workplace treatment. 

Visit the website to learn more about available services and how to get assistance.

Rocket Doctor offers virtual healthcare services for residents of British Columbia, providing access to licensed doctors online for non-emergency medical concerns. Patients can receive consultations, prescriptions, referrals, and medical advice from the comfort of their homes. 

This service is designed to improve accessibility and convenience, reducing wait times and eliminating the need for in-person visits for many health concerns. 

Visit the website to learn more or book an appointment.

Pathways is a province-wide online resource designed to help primary care providers in British Columbia quickly connect patients with the most appropriate care and community services. Developed by the Divisions of Family Practice, Pathways includes up-to-date listings of specialists, programs, and patient resources, ensuring smoother, more efficient referrals and support. 

While primarily used by healthcare professionals, many divisions also offer public-facing directories (See Nanaimo Resources Page) to help patients better understand and navigate their healthcare options. Pathways plays a key role in improving access to timely, coordinated care across BC.