Reach Out Old
There are several organizations dedicated to supporting first responders and their families with mental health issues. Find out what resources are available to you.
Crisis Numbers
If you or someone you know is in crisis, these organizations can assist you.
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center of BC
The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC (Crisis Centre) is a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to helping people help themselves and others deal with crisis.
1-800-784-2433
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
WorkSafeBC - Crisis Support Line
Contact WorkSafeBC if you are an injured worker, and you or your family is in emotional crisis.
Hours of operation: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Phone toll-free. 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
WorkSafeBC - Critical Incident Response
WorkSafeBC can provide critical incident response assistance if you’ve witnessed a traumatic workplace accident. This For information on steps to follow when requesting a critical incident intervention, please visit:
https://www.worksafebc.com/en/contact-us/departments-and-services/critical-incident-response
Hours of operation: 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Phone (toll-free answering service) in BC and Alberta
First Responder Organizations
If you are a first responder or a family member, get in touch with the appropriate organization to find more information on resources available to you, such as peer support. Please note that the contact numbers listed are not available at all times. If in crisis or in need of immediate assistance, please call 911 or one of the crisis numbers listed above.
Municipal police
BC Police Association
1819 Victoria Diversion
Vancouver, BC V5N 2K2
E-mail: bcpa@bc-pa.ca
Phone: 604-685-6486
Paramedics and dispatchers
BC Emergency Health Services
Mailing address:
PO Box 9600 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC V8W 9P1
Location:
Block C, 2261 Keating Cross Road
Saanichton, BC V8M 2A5
Phone: 250-953-3298
Contact Numbers and Resources for:
Ambulance Paramedics of BC
#105 – 21900 Westminster Hwy
Richmond, BC V6V 0A8
Email: info@apbc.ca
Phone: 604-273-5722
Toll Free: 1-866 273-5766 (In BC Only)
Professional firefighters
BC Professional Fire Fighters Association
3891 Main Street
Vancouver, BC V5V 3P1
Email: bcpffa@shaw.ca
Phone: 604-968-2372
First Responder Support Groups
As a first responder, there are additional support organizations and programs available to you.
Honour House Society
Honour House Society is a refuge, a home away from home for Canadian Forces personnel, emergency services personnel and their families to stay, completely free of charge, while they are receiving medical care and treatment in the Metro Vancouver area.
509 St. George Street
New Westminster, BC
V3L 1L1
Fax: 778-397-4396
Honour Ranch
In October 2019, Honour Ranch was unveiled as the new chapter in Honour House Society’s outreach.
Located 10 kilometres south of Ashcroft, B.C., Honour Ranch is a tranquil retreat, a place of education and personal growth. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, Emergency Services Personnel, and their families can discover cutting edge strategies in the treatment of operational stress injuries including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
First Responder Support Network
The mission of the First Responder Support Network (FRSN) is to provide educational treatment programs to promote recovery from stress and critical incidents experienced by first responders and their families.
First Responder Support Network - The Significant Other And Spouses (SOS) Program
The SOS residential program is for emergency responder partners and spouses who have been affected by their loved one’s critical incidents (resulting in secondary or vicarious trauma), but may also be experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety and need a program to address their needs.
Organizations that Support Mental Health
These organizations can support you and your workplace to better support the mental health of the workplace.
Mental Health Commission of Canada
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) leads the development and dissemination of innovative programs and tools to support the mental health and wellness of Canadians. Through its unique mandate from the Government of Canada, the MHCC supports federal, provincial, and territorial governments as well as organizations in the implementation of sound public policy.
Canadian Mental Health Association
As a nation-wide, voluntary organization, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. The CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service.
Tema Conter Memorial Trust
Tema Conter Memorial Trust is a provider of peer support, family assistance, and training for public safety & military personnel dealing with mental health injuries
Fraser Health
Fraser Health offers a variety of community and hospital-based mental health services and programs are available in Fraser Health communities.
http://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-info/mental-health-substance-use/
First Responders First
This website offers resources and services for the First Responder community to understand the various steps of a PTSD program from managing a crisis through to implementing best practices into an existing program.
Wounded Warriors Canada
Wounded Warriors Canada is a national mental health service provider utilizing clinical best practices and evidence-based care to create an environment of compassion, resiliency and hope for Canada’s Veterans, First Responders and their families.
Additional Resources
211 British Columbia
211 is a free and confidential service that connects people to social, government, and community resources within their region.
BC Association of Clinical Cousellors
BC Crisis Centre
Anywhere in BC: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Vancouver: 604-872-3311
Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Canadian Mental Health Association - BC Division
http://www.cmha.ca/about-cmha/cmha-publications
Toll-free phone (BC only) 1-800-555-8222
Fax 604-688-3236
First Responder Psychology
HeadsUpGuys
Here to Help (Mental Health and Substance Abuse)
BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Local Health Authority
Mental Health Practitioner Directory
Mood Disorders Association
PSP Mental Health Support Services
PSPNET
PSPNET offers internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy tailored for current and former Public Safety Personnel (PSP)
Chronic Pain Clinic
Operational Stress Injuries
BC Operational Stress Injuries
Bell Let's Talk
Ride Don’t Hide: Fund Raiser by CMHC
Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health
Veteran’s Affair
