Between Omicron uncertainty, winter blues, and the stress of everyday life, many of us are in need of a little extra support. BC has a variety of free resources available for youth, adults, and families to help you manage your mental health and wellness. Check out our guide to find the support that’s right for you, plus inclusive events and activities to help you stay connected and flourish!

Free Mental Health Supports

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers a number of free courses designed to help you build the skills you need to manage your mental health and wellness:

• BounceBack – a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.
• Living Life to the Full – an 8-week virtual course which provides simple, practical skills for coping with stress, problem solving, boosting your mood, and busting bad thoughts.
• Confident Parents: Thriving Kids – a family-focused, telephone-based coaching service for parents and caregivers, effective in reducing mild to moderate anxiety or behavioural challenges and promoting healthy child development in children ages 3 – 12.

For young people ages 12-24 and their caregivers, Foundry offers health and wellness resources, services and supports. They are excited to offer a new group for BC caregivers supporting young people. Foundry services also include:

• Foundry Virtual BC – an app co-created with and for youth and their caregivers. You can use the app to drop-in or schedule a virtual counselling appointment, join a youth group or caregiver group, or browse a library of tools and resources.
• Peer Support – the chance to connect with another young person who’s there to listen to you about any struggle or challenge you may be experiencing.
• Phone & Online Chat – a wide range of phone, text, and chat services, including crisis lines, mental health support, confidential sexual health resources, and the Indigenous Initiatives Network

Family Support

The Family Support Institute of BC (FSI) offers ongoing Zoom sessions where families can learn, connect, and find support. This includes:

• Family Hang outs – A safe space for families and caregivers to come together for support, inspiration and troubleshooting. Sessions are either themed or open for general conversation.
• Learning Explorations – Free online sessions that offer families, individuals, and professionals the chance to learn, connect and share on a variety of topics.

Activities & Connection

• CoMakeDo experiences are moving to a new home—Curiko! The new experience platform hosts four kinds of experience: one-on-one, group, box, and video experiences. Try a new activity, learn a new skill, and connect with others!
• FSI’s Calendar for Connection was created to help people with diverse abilities know about different fun and inclusive opportunities to connect with others during COVID-19. It features events and activities happening all over BC.