Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

A multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed approach to support 13-19 year old youth who are in need of more urgent or intensive mental health and/or substance use services. Outreach workers can provide services in the community.

YURT is for youth experiencing the following:
• Acute disturbance in mood, thinking or behavior which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms
• Moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness
• Functional challenges associated with housing, income and health
• Difficulties accessing health and social services

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Blue Wave is a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division which works to support the mental health of youth in British Columbia. Their vision is “To build awareness and acceptance of personal challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues through education, understanding and support”.

Check out the Blue Wave website for a “Wellness Check”, stories from youth with lived experience, resources and to learn more about their programs: the Janice Lee Blue Wave Bursary, the “Living Life to the Full for Youth” life skills course and Blue Wave social media.

Living Systems Counselling services include individual, couple and family counselling as well as play therapy or pastoral counselling. They offer affordable rates and minimum wait times at convenient locations.

Living Systems Counselling utilizes Bowen family systems theory and therapy to address a wide variety of challenges. This counselling approach can help you think more clearly about yourself and your relationships.

To inquire about an appointment contact 604 926 5496. No doctor’s referral is required.

As a non-profit organization they offer counselling to all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or income levels.

15th Street Youth Services provides substance misuse (or concurrent) outpatient counseling services to youth (13 – 18 years old) and their families throughout the North Shore. Services are voluntary, youth-friendly, client centered, culturally relevant, free, confidential and grounded in best practice. Family participation, though not mandatory, is encouraged.

Services provided included:

Psychosocial assessments
Individual counseling
Family consultation, coaching and therapy
Therapeutic groups
Outreach
Parent consultation / groups
Psychiatric assessments, consultations & medication management
Transition planning
Referrals

CMHA offers clinically directed mental health and addiction services for youth and their families. Individual, group and recreational counselling/therapy available. Self-referral.

Private services for children, youth and families with ADHD and addiction issues. Access to clinical counselling, group and individual therapy. Fee for service.

Multidisciplinary team consisting of Youth Concurrent Disorder clinicians, Mental Health Clinicians, Psychiatrists, Behavior Support Workers, and Alcohol and Drug Prevention Educators. Referring problems include substance use, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD and other mental health issues.

Mental health services are accessed through the Ministry of Children and Family Development centralized intake. Referrals for Addiction Services are made directly to the VCH North Shore Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

Health Connection is an Adult Service (19+): provides primary care services to individuals who do not have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner, and face complex medical, mental health, addiction, and/or socioeconomic needs (e.g., housing, income, access to food). No scheduled appointment or formal referral is necessary to be seen at the Clinic, but scheduled appointments are available.

The Clinic team includes family physicians, a nurse practitioners, substance use nurse, a chronic disease nurse coordinator and a medical office assistants. In addition, the clinic is collaborating with community agencies to support clients who require assistance with non-medical issues such as housing, income and access to food.

This clinic is a partnership between the North Shore Division of Family Practice and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

The KEY Program supports youth in grades 8 – 10. Students pursue their junior high school education in an environment designed to help them engage in social, emotional and academic learning. The program is intended for youth who struggle with the requirements of the mainstream school system, and have difficulty connecting with the traditional classroom environment, structure, and behavioural expectations.

Three agencies (NVSD, Hollyburn, and PLEA) collaborate to provide each student with direct external support services on an individualized needs basis. Staff offer a holistic approach—taking into account the student’s performance at school, as well as the contributing factors of home and community life that affect each student’s outlook.

Referrals to KEY are initiated by the School Based Resource Team (SBRT) at one of the 6 mainstream high-schools in North Vancouver. Students coming from out of district will need to first register with the school district at the NVSD Education Services Centre at 2121 Lonsdale Ave. All out of district requests for Mountainside Secondary School will be screened by the District Resource Team for appropriate fit, with priority given to students from the North Vancouver School District.

Any further inquiries can be directed to Jeremy Church, Principal of Mountainside Secondary School, at 604-903-3333 or by e-mailing jchurch@nvsd44.bc.ca, or Brad Baker, District Principal, at 604-903-3444, or by e-mailing bbaker@nvsd44.bc.ca.

Youth Leaving Care is a program that offers a range of services for youth transitioning out of government care. They provide the emotional, social and developmental supports to assist youth in aging out of care to “age into the community” as functional, independent adults.

Their approach, born from the 4 R’s: Residence, Resources, Relationships, and Resiliency, offers interventions early in the transition process as Transition Support Workers assist youth to develop and execute a life plan inclusive of temporary and/or permanent housing, employment and education, and life skill development.

Many young people leaving government care will often experience fear and isolation as they face the potential loss of relationships and support services. Youth Leaving Care will support and guide youth as they transition into independent living.

This is a collaborative process that involves working with established support services, such as Social Workers, Youth Transition Workers, and Mental health Practitioners to provide a wraparound service for these youth.

To qualify for this program, youth must:
•Be between the ages of 18 and 24
•Have some history of involvement with Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) or Aboriginal Delegated Agency between birth and 19 years of age (this includes Voluntary Care Agreements, Temporary Care Orders, Custody care orders, and Youth Agreements)
•Have the North Shore as their home community

Referral Process
•Self-referral is preferred, however professional or support referrals can also be made
•Referrals can be made directly to the Transition Support Worker via phone or email
•A referral meeting will follow the initial phone referral

A multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed approach to support 13-19 year old youth who are in need of more urgent or intensive mental health and/or substance use services. Outreach workers can provide services in the community.

YURT is for youth experiencing the following:
• Acute disturbance in mood, thinking or behavior which might manifest with suicidal ideation, mood problems or psychotic symptoms
• Moderate to severe primary substance use with or without mental illness
• Functional challenges associated with housing, income and health
• Difficulties accessing health and social services

Capilano Youth Services provides services to youth age 10 to 24, with particular focus on the potentially at risk youth population. Our Youth Outreach Workers meet with youth in schools and in the community to provide drug and alcohol prevention awareness, advocacy, support and to facilitate referrals to other agencies and access to services. One of our primary goals is to create opportunities to identify youth potentially at-risk and provide support to the youth and their families. Capilano Youth Services offers the following programs:

•One to One Support
•Outreach in Schools
•Outreach in the Community

Capilano Youth Services are available to all youth in the Upper and Lower Capilano area. However, please contact us if you require services in another geographic area, as we may be able to provide a referral to other community organizations.

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

Living Systems Counselling services include individual, couple and family counselling as well as play therapy or pastoral counselling. They offer affordable rates and minimum wait times at convenient locations.

Living Systems Counselling utilizes Bowen family systems theory and therapy to address a wide variety of challenges. This counselling approach can help you think more clearly about yourself and your relationships.

To inquire about an appointment contact 604 926 5496. No doctor’s referral is required.

As a non-profit organization they offer counselling to all, regardless of age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs or income levels.

CMHA offers clinically directed mental health and addiction services for youth and their families. Individual, group and recreational counselling/therapy available. Self-referral.

Private services for children, youth and families with ADHD and addiction issues. Access to clinical counselling, group and individual therapy. Fee for service.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

If you are in crisis, or just need someone to listen, please call on North Shore Neighbourhood House (NSNH). Their youth outreach workers are trained to provide support, guidance and referrals in a non-judgmental way. Their goal is to make you feel safe, supported and respected.

NSNH outreach workers can help you with:
•One-to-one support, temporary or ongoing
•Drug and alcohol education
•School problems
•Family issues
•Job and resume skills
•Providing advocacy and information
•Referrals to other services
•And lots more!

They are also available for group presentations. Please contact one of the Youth Outreach Workers for more information.

Capilano Youth Services provides services to youth age 10 to 24, with particular focus on the potentially at risk youth population. Our Youth Outreach Workers meet with youth in schools and in the community to provide drug and alcohol prevention awareness, advocacy, support and to facilitate referrals to other agencies and access to services. One of our primary goals is to create opportunities to identify youth potentially at-risk and provide support to the youth and their families. Capilano Youth Services offers the following programs:

•One to One Support
•Outreach in Schools
•Outreach in the Community

Capilano Youth Services are available to all youth in the Upper and Lower Capilano area. However, please contact us if you require services in another geographic area, as we may be able to provide a referral to other community organizations.

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

Foundry North Shore is a place where any youth or parent in our community can find easy access to the help they need, when they need it. It is an integrated youth and family initiative that transforms how mental health and substance use services are delivered on the North Shore; providing early intervention to support young peoples’ well being.

Hosted by Vancouver Coastal Health, Foundry North Shore unites over 10 partner organizations that work together to address the health care needs of youth ages 12 to 24 and their families.

Drop In Counselling Hours
Monday & Thursday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday/ Wednesday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Medical Services Drop In
Monday to Thursday 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

15th Street Youth Services provides substance misuse (or concurrent) outpatient counseling services to youth (13 – 18 years old) and their families throughout the North Shore. Services are voluntary, youth-friendly, client centered, culturally relevant, free, confidential and grounded in best practice. Family participation, though not mandatory, is encouraged.

Services provided included:

Psychosocial assessments
Individual counseling
Family consultation, coaching and therapy
Therapeutic groups
Outreach
Parent consultation / groups
Psychiatric assessments, consultations & medication management
Transition planning
Referrals

Multidisciplinary team consisting of Youth Concurrent Disorder clinicians, Mental Health Clinicians, Psychiatrists, Behavior Support Workers, and Alcohol and Drug Prevention Educators. Referring problems include substance use, anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, ADHD and other mental health issues.

Mental health services are accessed through the Ministry of Children and Family Development centralized intake. Referrals for Addiction Services are made directly to the VCH North Shore Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

Health Connection is an Adult Service (19+): provides primary care services to individuals who do not have a regular family doctor or nurse practitioner, and face complex medical, mental health, addiction, and/or socioeconomic needs (e.g., housing, income, access to food). No scheduled appointment or formal referral is necessary to be seen at the Clinic, but scheduled appointments are available.

The Clinic team includes family physicians, a nurse practitioners, substance use nurse, a chronic disease nurse coordinator and a medical office assistants. In addition, the clinic is collaborating with community agencies to support clients who require assistance with non-medical issues such as housing, income and access to food.

This clinic is a partnership between the North Shore Division of Family Practice and Vancouver Coastal Health.

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

Youth clinics offer free and confidential drop in services for youth. At a clinic, you can talk to a health care provider about the health issues that are important to you.

Services vary depending on which clinic you go to. Some of the free and confidential services that may be offered include:

STI/HIV testing & treatment
Free condoms and water-based lubricant
Birth control (free or low cost)
Emergency contraception
Pap tests
Free or low-cost birth control options
Pregnancy testing and counselling
General counselling and health information
Immunizations
Smoking Cessation
Mental health and addictions referrals

A Care Card is not required.

Services:

• STI testing & treatment, and partner follow up
• Birth control options
• pills, patch, ring, implant, & the shot
• Emergency contraception, including pill
• HIV Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
• Pregnancy options counselling & referrals
• Harm reduction, including free condoms and naloxone kits
• Immunizations (HPV, Mpox, Hep A & B)

The Norvan Boys and Girls Club is a place for friendship, informal guidance and activities for children and youth. The Norvan Club encourages the physical, educational, character, and skill development of each member through recreational and social activities.

Norvan Club offers:

PRE-TEEN GIRLS: GRADES 5-7
TUESDAYS 6:30 – 9:00PM

“HYPE NIGHT”
PRE-TEEN: GRADES 5-7
Thursdays 6:30 – 9:00PM

TEEN: GRADES 8-12
FRIDAYS 6:30 – 9:00PM

Come by for a variety of activities, snacks and a great place to just chill out. We are an inclusive environment and are open to ALL. 

The Club’s pre-teen and teen programs are open to all members. Programs include out-trips throughout the city, cooking meals together, enjoying movie nights in a relaxed atmosphere, and providing opportunities to enhance leadership skills through increased ‘response-ability’.

Contact the Norvan Club directly for more information on detailed program information and schedules.

If you are in crisis, or just need someone to listen, please call on North Shore Neighbourhood House (NSNH). Their youth outreach workers are trained to provide support, guidance and referrals in a non-judgmental way. Their goal is to make you feel safe, supported and respected.

NSNH outreach workers can help you with:
•One-to-one support, temporary or ongoing
•Drug and alcohol education
•School problems
•Family issues
•Job and resume skills
•Providing advocacy and information
•Referrals to other services
•And lots more!

They are also available for group presentations. Please contact one of the Youth Outreach Workers for more information.

The Norvan Boys and Girls Club is a place for friendship, informal guidance and activities for children and youth. The Norvan Club encourages the physical, educational, character, and skill development of each member through recreational and social activities.

Norvan Club offers:

PRE-TEEN GIRLS: GRADES 5-7
TUESDAYS 6:30 – 9:00PM

“HYPE NIGHT”
PRE-TEEN: GRADES 5-7
Thursdays 6:30 – 9:00PM

TEEN: GRADES 8-12
FRIDAYS 6:30 – 9:00PM

Come by for a variety of activities, snacks and a great place to just chill out. We are an inclusive environment and are open to ALL. 

The Club’s pre-teen and teen programs are open to all members. Programs include out-trips throughout the city, cooking meals together, enjoying movie nights in a relaxed atmosphere, and providing opportunities to enhance leadership skills through increased ‘response-ability’.

Contact the Norvan Club directly for more information on detailed program information and schedules.

Capilano Youth Services provides services to youth age 10 to 24, with particular focus on the potentially at risk youth population. Our Youth Outreach Workers meet with youth in schools and in the community to provide drug and alcohol prevention awareness, advocacy, support and to facilitate referrals to other agencies and access to services. One of our primary goals is to create opportunities to identify youth potentially at-risk and provide support to the youth and their families. Capilano Youth Services offers the following programs:

•One to One Support
•Outreach in Schools
•Outreach in the Community

Capilano Youth Services are available to all youth in the Upper and Lower Capilano area. However, please contact us if you require services in another geographic area, as we may be able to provide a referral to other community organizations.

Mountainside Secondary School (MSS) is the North Vancouver School District’s smallest and newest secondary school, meeting the Ministry of Education requirements for funding as an Alternative School (BCEDAlternate Program Policy).

MSS functions as part of the continuum of social/emotional/behavioural supports that are available to all students at all secondary schools in the NVSD, and targets students in Grades 9-12 (ages 14-19). MSS aims to allow for varied and alternate pathways to graduation (80 credit or Adult) or School Completion, and beyond.

Features include:
– Student to teacher ratio of approximately 15:1,
– Creative, non-punitive, restorative approach to solving problems
– Strong community partnerships with: Vancouver Coastal Health, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Parkgate, Capilano, and North Shore Neighbourhood House Youth Services
– Access to both on-site doctor and nurse
– Broad range of elective offerings

Check out their Facebook page, too! www.facebook.com/mountainside2013

The KEY Program supports youth in grades 8 – 10. Students pursue their junior high school education in an environment designed to help them engage in social, emotional and academic learning. The program is intended for youth who struggle with the requirements of the mainstream school system, and have difficulty connecting with the traditional classroom environment, structure, and behavioural expectations.

Three agencies (NVSD, Hollyburn, and PLEA) collaborate to provide each student with direct external support services on an individualized needs basis. Staff offer a holistic approach—taking into account the student’s performance at school, as well as the contributing factors of home and community life that affect each student’s outlook.

Referrals to KEY are initiated by the School Based Resource Team (SBRT) at one of the 6 mainstream high-schools in North Vancouver. Students coming from out of district will need to first register with the school district at the NVSD Education Services Centre at 2121 Lonsdale Ave. All out of district requests for Mountainside Secondary School will be screened by the District Resource Team for appropriate fit, with priority given to students from the North Vancouver School District.

Any further inquiries can be directed to Jeremy Church, Principal of Mountainside Secondary School, at 604-903-3333 or by e-mailing jchurch@nvsd44.bc.ca, or Brad Baker, District Principal, at 604-903-3444, or by e-mailing bbaker@nvsd44.bc.ca.

Services are available in English and Farsi

If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If the situation involves imminent safety risks or a possible threat of violence, police may be required to respond.

PACT is a mobile civilian-led team that will respond to crisis calls related to mental health and/or substance use on the North Shore. The program pairs a mental health professional and a peer worker to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe support to youth aged 13+ or adults in the North Shore.  Call 1-888-261-7228 or text 778-839-1831.

PACT is your local support team that you can reach out to when you or someone around you is in distress due to:

• thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• family members experiencing challenges
• substance use
• loss of reality
• feelings of hopelessness or despair
• social isolation and loneliness
• fear, anxiety, and depression
• other mental health-related emergencies

How we can help:

• Offer support to you or your loved one over the phone, text, or in-person wherever you feel comfortable
• Listen without judgement and provide a safe space for you to share your story and tell us what is going on
• Provide crisis counselling and de-escalation
• Advocate for you and accompany you to emergency departments, police stations, or community organizations
• Connect you to the appropriate resources, services and supports in the community to meet your underlying needs
• Provide short-term follow-up care to you and your family after a crisis event

What we cannot do:

• Transport you or your loved one from one place to another in the staff vehicle (if needed, transportation will be provided through taxi services)
• Perform psychological assessments to diagnose mental illnesses or write prescriptions for medication
• Make referrals to psychiatrists or other medical specialists for specific treatments for mental or physical health conditions (but we can help you to access primary care)
• Fast-track applications for housing, income or disability assistance, or mental health services.

The North Vancouver Youth Support Team (YST) is made up of dedicated officers assigned to a total of 48 schools reaching over 20,000 students in the City and District of North Vancouver. The officers act as a resource for teachers, parents, and youth. These officers work closely with the schools as well as the local community youth services and centres.

Examples of some presentations delivered by YST officers are: Criminal Law/Court System, Criminal Offences, Drug and Alcohol Awareness, Driving Safety, and Internet Safety.

The goal of every YST officer is to have early and positive relationships and establish themselves as great role models for our North Vancouver youth.