"The sharing of resources and experiences happens spontaneously during our meetings...resources that can help a parent’s situation at a particular — perhaps critical - point in time"
Resources
One of the most urgent challenges families face when trying to find help for their loved ones and for themselves is to find appropriate resources as quickly as possible. Parents Forever provides up-to-date substance use and mental health resources in two ways:
Our meeting agenda always includes a section on resources
Twice monthly, we update the entire membership with resources, events, announcements, and relevant information.
We endeavour to keep the list of the most sought after resources current and with detailed contact information. The list is updated from time to time as new resources become available.
We welcome suggestions from you regarding additional services as well as those that should be deleted if you discover they have changed or are no longer available.
Note: BC is divided into five Health Authorities. Parents Forever is a Vancouver-based organization and is supported by Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH). Other areas within VCH are Richmond, North Shore, Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Central Coast
Crisis and emergency services
Emergency: Call 911 24/7
Suicide Crisis: Call or Text 988 24/7
Crisis Lines:
Walk-in Services: Please visit your nearest emergency department (except VGH — see below about the AAC).
Mental Health Cars:
Car 87/88 Vancouver (Call AAC or if it is a life-threatening emergency call 911)
MICR: Mobile Integrated Care Response — Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Abbotsford and Chilliwack
PACT: Peer Assisted Care Team New Westminster
Non-emergency police assistance:
Vancouver Police — 604-717-3321
Access Central: Detox referral line — 1(866) 658-1221
ACC (Access and Assessment Centre) at Vancouver General Hospital: VCH, but Vancouver City specific, non-life threatening. Learn more
ACT Team (Assertive Community Treatment): Learn more
Community services (non-emergency)
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Alcohol & Drug Information Referral Service Substance use | HealthLink BC
Borderline Personality Sashbear
US information, but contains a lot of good information NAMI
Here to Help Vision Journal: March 2024 is specific to families/friends
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John Gracey, Turning Point Recovery Society 236-877-2649 | Email: jgracey@turningpointrecovery.com
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For Vancouver Coastal Health: VCH Mental Health and Substance Use Vancouver Coastal Overview of ALL resources
For Fraser Health: FH Overview of Mental Health and Substance Use Services
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Legal Aid BC Legal Aid BC
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Non-emergency Medical Information: Call 811 or online at Healthlink BC 811
HealthlinkBC Mental Health and Substance Services information par Healthlink BC Mental Health and Substance Services
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Fraser Health Page on Mental Health Act (this page has great FAQ information, including information on extended leave)
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General page BC Overdose Naloxone Kit
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General Resources for BC Recovery Services and Treatment Support BC Recovery and Treatment Information
Turning Point (VHC)
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Fraser Health Information | Mental health and substance use family support services and resources (ongoing page with a link on these topics)
Fraser Health Events | Use keywords such as mental health, substance use to direct your search (ongoing page to their free information sessions)
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Technology for Low Income — Low cost computers for people on Disability
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We are not endorsing or supporting other support groups; we are simply offering the information. Not all groups are for everyone. You may need to try out a few and attend several times to see if they fit!
Al-Anon/Nar-Anon Family Groups
BC Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a mutual support group. It is based on the Twelve Steps of Al-Anon.We can find understanding and support when we share our common experiences with each other. Some of us are here because a spouse or partner has struggled with alcoholism. For others, the problem drinker is a parent, child, or grandchild. Sometimes a brother, a sister, or some other friend or relative brings us to Al-Anon.
The Nar-Anon Family Groups are primarily for those who know or have known a feeling of desperation concerning the addiction problem of someone very near to you.
Our program, which is not a religious one but a spiritual way of life, is based on the Twelve Steps of Nar-Anon.
Note: Both Al-Anon and Nar-Anon have MANY in-person groups in all parts of the Lower Mainland. Click My Location to bring up the meetings closest to you.
BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS)
If you’re trying to get help for a loved one with schizophrenia, psychosis or another serious mental illness, the BC Schizophrenia Society can help.
Families Anonymous (FA)
FA is a 12-step fellowship for the family and friends of those individuals with drug, alcohol or related behavioural issues. Contact: Local Group #2116 - FA. Vancouver2019@gmail.com Vancouver meetings are held virtually, every Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00 pm (PT).
Families for Addiction Recovery: Online Parent Support Groups (FAR)
We provide a safe virtual space where those concerned about a loved-one’s substance use can discuss practical strategies, find support, and share resources and information that worked for them. Participation in the Groups is free and no registration is required. This group uses the principles of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It is facilitated by a parent with lived experience, who also holds a B.A. in Psychology and an Addiction Care Worker diploma.
Healing Hearts
Healing Hearts Lost A Loved One Support Groups
We Are Parents, Spouses, Siblings and Friends who have all lost a loved one to substance use related harms.
Holding Hope
Supporting a loved one who uses substances or who may be in any stage of the recovery journey. Holding Hope Groups are peer-facilitated support groups, offered at no cost, for Canadian families and individuals whose loved ones use or have used substances.
Holding Hope provides mutual support and healing by coming together to share stories, and resources, and support one another. Our groups provide the reassurance that you are not walking this journey alone. We provide a safe place to build strength and resilience for families who feel overwhelmed in supporting their loved ones.
Note: There is an in-person meeting in the City of Vancouver. Email for information: holdinghopevancouver@gmail.com
For other cities in BC, find a Holding Hope group near you here.
There is also a Virtual Support Group email for info: holdinghopebcvirtual@gmail.com
Parents Together and Parents in the Know
Parents Together Support Groups (AGE 12 to 24 years)
Parents Together is an ongoing education/mutual support group for parents of youth 12 to 24 years of age. Some families attend for weeks and months for on-going support through challenging times.
Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society. Families Helping Families. (PathwaysSSMI)
We are families of loved ones living with a serious mental illness helping other families with this shared experience in British Columbia.The serious mental illnesses of our loved ones include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, concurrent disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia.
Smart Family and Friends
Smart Family and Friends Meetings
Struggling with how to help someone with drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or other addictive behaviours? SMART Recovery would like to provide you with the resources you can use to help yourself, as well your loved one.
SMART Recovery Family & Friends is a science-based, secular alternative to Al-Anon and Johnson Intervention. Our method is based on the tools of SMART Recovery and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement Approach & Family Training).
SMART Recovery Family & Friends helps those who are affected by the substance abuse, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, or other addictions of a loved one.
Note: There is an in-person group at Three Bridges Community Health Centre, Downtown Vancouver.
The Family Support and Involvement Program (VCH)
Family Support and Involvement VCH
Provides education and support to families involved in the care of family members with mental illness and or addiction. Services include mental wellness information and educational materials, counselling, and help with addressing issues and concerns. Must be in Vancouver.
Program also offers the Family Connections Support Group where family members can share experiences and support each other. Group runs twice a month.
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