Peer Support
Peer support can be defined as an emotional and practical supportive relationship between people with lived experience. A peer support worker is trained to support others and can be a valuable service on the spectrum of mental health care and support. A compassionate peer support worker provides encouragement toward health and recovery, while also helping to navigate mental health resources.
For Youth | Young Adults
Foundry Virtual
Peer Support services for BC young people and their caregivers
Virtual Drop-In counselling sessions, youth and caregiver peer support, primary care and group offerings to young people and their caregivers.
Groups & Workshops online for young people ages 12-24 and their caregivers across BC!
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No referral required
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No assessment required
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Free and confidential
*Foundry Sea to Sky is now OPEN!
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Youth Space Chat Support
Youthspace.ca - online crisis & emotional support chat. Available to those under 30 yrs old.
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QMUNITY
Youth Support - Programs consist of group drop-in spaces, one-on-one support, and referrals and resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth ages 25 and under.
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Looking Glass
Offers three peer support programs to people age 14 and up, who are experiencing disordered eating, weight or body image issues:
Hand in Hand *age 16 and older
For all genders; offered at no cost; unlimited frequency of use.
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FamilySmart
Peer Supporters are parents of kids & youth with mental health challenges. Peer Support services are free. No waitlist.
Find helpful resources informed by youth and families.
For Adults
Suicide Loss Peer Support
Support for Suicide Loss, is a support group for adults who have lost a loved one to suicide.
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Canadian Red Cross
1-833-474-0360
Free-to-access phone-based program that aims to help adult participants address feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Find more information here.
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Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society
Family Peer Support Volunteers who provide support, guidance and information to families, partners and friends of a loved one with a serious mental illness.
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Find support groups and one-to-one peer support options here.
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Whistler Community Serivices Society
Make a difference in the Whistler community. Learn how to provide kind, thoughtful, and meaningful support and increase your knowledge of local mental health resources by participating in the Mental Health Ambassador Program. You will be trained to listen, empathize, make referrals to mental wellness resources in the community and foster meaningful connections.
Email lisa@mywcss.org for more details.
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Care for Health Care Workers
Care to Speak is a peer support service that provides emotional and psychological help to healthcare workers. Call or chat with us online; it’s free and confidential.
1-866-802-7337
For Everyone
Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre
(HOpe Centre in North Vancouver)
Peer Navigation - one-on-one connection and emotional support. Peer Navigators are trained volunteers who can provide an empathic, non-judgmental listening ear.
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(604) 353-8235 keltyhope@cmha.bc.ca​