Crisis Supports

Aboriginal Child + Youth Mental Health Program

Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health services are available to infants, children and youth up to 18 years of age who are experiencing mental health challenges. Treatment focuses on providing individual treatment for the youth as well as family support.

Mental health disorders may include anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention hyperactivity disorder, bipolar or post traumatic stress disorder.

For more information or to find out if Child and Youth Mental Health services are appropriate for your child, please contact the local office.

BC Healthy Kids Program

This program helps low income families with the costs of basic dental care, hearing support, and prescription eye wear for their children (under the age of 19).

Before beginning treatment, confirm that the dentist or optical provider offers services under the BC Healthy Kids program AND see if there will be additional charges over what the BC Healthy Kids program will cover. 

If a family has been approved for MSP premium assistance, they are automatically eligible for Healthy Kids. If you need to apply for Premium Assistance, call 604-683-7151 or toll free at: 1-800-663-7100.

If you have questions about your child’s teeth and your child is under the age of 6, you may want to contact the Community Dental Hygienist.

Child + Youth Mental Health Program

Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) services are available to infants, children and youth up to 18 years of age who are experiencing mental health challenges.

Mental health disorders may include anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention hyperactivity disorder, bipolar or post traumatic stress disorder.

For more information or to find out if Child and Youth Mental Health services are appropriate for your child, please contact the local office.

Comox Valley Foodbank

The Comox Valley Food Bank distributes free supplementary food to people in need. Serves people from Oyster River in the North to Cook Creek in the South, including Hornby and Denman Island residents.

MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD HAMPER PICKUP

If you need food, we’re here for you!

When coming to the food bank for food,  please bring picture ID such as a Driver’s Licence, BCID, Care Card and/or birth certificates for your children. Once registered, only the person picking up for your family each week will be required to show ID.

DROP-IN SERVICE

If you are looking for fruit, vegetables or bread to help you get by for the week, visit us any weekday 9:30 a.m. to Noon.

Comox Valley Transition Society (Lilli House)

Lilli House is a transition house providing shelter for women fleeing abuse, and their children. They provide support services, legal information, counselling and other resources for women.

• Staff will help make arrangements for you to get to Lilli House safely

• Staff are available 24 hours a day to provide information and emotional support in a safe, secure, non-judgemental, confidential environment

• Has a children’s program that provides activities and support to children

• Residents are provided with practical help and information to meet needs like housing, legal information, income assistance, and services for children

Family Law Advocacy

The Family Law Advocacy Program is available to low income people who have a family law matter that is not covered by Legal Aid.

The family law advocate can:

• Provide information in the form of printed materials, online research, and verbal information;

• Assist in preparing: Provincial Court forms and applications, Family Maintenance Enforcement applications, financial statements, Legal Aid applications and appeals, indigent desk order divorce, other family law documents;

• Provide advocacy and support by accompanying clients to initial court appearances and directing clients to family duty counsel lawyers or other court staff and facilities;

• Help clients access community resources and services that would be of assistance;

• Facilitate other services in relation to family law matters.

FamilySmart

FamilySmart is an organization that offers a variety of supports to families whose children may have mental health challenges.

These supports include:

• providing families with an opportunity to speak with other families who understand and may be able to offer support or advice on what has worked for them

• providing families and professionals with information, tools, and tips on how to support and assist children with mental health difficulties

• Parent Peer Support program: a parent in your community who has lived experience with mental health challenges and who can provide you with resources and support.

Ministry Of Social Development + Poverty Reduction

INCOME ASSISTANCE

If you are in need and have no other resources, you may be eligible for income assistance. This can help support your transition to employment.

DISABILITY ASSISTANCE

Disability assistance can help you if you need financial or health support. You must be designated as a Person with Disabilities (PWD) to receive this type of assistance.

Mothers For Recovery

Created by recovering mothers for recovering mothers; a safe and confidential grassroots support program for mothers and pregnant women seeking recovery from drugs and alcohol. This group is open to all pregnant, postpartum, and parenting people who identify as mothers and have or are using substances.

Pacific Post Partum Support Society

Pacific Post Partum Support Society supports women and men who are struggling during pregnancy or after the birth or adoption of a child.

Some of these difficult adjustments may include:

• crying for no apparent reason

• numbness or feelings of helplessness

• frightening or intrusive thoughts

• depression ranging from sadness to suicidal thoughts

• anxiety or panic attacks

• anger and aggression

• feelings of resentment toward the baby

The Pacific Post Partum Support Society is based in the Lower Mainland but supports parents throughout British Columbia by offering:

1.Telephone support: experienced postpartum counsellors offer telephone support, information and referrals five days a week. The toll free number is: 1-855-255-7999.

2. Information in print: information packages are available to individuals and professionals at no cost. There is also a Self-Help Guide published by the Society that is available for purchase.

Please note: women may seek support at any time from pregnancy until their child is 3 years old.

Salvation Army Family Services

Provides support with food, emergency shelter, clothing, and furniture.

Appointments are required.

ID and proof of residence is required.

Santa’s Workshop

Santa’s workshop is for those who are in need of gifts at Christmas for their children. It is for families with children from newborn to 16 years of age.

Santa’s workshop starts operation by November of each year. The location changes year to year, so please call.

Note: families need to bring something showing their address (ID or a utility bill) as well as each child’s CareCard.

Single Parent Employment Initiative

Are you a single parent on Income or Disability Assistance?

The single parent employment initiative can help you secure employment by providing opportunities such as up to 12 months of funded training for in-demand jobs or paid work experience placements. In addition, child-care costs are covered during training and in the first year of employment.

YANA (You Are Not Alone)

Yana (You Are Not Alone) is a community organization that provides accommodation and travel expense funding for Comox Valley Families who need to travel outside the community to access medical care for a child under 19, or for a pregnant mother.

All medically required travel qualifies for support regardless of destination, duration or the number of trips required.

For more information or to apply for support, please contact YANA by email, phone or drop by the office.