Youth Resources

Bard on the Beach: Riotous Youth

This internship is designed for young artists beginning their career in theatre and arts education. The program combines mentorship, training and experience in teaching artistry, Shakespeare performance, and collaborative theatre-making.

* Early June – August 30, 2024 with approximately 20 hours/week supporting Bard education programming and events. Interns receive mentorship, free classes, and an honorarium.

Mentorships
Each Riotous Youth is paired with a professional theatre artist who will act as their mentor throughout the program. Based on the participant’s career goals and interests, this could be a director, playwright, performer, choreographer, or even administrator. Over the summer, they connect regularly to share experiences and insights, and discuss the myriad paths for pursuing a career in theatre.

Teaching Artist Training
The Riotous Youth support professional Teaching Artists in facilitating our Summer Camps for kids and teens. Here they will gain experience in teaching artistry, workshop facilitation, leadership, and working with young people.
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​* You can read what past participants say about the program at this blog post.

Who: Young and emerging artists, ages 18-30
Date: Early June –  August 30, 2024
Location: 1695 Whyte Ave​

Indigenous Youth Peer Support Program 

Fraser Health is offering an Indigenous Youth Peer Support Training Program for individuals looking for an opportunity to provide social and emotional support to young people in their community.

Details:
  • 10 weeks of training in a hybrid setting (in-person and Zoom)
  • 2 days/week (Tuesday and Thursday) for 3 hours/day
  • A 60 hour practicum
  • Opportunities for paid positions after training
Next training starts September, Application deadline is August 25th, 2024

Eligibility:
  • Self-identify as Indigenous youth or young adults between the ages 18-27
  • Has lived/living experience with mental health and/or substance use challenges
  • Demonstrates secure wellness, verified through a reference check and proactive approach to maintain well-being.
  • Maintains a strong support network to confidently engage in supporting youth, ensuring security in the face of daily exposure to mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Willingness to share aspects of lived experience with service providers, fellow youth, and families.
  • Demonstrates a sincere commitment to fostering new connections. Values meaningful interactions with fellow youth and young adults.
  • Maintains regular and stable access to a computer, checking email daily for effective engagement in the program.
  • Reflects strong communication and program engagement skills through effective time management
  • Recognizes and respects diverse cultural backgrounds and commits to creating inclusive and culturally safe environment for all .

​For more information, please Email: [email protected] ​

Urban Resilience for Kids

UROK is a program for young people living with a caregiver affected by mental health. The group is designed for children ages 8-18. Participants are given the opportunity to interact with safe and supportive adult role models, allowing them to form healthy attachments through acceptance and long-term participation in the program.
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UROK Pandemonium is a program for youth aged 13-18, who are living with a mental health challenge. It offers young people a social and secure setting to participate in community activities that help them face and conquer personal obstacles.

The groups help to build resiliency and instill confidence in children and youth. Through monthly recreation outings, they create connections while engaging in fun activities. 
  • The program is designed to foster fun and empowerment.
  • Recreational activities are held once a month
  • Opportunities for friendship-building and the growth of peer social networks
  • Goal to lessen the isolation that young people who are dealing with mental health issues

​Directions Youth Haven

Directions Youth Haven is a low-barrier, short-term emergency residential program available to street-involved youth in Vancouver aged 16 to 19 of all genders and orientations.

  • The program offers an 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.
  • Intakes are completed 24 hours a day, year round. No fees for service and Pets can be accommodated.
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Phone: 604-633-1472

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. Services include secure locations for support, temporary or transitional accommodation, and drug detox programs.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-866-249-6884
Location: 1138 Burrard St., Vancouver

​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.
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To apply, submit an application to [email protected] or drop off an application in person at the Social Crust Café between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
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* Spaces are limited!  Apply today!
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Location: 239 East 11th Avenue
Phone: 604-838-3533
Phone: 604-681-1125

​Broadway Youth Resource Centre (BYRC)

Broadway Youth Resource Centre provides 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 program also provides volunteer activities such as gardening, social media, kitchen activities, Kids Action Committee, and special events, helping build leadership in the community.

Drop-in Hours: Monday - Friday | 2 pm - 7 pm
Daily Hours: Monday - Friday | 9 am to 5 pm
​Location: 2455 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-709-5720

Youth Clinic - East Van Youth Clinic

The East Van Youth Clinic provides drop-in health services to youth and young adults, without the need for an appointment.

Details:
  • Free, confidential health services
  • Includes sexual health services: 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.
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Hours:
  • Mon, Tues , Wed | 3 pm - 6 pm
  • Friday | 2 pm - 5 pm
  • Thurs, Sat, Sun | Closed
Eligibility: Young people up to the age of 24
Location: 1669 East Broadway, Vancouver
Phone: 778-871-7132

Work 2 Live Program - Zero Ceiling

The Work 2 Live program is a housing and employment program for young people experiencing homelessness or precarious housing.

Details:
  • Program runs 12-24 months
  • Provides secure group housing and the resources to heal, build essential skills, and transition to adulthood
  • Ongoing support with transitions to independent housing
  • Employment program provides pre-employment training, job coaching, and regular check-ins to prepare participants for job placements
  • Also offers life skills training, mental health support, case management, and outdoor recreation

Eligibility:
  • Young people aged 19-27 from the Sea to Sky Corridor, Metro Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland
  • Best suited for individuals interested in working in the hospitality industry 
  • Individuals can self-apply, but a referral from a support worker 

Phone: 604-962-5000
Email: [email protected]

​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. It is a voluntary and live-in program.
  • 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.

Main Office Email: [email protected]
Main Office Phone: 604-253-2187
​Intake Email: [email protected]
Intake Phone: 604-253-6319
Eligibility: Youth aged 13-18 experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol
Location: 2427 Turner St, Vancouver

​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.

​Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-254-7732
Eligibility: Indigenous youth 11-24
Location:1618 E Hastings St

Jack.org

Jack.org is Canada's only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory.

We do this through three globally-recognized programs:
  • Jack Talks are mental health presentations delivered by two post-secondary aged youth speakers who have been trained to use the power of their personal stories to safely educate their peers about how to look out for themselves and one another, increase their mental health literacy, and build awareness about resources that are available in their communities. 

  • Jack Chapters are groups of young leaders who work year-round to identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities. With training and mentorship from Jack.org staff, they organize mental health initiatives that are designed to meet the needs of their peers. Through these awareness and education initiatives, youth Chapter leaders raise awareness, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and help build mentally healthy communities.

  • Jack Summits are youth-led conferences held across the country where young people gather at a local, regional, and national level to share ideas, build leadership and advocacy skills, and strategize on how to change systems for the better.
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  • Be There is an award-winning digital resource that teaches people how to recognize when a peer is struggling, safely engage in difficult conversations, and protect their own mental health while supporting someone else.

​Email: [email protected]
Phone:  416 425-2494

​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.

​Email: [email protected]
Phone: 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

Note: Next season TBD
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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
  • Modules - education, employment, health & wellness, housing, and personal life
  • In addition to developing practical skills, Compass also encourages courage, confidence, and independence in its students
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Details:
  • Participants aged 17-27  (This is an approximate age group. Please contact us if you’re outside this age group and would like to participate.)
  • Online and in-person programs available
  • Program cost - $250
  • Register online
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​Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-873-1865
Location: 3981 Oak St., Vancouver

LEAP Playwriting Intensive Course

* Note: Applications are now closed for the 2023-24 LEAP Program.

LEAP—Learning Early About Playwriting—is a free and interactive program for young people in the B.C. Lower Mainland who are interested in playwriting.  The LEAP program seeks young people interested in creative writing for the theatre who are passionate, engaged, and inquisitive storytellers.

Participants learn the basic principles of playwriting, share their work with classmates, and provide feedback to one another in a safe and supportive environment. Students also receive feedback from theatre professionals and have their plays workshopped and presented to the public in staged readings.

Details:
  • ​Program for young people aged 16-25
  • Free full-scholarship program, fully funded by donors and sponsors
  • Instruction is offered at three levels
  • The program consists of classes, workshops, rehearsals, and a festival
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How to apply:
  • Complete an online application or submit a Word version to [email protected] 
  • Submit a writing sample by email

​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.
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Hours: Mon - Fri | 8 am - 5:30pm
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-872-7257
Eligibility: Young adults, aged 19-29, who have autism or other neurodevelopmental disabilities
Location: 101 Third Street. New Westminster, BC

​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: [email protected]
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 launched 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, providing access to mental health and substance use support, primary care, peer support, and social services.
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The Centre is staffed with a diverse team of professionals, including:
  • counselors
  • doctors
  • occupational therapists
  • income assistance specialists
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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
  • All young people 12-24 with valid BC MSP cards can access Foundry services
  • The Centre also hosts a variety of social activities

Location: 1260 Granville St., Vancouver 
Centre Hours: Mon - Fri | 9 am - 5 pm
Primary Care Drop-in: 1 pm - 4:30 pm
Walk-in Counselling:
  • Tues & Thurs | 1 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 1 pm - 4 pm
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-806-9414

Coping Using Mindfulness - 'What Youth Say' + Resources

Life can be challenging:
  • Mindfulness can help in recognizing and reducing stress, anxiety and other intense experiences.
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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.

Y Mindfulness: Manage Anxiety 

“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
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

* Attending an information session is mandatory prior to participating in the program.
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Location: Robert Lee YMCA, 955 Burrard St
Date: Contact to find out upcoming dates
Cost: Free
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604-673-6178

Employment

CAVE and SEED Employment Programs

The CAVE and SEED support programs assist young people with entering the workforce or moving on to further education. Programs can include career exploration, occupational certificates, skills training, or work experience placements that connect them to employers.

CAVE Career and Vocational Exploration:
  • Youth 15-29 looking to find their fit in the workplace
  • 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
  • 7 weeks of training plus career coaching
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SEED Youth Employment Program:
  • Participants aged 16 and 30 
  • Program helps unemployed youth in the lower mainland find and keep full-time jobs
  • Participants may have limited work experience, looking for their first jobs, or are new to Canada and have minimal education
  • Program is 14 weeks in length

Gastown Vocational Services
The Gastown Vocational Services program:
  • Incorporates Skills for Wellness & Work group and individualized employment services to help clients find and sustain meaningful jobs
  • 6-week group transitions clients to one-to-one services with their vocational team
  • Individualized employment services unique to each person

Services 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.
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Phone: 604-675-2535 
Email: [email protected]
Location: 288 - 2750 East Hastings St., Vancouver
Hours: Monday - Friday | 9 am - 5 pm

Youth 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, dedicated to improving the mental health and wellbeing of your through connection and education. 

The Core Connector Initiative:
  • Free module-based course, with 11 teaching hours
  • Facilitated by mental health professionals
  • Experiential approach addressing mental health challenges, promoting mental wellbeing, and encouraging peer support
  • For youth in grades 10-12
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The Foundation also provides programs designed for elementary school aged children. 

Phone: 604-209-0214
Email: [email protected]
Location: 3702 West 10th Ave., Vancouver

Mind Your Mind​

Mindyourmind's mission is to create interactive tools and innovative resources that build capacity and resilience in the areas of mental health, wellness, and engagement with technology.

Details:
  • Program for youth aged 14-29
  • Through the Design Studio model in which young people work directly with facilitators, content experts, and designers to brainstorm, design, and develop projects
  • Goals to promote wellness, reduce stigma around mental health, and increase access to community supports
  • Provide help through the use of technology, engagement, and research-informed innovation

The Program'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 every step of the way
  • Iterative cycles of exploration, co-creation, and prototyping involve both youth and adult partners to discuss and design projects
  • Impact on systems change, to change the way that mental health services are conceptualized and made available to young people

Youth Mindfulness Resources

Mindfulness can be practiced in many different ways, and can be done at almost any time. Dr. Dzung Vo, Dr. Jake Locke, and Dr. Joanna McDermid from BC Children's Hospital have recorded some mindfulness meditations they use in the outpatient mindfulness groups at BC Children's Hospital.

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. 

Details:
  • Download these audio resources for free!
  • Listen from your computer, tablet, phone, or other device
  • Meditations include body scans, self-compassion, mindful breathing, and sitting meditations

Socialize with Meetup.com

Meetup.com is the world's largest network of local groups. It is an easy way 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.

Types of Groups Include:
  • Running, hiking, and fitness groups
  • Social activities like brunch and coffee socials
  • Conversation groups in various languages
  • Artistic activities

* Meetup also has groups that are young adult related.