Help Lines
bc211 Information & Referral 311 City of Vancouver FirstLink® 811 BC Health Link
STAR: Seniors Transportation Access & Resources BC Seniors' Advocate
SAIL: Seniors Abuse & Information Line Ability 411 Assistive Technologies & Equipment
Greater Vancouver Seniors Distress Lines
bc211 Province-wide information and referral services 24/7
bc211 is a British Columbia, non-profit organization that provides a free, confidential, multilingual (160 languages) information about community, government and social services in BC. As a response to COVID-19, bc211 accepts applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up and help with non-medical needs.
Multilingual: Yes (160 languages)
Hours: 24/7
Contact:
Dial 211
Text 211
Twit @bc211Help
Email help@bc211.ca
Help line within the City for seeking information about operations and services or to report problems.
During COVID-19 only use 311 for urgent requests or language interpretation. Otherwise use online chat and email at City website.
Multilingual: Yes
Hours: 7am to 10pm daily
Live chat 9am-4pm
Contact:
Dial 311 within Metro Vancouver. Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000
App VanConnect
Web https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-the-city-of vancouver.aspx
If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free):
Contact:
Dial: English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Web: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline
811 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia to speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find non-emergency health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist.
Multilingual: Yes (130 languages)
For translated resources go to https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/translated-resources
in French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese
Hours: 24/7
Contact:
Dial: 811
Web: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/
For nursing services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/nursing-services
For dietitian services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian-services
For pharmacist services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pharmacist-services
For qualified exercise professionals: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/physical-activity-services
STAR: Seniors Transportation Access and Resources
Need help getting around Vancouver? This is an initiative of B.E.S.T. (Best Environmentally Sound Transportation) in cooperation with bc211 for telephone assistance. Also at STAR website, find transportation options: public transit, HandyDart, community shuttle services, volunteer ride programs, walking, cycling & triking, taxi & private drive services, car sharing.
Dial: 211
Web: https://starcanada.ca/transportation-options-for-seniors-metro-vancouver
Speak with an Information & Referral analyst or consult website about health care, housing, income supports, personal supports, transportation. Seniors’ services research reports and Long-term Care Quick Facts Directory. Provide feedback on seniors’ services.
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays)
Contact:
Dial: toll-free 1-877-952-3181 or in Victoria 250-952-3181
Web: https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL)
SAIL is a province-wide confidential service for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment. Seniors will receive information and support about issues that impact their health and wellbeing.
Multilingual: Yes, upon request (180 languages)
Hours: 8am-8pm 7 days/week (excluding holidays)
Contact:
Dial: 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940
TTY equipment: 604-428-3359 or toll-free 1-855-306-1443
Web: http://seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail
Immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors throughout 24/7 phone lines and online services. The Distress Services program provides support to vulnerable individuals across British Columbia.
Multilingual: Yes (140 languages)
Hours: 24/7 distress phone line and online chat services between noon and 1:00am
Contact:
Dial: Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Web: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/
Chat: Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am)
Web-based service for answers to questions and practical information about technologies, tools and equipment that increase independence and wellbeing for BC seniors, and support their families and care teams.
Multilingual: Use an online translation app
Web: Browse topics https://www.ability411.ca/find-answers
Ask a question https://www.ability411.ca/ask-new-question