​UROK Pandemonium

  • UROK Pandemonium is a program for young people with mental health challenges, aged 13 to 18.
  • The program is designed to foster fun and empowerment.
  • The program is held once a month and based on recreation.
  • UROK Pandemonium offers young people a social and secure setting to participate in community activities that help them face and conquer personal obstacles.
  • The program provides opportunities for friendship-building and promotes the growth of peer social networks.
  • This aims to lessen the isolation that young people who are dealing with mental health issues frequently experience.

Urban Resilience Opportunities for Kids

  • Urban Resilience Opportunities for Kids (UROK) is a program for children and youth ages 8 to 18.
  • The program is specifically beneficial for children who live with a caregiver who has a mental illness, as it aims to strengthen their resilience and instill confidence.
  • Monthly recreation outings are held for children and youth to build relationships and have fun.
  • UROK weekend groups focus on fostering the growth of social skills and expanding participants' social networks.
  • Participants have the opportunity to engage with dependable and encouraging adult role models.
  • With continued acceptance and sustained participation in the program, children and youth can develop healthy attachments.
  • As a result, individuals often succeed in this program, even if they have struggled in other areas of their lives.

​Directions Youth Haven

  • A low-barrier, short-term emergency residential program is available for street-involved youth in Vancouver aged 16 to 19 of all genders and orientations.
  • Only five spots are available in this program
  • The program offers a inclusive, nonjudgmental space for respite, with staff assistance for recognized needs, including linkages to cultural and community resources.
  • Youth will have access to meals, snacks, personal hygiene products, and clothing donations.
  • There will be assistance with developing life skills and transition planning provided
  • Health-related services offered include doctor's on-site visits, bed rest, prescription management, and access to counseling.
  • The environment is substance-free, and young people who are impacted by substances are welcomed and assisted. They will be provided with connections to drug use treatments, take-home naloxone kits, and access to harm reduction tools as needed.
  • Length of stay is short-term and dependent on need.
  • Intakes are completed 24 hours a day, year round.
  • No fees for service and Pets can be accommodated
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Tel: 604 633 1472

​Culinary Skills Training Program

  • The Culinary Skills Training Program offers three-day training courses for young adults who have difficulty finding work but are passionate about food.
  • The program is called Culinary 101 Camp, and offers young people the chance to learn how to prepare focaccia bread.
  • The Culinary 101 Camps are being offered this fall by the Culinary Skills Training Program.
  • Each session requires three days to complete.
  • The program provides an opportunity to develop culinary abilities and self-assurance.
  • The program will cover the fundamentals of cooking and provide an opportunity to learn more about the culinary arts in a welcoming learning atmosphere.
  • To apply, submit an application to Margaret.Flynn@coastmentalhealth.com or drop off an application in person at the Social Crust Café between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Spaces are limited!  Apply today!
Service Location
239 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver, V5T 2C4 BC
604-838-3533
604-681-1125

​Broadway Youth Resource Centre (BYRC)

  • A one-stop shop offering a variety of social, educational, health, employment, housing, and life skills services is available.
  • Available services include counseling for mental health and drug abuse.
  • The BYRC Resource Room is for young people aged 13 to 24 and provides a drop-in location with support staff, activities, hot meals, groceries, and opportunities to interact with other young people, workshops, computer access, and referrals to community agencies.
  • The BYRC Youth Volunteer Program is for youth aged 13 to 24, it provides one-on-one support through placement in volunteer activities such as gardening, social media, kitchen activities, Kids Action Committee, and special events, helping build leadership in the community.
  • The service is open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
Service Location
2455 Fraser Street
604-709-5720

Youth Clinic - East Van Youth Clinic

  • Provides young people up to the age of 24 with free, private sexual health and information services.
  • The services include pregnancy testing and counseling, birth control, emergency contraception, pap tests (not accessible during drop-in hours except on Saturdays), STD testing and treatment, and HIV testing and information.
  • Additional services are offered such as support for social services, general counseling, mental health and addictions treatments, transgender health care, and more (housing, identification, government documents).
  • Youth are directed to local support services such as counselors and youth workers.
  • A BC Care Card is not required to access the services, and the service is available in Vancouver.
  • No referral is required.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
Thursday: Closed
Friday: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1669 East Broadway
Phone:(778) 871-7132

​Peak House - Treatment Program

  • Peak House is a ten-week residential program for young people in British Columbia who are struggling with drugs or alcohol.
  • The program is a good alternative for young people who want to get their life back on track, but whose difficulties exceed what their families and nearby treatment specialists can handle.
  • The program is open to youth of all genders and ages 13 to 18 (inclusive) and is free of charge.
  • Peak House does not provide detoxification services.
  • Participants are asked to refrain from using drugs or alcohol for at least seven days before enrolling in the program.
PROVIDER PROFILE
Email :
admin@peakhouse.ca
Phone Number :
604-253-2187
Eligibility :
Youth aged 13-18 (inclusive) experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol
LOCATION
2427 Turner St

​UNYA - Overly Creative Minds (OCM)

  • Overly Creative Minds (OCM) is a program for Indigenous youth aged 11 to 24.
  • The program offers a safe and accepting environment for youth to explore arts and culture and develop and enhance their voices.
  • The program supports youth in finding and celebrating their voices, through various mediums including music, spoken word, visual art, traditional arts and crafts
  • The program promotes interest in culture and the arts and encourages participation in meaningful events.
  • OCM provides space, assistance and instruction for traditional cultural activities such as talking circles and smudging.
  • The program encourages youth to achieve individual, academic and professional goals, while also building skills and developing leadership.
  • The program facilitates community involvement.
PROVIDER PROFILE
Email :
ocm.manager@unya.bc.ca
Phone Number :
604-353-3570
Eligibility :
Indigenous youth 11-24
LOCATION
1618 E Hastings St

​Directions Youth Services Centre

  • Directions Youth Supports, a part of Family Services of Greater Vancouver, serves young people under 25 who are facing crisis or experiencing homelessness due to abuse, neglect, substance addiction, or mental health issues.
  • Our services are low-barrier and available to all young people in need.
  • As a Vancouver-based organization, we provide resources that are accessible 365 days a year, 7 days a week.
  • These resources include:
    • Secure locations for support and temporary or transitional accommodation
    • Drug detox program
  • We currently serve clients from 4 locations in the area.
 
PROVIDER PROFILE
Hours of operation :
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Email :
directions@fsgv.ca
Phone Number :
1-866-249-6884
Eligibility :
At-risk, homeless, or street-involved youth and young adults under 25
LOCATION
1134 Burrard St

​Streetohome - Youth Support Recovery Homes

Streetohome and Pacific Community Resources are collaborating to create two substance-free recovery homes for young people.
  • The first home will provide housing for youth between the ages of 16 and 18.
  • The second home will provide housing for young adults between the ages of 19 and 25.
  • These individuals may also be at risk of homelessness and struggle with mental health concerns in addition to substance use issues.
PROVIDER PROFILE
Email :
info@streetohome.org
Phone Number :
604-629-2711
Eligibility :
Youth between the ages of 16 and 18/young adults between 19 and 25
LOCATION
103, 525 Seymour St, Vancouver

​Easter Seals - COMPASS Program

Compass is a program designed to assist young adults with disabilities in transitioning to independent living, employment, and adulthood.
  • The program aims to equip students with new abilities and skills that will enable them to live independently as empowered adults.
  • In addition to developing practical skills, Compass also encourages courage, confidence, and independence in its students.
PROVIDER PROFILE
Age Group:
17-27 years (This is an approximate age group. Please contact us if you’re outside this age group and would like to participate.)
​Email :
info@eastersealsbcy.ca
Phone Number :
604-873-1865
Eligibility :
Persons with diverse abilities
LOCATION
3981 Oak St

​STAND Foundation​
The goal of the STAND Foundation is to provide educational and skill-development opportunities to underserved young adults in Greater Vancouver.
  • These opportunities will improve knowledge, self-worth, and means of subsistence, while also increasing social and economic inclusion.
The STAND Foundation focuses on providing support to young adults who have experienced:
  • Crime
  • Substance misuse
  • Violence
  • Discrimination
  • poverty and other similar issues.
Email :
standfoundation@live.com
Phone Number :
604.764.5944
Website :
LOCATION
#550-800 West Pender

​Pals Autism Society Adult Program

The Ministry of Education has designated PALS Autism Society in British Columbia as a special education school for children and teenagers with autism.
  • Families of young people with autism or other neuro-developmental impairments who reside in British Columbia's Lower Mainland and are between the ages of 19 and 29 are encouraged to apply.
The school also offers the following programs:
  • A certified before-school care program
  • A certified after-school care program Please let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Hours of operation :
Mon-Fri 8-5:30pm
Email :
info@palsautismschool.ca
Phone Number :
604-872-7257
Eligibility :
Young adults, aged 19-29, who have autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities
LOCATION
101- 2020 Yukon St, Vancouver

​Coast Mental Health - Coast Young Adult Program

The Young Adult Program is designed for individuals ages 19 to 30 and is based out of the Coast Clubhouse.
  • The program's main focus is on creating a peer platform and engaging in activities to promote personal growth and development.
  • Through support and recovery in mental illness, members work towards improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
  • The program curriculum aims to help participants find meaningful volunteer and career opportunities in their communities.
  • Participants develop their own individualized goal plans based on their unique circumstances at the time of intake.
  • The program's constant intake and flexibility allows for adjustments to be made as needed and absences to be anticipated at all times.
Email :
youngadults@coastmentalhealth.com
Phone Number :
778-222-5246
Eligibility :
Young adults ages 19 to 30 recovering from mental illness
LOCATION
293 E 11Th Ave

Young Adult Disability Database

The YADDB is a new database launching in 2022, which aims to highlight disabled voices in Young Adult literature.
  • The database functions as a curated list of Young Adult books featuring representation of various disabilities, including but not limited to:
    • chronic illness
    • neurodivergence
    • mental health
    • blindness/visual impairment
    • deafness/hard of hearing
    • physical disabilities
  • Users can filter the database by different types of disabilities, for example, a filter for 'mental health' search would show young adult fiction books about mental health issues.

Are You Under 25?

Are You Under 25?
port and social services.
Foundry Vancouver-Granville is a support center for young people ages 12-24, providing access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support, and social services.
  • The center is staffed with a diverse team of professionals, including:
    • counselors
    • doctors
    • occupational therapists
    • income assistance specialists
  • The team members use their expertise and talents to connect young people with the care, resources, and activities they need to lead a healthy, fulfilling life.
  • The key to the center's success is the variety and skill of the team members.


All young people 12-24 with valid BC MSP cards can access Foundry services.

Covid-19 update:
Foundry centres are now re-introducing in person services, but will continue to offer select services virtually – over the phone or video chat. Please call Foundry Vancouver-Granville at 604-806-9415 for the most up to date information on service availability.

Coping Using Mindfulness - 'What Youth Say' + Resources

Life can be challenging:
  • Mindfulness can help in recognizing and reducing stress, anxiety and other intense experiences.
Techniques to practice mindfulness:
  • Stopping and noticing what's going on within you and around you
  • Growing awareness of what's going on and what you can do to create more ease in your life.

​
Click the button to check out links to learn more about mindfulness, how it might help, to try out simple practices, and to find out what apps and other tools exist that may help.

Aged 18-30? Learn to Manage Anxiety Series

“Youth Mindfulness has allowed me to truly accept my anxiety rather than try to get rid of it. I have learned that acceptance is a huge part of moving forward and managing my anxiety… The Youth Mindfulness group allowed me to be myself and openly share my experiences with others. Mindfulness group did an amazing job of creating a safe, trustworthy, respectful and non-judgmental space. I will carry this positive experience with me forever and will continue to refer this program to others that would find this helpful and supportive.” 

Past Participant, Summer 2018
Where and When?
​
  • Where: Robert Lee YMCA, 955 Burrard St, Vancouver
  • When: Contact to find out upcoming dates
  • Cost: Free
​
Register: 
youthmindfulness@gv.ymca.ca  or call 604.673.6178
​
The Youth Mindfulness Program is a FREE 7-week program for 18-30 year olds experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, stress, worry, etc. The program is facilitated by clinical counsellors who use mindfulness practices and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help participants change their relationship to their anxiety and help them live rich, full and meaningful lives. Previous participants have reported decrease in anxiety and an increase in overall well-being as well as feeling more resilient, empowered and connected after taking the program. 

Participants learn healthy coping skills, connect with other youth in the community, and get support all in a safe and friendly environment. The program is overseen by Masters in Counselling Graduates and it is part of the Y Mind initiative. 

The group provides a safe, supportive environment where youth can meet others who have had similar experiences and includes:
  • Educational workshops about anxiety and other mental health related topics
  • Practicing evidence-based mindfulness techniques during workshops, a proven tool to help manage anxiety
  • An introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidenced based therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies
  • Take-home resources to help manage anxiety in between weekly meetings
  • A seven-week YMCA gym membership to encourage youth to manage their anxiety through physical activity

If anxiety is impacting your life and preventing you from doing what you want or need to do, this group can help support you. Join us to learn mindfulness techniques, get helpful tools and resources, and meet other like-minded youth.

Attending an information session is mandatory prior to participating in the program. Register for an upcoming information session by emailing us (please include your contact information and birth date).

Above are details for the Vancouver program...if you prefer, there is also a program you can ask us about that is happening in Surrey.

Employment

CAVE Program 
CAVE Career and Vocational Exploration is for youth 15-29 looking to find their fit in the workplace. Participants get real tools and training to find and keep a steady job. CAVE is a great training option for youth to build their workplace skills and confidence, identify job goals, and create a plan to get there.
*You do not need to be a student to receive this service*
Gastown Vocational Services The program:
  • Incorporates Skills for Wellness & Work group and individualized employment services to help clients find and sustain meaningful jobs.
The program's 6-week group:
  • Transitions clients to one-to-one services with their vocational team
Individualized employment services:
  • Unique to each person, and may include:
    • Work placement to build work experience and confidence
    • Psychological or occupational therapy vocational assessment to identify abilities, strengths, areas of difficulty, career interests, and suitable career pathways
    • Immediate competitive job search
  • Job support continues for 52 weeks of employment.
Tel 604-675-2535 
Email infoGVS@vch.ca

Hours 9AM-5PM
Days Monday-Friday

Wellness Resources 

​Adam's Apples Foundation

​Adam's Apples Foundation (AAF) is a non-profit organization established to address and prevent mental health issues facing youth today.
P: (604) 837-0217
E: hello@adamsapples.ca
3702 W. 10 Ave

Mind Your Mind
Mindyourmind's mission:
  • To work with young people aged 14-29 to co-create interactive tools and innovative resources that build capacity and resilience in the areas of mental health, wellness, and engagement with technology.
How Mindyourmind achieves its mission:
  • Through the Design Studio model in which young people work directly with facilitators, content experts, and designers to brainstorm, design, and develop projects.
  • Goals:
    • Promote wellness
    • Reduce the stigma around mental health
    • Increase access to community supports, both professional and peer-based
Mindyourmind's approach:
  • Young people are valued as experts in their own experiences and are encouraged to engage in whichever way makes sense for them.
  • Youth involvement:
    • In everything that Mindyourmind does
    • Every step of the way
  • Iterative cycles of exploration, co-creation, and prototyping involve both youth and adult partners to discuss and design projects.
Mindyourmind's Impact:
  • Increase the capacity of young people to reach out, get help and give help through the use of technology, engagement, and research-informed innovation
  • Every actor in the system has the potential to make meaningful change in how we conceptualize and ensure the mental wellbeing of Canadian youth.
  • Originates through interaction with youth and the professionals who serve them, who work alongside the young people
  • Impact on systems change, to change the way that mental health services are conceptualized and made available to young people

Youth Mindfulness Resources

Mindfulness means “paying attention in a particular way:  "on purpose, in the present moment, and without judgment” (Jon Kabat-Zinn). Much of our stress and pain comes from being pulled away from the present moment. 

Check out some great mindfulness audio resources.

Social

Meetup.com  

Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.

Meetup also has groups that are young adult related.