Resources for Those Affected by Fires and Floods in BC

If you’ve been affected by the flooding and fires in British Columbia, 

• Keep up to date on the latest emergency information

• Learn how to be wildfire ready

• Find out if you are eligible for financial aid and other recovery resources

• Read more about what to do in an emergency evacuation

• Learn how to handle an emergency in BC

If you or someone you care about has been directly or indirectly impacted by the recent natural disasters in British Columbia —or if you’ve been feeling distressed watching these kinds of events happen in recent months—just know that you’re not alone. We’re here to provide support during this difficult time, and to help connect you with the thousands of other people and organizations in Canada that are eager to help.

Below are resources to help you or your loved ones find mental health and wellness support, 

Web Resources

Learn

In times of added stress, things can feel overwhelming. Access a range of resources to support your mental health and the wellbeing of you and your loved ones here.

Wellness Together Canada Resources

Talk

Partners of Wellness Together Canada offer counselling support for youth and adults. You don’t have to be going through a specific problem to call these lines. Whatever is on your mind, the counsellors are there to support you. This service is completely free and has low wait times.

Connect

You do not have to go through this alone. Connect with a Peer Supporter who has lived experience with mental health or substance use. Or join a support group to connect with others over group meetings or anonymous chat. 

Track 

If you have the time and energy, you may want to take a moment to track and reflect on your well-being. Conducting this check might help you recognize what supports may help you through this difficult time.

Resources for Farmers and Farmworkers

AgSafe BC 

AgSafe is the health and safety association for BC's agricultural producers.

AgSafe has a team of industry-specific emergency response liaison personnel to work with agricultural producers impacted by the current emergency situation.

Contact the AgSafe office to connect with your Industry Emergency Response Liaison:

Toll-Free: 1-877-533-1789

Email: Contact@AgSafeBC.ca

Web: www.AgSafeBC.ca/contact-us

If you are in distress, you can call these confidential lines on any day at any time:

Mental Health Support Line (BC wide): 310-6789 (no area code)

The BC Mental Health Support Line is a toll-free phone line that will connect you to a BC crisis line, without a wait or busy signal.

KUU-US Indigenous Line: 1-800-588-8718

The KUU-US line is a 24-hour support service for Indigenous callers across British Columbia. The service has protocol agreements with First Nations communities in BC, Métis Nation BC, and several hospitals. They will listen without judgement and connect you to other services if needed.

If you are having suicidal thoughts: 1-800-784-2433

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia provides a confidential, 24/7 toll-free crisis line for people who are feeling suicidal, are concerned for someone who might be suicidal, or who are looking for emotional support.

The Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 

The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. On request, phone counselling is also available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.

Or text:

Adults: Type/text WELLNESS to the number 741741

Youth: Type/text WELLNESS to the number 686868

Frontline workers: Type/text FRONTLINE to the number 741741

Indigenous peoples can also message Hope for Wellness through https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ 

Photo courtesy of the Province of British Columbia.