If it is an emergency call 911. You can also always chat with your school counselor or a safe adult.
- 'Go To' Places to Get Help In Nanaimo and Printable Student Handout
Kids Help Phone: free counsellor, confidential, anonymous, available 24/7
- call 1-800-668-6868 or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca
BC Health Link: speak to a nurse for free about anything health related, 24/7, they will ask for your care card number but if you don’t have it that’s ok!
- Dial 811 on your phone
Sex-Sense Line: email your question or call to talk to a nurse about sexual health and relationship questions or concerns. Free and confidential. Available Monday-Friday 9am-9pm
- Dial 1-800-739-7367
VI Crisis Line: call, text, or chat with a crisis counsellor to help get through a difficult time (drinking, drugs, violence, sexual assault, breakups, trouble at home, suicide, worries). You can also call to get information about resources in our community.
- Call anytime 24/7 1-888-494-3888
- Text 6pm-10pm nightly 250-800-3806
- Chat 6pm-10pm nightly
- Emergency walk-in clinic for someone in a crisis Monday-Friday 10am-6:15pm
RCMP OR POLICE non emergency line: call for free, 24/7 250-754-2345
Related Resources
- I’m feeling worried, sad, depressed, stressed…
Remember: life is full of good and difficult times. It’s important to focus energy on the things we have control over. If it won’t matter in 5 years, don’t spend more than 5 minutes worrying about it.
If you have worries or sad feelings that won’t go away (like more than 2 weeks): talk to someone, there are lot’s of ways to make things better!
Try some self care tips like: box breathing, grounding exercises, drawing, playing with a pet, sleeping for 8 hours a night, 8 glasses of water a day, sip on a non-caffeinated tea, make your bed, write in a journal, volunteer, dance, yoga, sweat, go in a sauna, swim, plant something in a garden
Are you getting your: pre/probiotics, vitamin D, omega fatty acids? Research shows these have direct links to mood and mental health. Naturopathic doctors can provide more solutions
Make an appointment to see a doctor or your counselor at school
- I feel I can’t cope anymore/I’m suicidal
DIAL 911
Let us help you… click here to chat if it’s between 6pm-10pm 7 days a week VI Crisis Line in Nanaimotext if it’s between 6pm-10pm 7 days a week 250-800-3806
Call to talk to a crisis counselor anytime, any day 1-888-494-3888
I’m not sure what to do or if I should callRelated Resources
- Someone is harming my reputation
Did you know that spreading rumors, posting or sharing embarrassing pictures of you, gossiping, and threats are all illegal? Not sure if what’s happening to you is a big deal or not? Check here
Report it on www.erasebullying.ca
Need Help Now Site
File a report with the PoliceTalk to your counselor at school or a safe adult
- Someone is sharing a private picture of me
It is against the law to share a private picture without someone’s consent. If this is happening to you, know that everyone makes mistakes and don’t feel ashamed. It’s important to take back your power and know your rights! Did you know that spreading rumors, posting or sharing embarrassing pictures of you, gossiping, and threats are all illegal? Not sure if what’s happening to you is a big deal or not? Check here
Report and get ideas of what to do at Need Help Now Site
File a report with the Police or talk to your school liaison officer
Report it to your Principal or www.erasebullying.ca
Related Resources
- I think I might have an STI
- Any type of sexual contact has a risk of spreading infections. Using condoms and getting tested greatly reduce risk of STIs. If you are having any type of sex go get tested (regularly) at the Options for Sexual Health clinic, or a walk in clinic.
Most infections show no symptoms, some will lead to pain, rash, sores, blisters, abnormal discharge or odour.
- Make an appointment for a STI test at Options for Sexual Health Clinic
- Drop in or make and appointment at the Grant Avenue Youth Health Clinic
- Talk to a nurse for free on the phone 24/7 to see what you should do
- I had unprotected sex...
Having unprotected sex can lead to serious consequences which include infections and unplanned pregnancy
- Go as soon as possible to a clinic and get tested for STIs
- Females who had sex with males (vaginal sex) can also take emergency contraception (Plan B). It is most effective taken right away (up to 95% effective), but can be taken up to 3 days after unprotected sex. Go to Options for Sexual Health or your closest Pharmacy to buy it (approx $30).
- Make a plan with Options for Sexual Health or a Doctor to be better prepared (contraception options, condoms, testing etc)
- I think I might be pregnant
- Early signs may be: exhaustion, increased urge to pee, tender breasts, missed period, heightened sense of smell.
For a free test, go to Options for Sexual Health, your doctor, or a walk in clinic.
- Make an appointment at the Youth Clinic
- Drop in or make an appointment at Grant Avenue Health Clinic
- Free HEALTH LINK: Talk to a nurse
Call for free to get all your options: 1-800-sex-sense (1-800-739-7367) or the Pregnancy Option Line 1888-875-3163
- I need information about ending a pregnancy/abortion
Information: http://www.viwomensclinic.ca/abortions
Call for free to get all your options: 1-800-sex-sense (1-800-739-7367) or
the Pregnancy Option Line 1-888-875-3163
- I’m thinking about having sex
Make an appointment to talk with a health provider at Nanaimo’s Options For Sexual Health
or
Ways to lower risks include:
Abstaining as long as possible
Knowing your partner
Limiting # sexual partners
Using condoms and/or birth control
Getting tested for STIs (which is free and easy!)
Knowing yourself and honouring your values
Getting and giving consent!!
- I need birth control/contraception
Accessing medical services is private and by law, it is confidential.
Make an appointment at Nanaimo’s Options For Sexual Health Clinics (low cost)
Visit the Grant Avenue Health Clinic
1665 Grant Avenue, near Hospital
Phone: 250-755-3342
Email: NanaimoPublicHealth@viha.caRegular hours: Tuesdays, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Mondays, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (pill pick up for existing clients only)Walk-in hours: Tuesday Drop-in 2:00-4:30 pm for contraception, STI testing, pregnancy testing, options, and referrals for youth up to 25 years old
Or Visit your Doctor
- I need condoms
- Stop by Options for Sexual Health for free ones (285 Prideaux Street)
- or by your school counselor’s office
- Buy them at a drug/grocery store
- Stop by Options for Sexual Health for free ones (285 Prideaux Street)
- I’ve been hurt/assaulted/raped and I’m not sure if I want to report but I need support
- It’s never your fault if this happens to you. It’s important to talk to people who can support you and let you know your options. Even if you don’t remember or think it may not be a big deal…just call either of the numbers below.
- Call the Haven Crisis Line… just in-case 250-756-0616
- Victim Services and Victim link website, or text/email them (multilingual)
- Contact Vancouver Island Crisis line at 1-888-494-3888.
- They can also connect you with a Forensic Nurse if you choose.
- More help for those who have been assaulted or raped
- I need support for a child that may have been abused or for problem sexual behaviour
For local support or intervention, contact NARSF
- I’ve experienced an adult in my family being abusive and want support
For people who need a place to talk about relationship violence, abuse and sexual assault where the focus is not on the criminal justice system. Survivors may want to be informed and consider options before contacting the police or any other formal system. Access these supportive free services
Not sure? Call the Haven Crisis Line… just in-case
250-756-0616 Toll Free 1-888-756-0616
- I need to report concerning behaviour
https://protectkidsonline.ca/app/en/report_concerning_behaviour
- I need to report bullying/harassment
If it’s happening right now…don’t respond, screen shot any evidence if you can, use the ‘report’ button on the site/platform you’re using, then unfriend or block the person. Then report it to your school, the police non-emergency line, www.erasebullying.ca or your family. Not sure? Call Kids Help Phone for advice 1-800-668-6868
If it’s happening at work, you must tell someone (ideally your employer), document it, and if it doesn’t end contact Worksafe BC or call for free 1.888.621.7233
Did you know that spreading rumors, posting or sharing embarrassing pictures of you, gossiping, and threats are all illegal? Not sure if what’s happening to you is a big deal or not? Check here