Being an adolescent comes with its challenges—and for young people in and from care, or those with lived experience of adoption and permanency, those challenges can be even greater. Every young person deserves to feel supported, seen, and set up for success.
There are many helpful services in BC for young people and the people who support them. From mental health care to life skills programs that ease the transition out of care, these resources are here to help. Whether you’re a young person reaching out or someone walking alongside them, you’re not alone.
Foundry BC
Foundry BC is a province-wide network offering health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 24. With both in-person centers and virtual options, Foundry provides:
- Mental health and substance use support
- Physical and sexual health care
- Youth and family peer support
- Social services
For caregivers, Foundry offers counselling, family peer support, and workshops to help support both youth and themselves.
All services are free and confidential. You can access services through the Foundry BC website or the Foundry Virtual BC platform.
Here2Talk
Here2Talk is a free, confidential service providing mental health support to all post-secondary students in BC. Available 24/7 via phone, chat, or the Here2Talk app, this service offers:
- Immediate, single-session counselling for various concerns
- Crisis intervention during moments of acute distress
- Referrals to additional resources as needed
No appointment is necessary. Learn more or access services at here2talk.ca.
HelpStartsHere
HelpStartsHere is a government-led platform featuring over 2,600 publicly funded or non-profit mental health and substance use services across BC. It offers:
- A searchable database to filter resources by topic or type of care
- Educational resources on mental health conditions and coping strategies
Explore the platform at helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca.
FamilySmart – Help for the Hard Times
FamilySmart’s Help for the Hard Times workshops support parents and caregivers of children and youth facing mental health challenges. Facilitated by parents with lived experience, the workshops offer:
- Peer support to connect with others who understand
- Practical strategies, including coping mechanisms and advocacy skills
- A space for community-building and shared experience
Find more information at familysmart.ca.
AgedOut.com
AgedOut.com is an up-to-date warehouse of information for young adults to help with the transition from government care to adulthood. The platform offers:
- Life skills education on topics like financial literacy, housing, employment, and health and wellness
- News and events relevant to youth in and from care
- A helpful planning tool to explore available supports through the SAJE (Strengthening Abilities and Journeys of Empowerment) program
Visit agedout.com to learn more. For additional programs—including bursaries, life skills workshops, and youth support services—visit our For youth page to discover how we can support you on your journey.
Whether you’re a youth seeking support or a caregiver guiding a young person, these resources are here to help you navigate life’s challenges.
