Advocacy

Act For Mental Health Campaign
All Canadians have a right to free, publicly funded mental health care. Despite the fact that many Canadians require mental health services, only a small percentage of them will receive care. The Act for Mental Health campaign, a group of Canadian organizations, has written a comprehensive policy paper calling on politicians to implement universal mental health care.
There are several reasons why this is important:
  • It is the right thing to do
  • Mental health care is often not covered by health insurance 
  • Research shows that it is a smart decision and mental health concerns will not resolve themselves
  • We cannot afford not to have universal mental health care
​Ways to get involved:
  • Sign the petition
  • Write to your Member of Parliament, Member of the Legislative Assembly, or the Prime Minister
  • Donate to the cause
  • Post on social media

The Buddy Up Campaign
  • Men's Suicide Prevention Campaign This campaign is focused on preventing suicide among men. It's a call to action by men, for men, to encourage open and honest conversations about mental health.
  • Driving Authentic Conversation Amongst Men The goal of this campaign is to drive authentic conversation amongst men and their buddies. By creating a safe space for men to talk about their mental health, we hope to break down barriers and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
  • Suicide Prevention Year-Round Participate in this campaign year-round by completing activities that promote connection and wellbeing. These activities can be as simple as reaching out to a friend or engaging in a hobby that brings you joy.
  • Promoting Connection and Wellbeing The activities in this campaign are designed to promote connection and wellbeing. By fostering strong relationships and taking care of our mental health, we can prevent suicide and create a more supportive and resilient community.
  • Join the Movement Join us in our mission to prevent suicide among men. Together, we can make a difference by promoting open and honest conversations about mental health and supporting each other through life's challenges.

​Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC)

The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada is a national organization that:
  • Works to protect and promote access to abortion and reproductive health care
  • Focuses on reproductive justice
  • Uses public awareness campaigns, education, and networking to advance the reproductive rights of women and transgender people​​

They offer resources and education to:
  • The media
  • Lawmakers
  • Medical professionals
  • The general public
The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada is a nonprofit society based in British Columbia.

Call: 1-888-642-2725 (9AM-9PM Eastern)
Text: 613-800-6757 (9AM-9PM Eastern)
Email: info@arcc-cdac.ca

​​Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture

Vancouver Association for Survivors of Torture (VAST) provides support to newcomers and survivors of torture. Its core beliefs are that healing happens in community, healing is an act of resistance, and that healing journeys are supported by those we meet along the way.

 Services provided by VAST:
  • Individual and group support
  • Support with documentation
  • Community building and referrals
  • Building capacity and education​

Details:
  • Assists refugees from over a hundred nations in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe
  • More than a dozen languages, including Arabic, Farsi, French, Mandarin, and Spanish, are available for our programs and services.
  • Provides help for the mental health of refugees who have undergone psychological trauma due to torture, political violence, and other types of persecution and come in British Columbia.​

​Email: referrals@vast-vancouver.ca
Locations:
  • Vancouver - 2610 Victoria Drive
  • Surrey - #301-10334 152 St. ​
Phone: 778-372-6593

The Systems Change Initiative

The Systems Change Initiative brings communities together by taking action to solve the root causes of complex social problems, including anti-racism, equity, and justice.  They advocate and challenge ideas, beliefs, and behaviours of individuals, communities, organizations, and institutions. 

Ongoing Programs:
  • Anti-Racism Resource List
  • Healing Circles
  • Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network Spoke
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Contact Information: