Mental health challenges affect individuals of all ages, yet many people avoid seeking help due to stigma or a lack of awareness. One in three Canadians will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. Mental health is as important as physical health, and seeking support is a key first step to well-being. This Mental Health Week (May 5 to 11), the theme “Unmasking Mental Health” encourages us to look beyond appearances, embrace vulnerability, and connect with others honestly.
Below is a list of some of the supports available on the Coast:
• Arrowhead Clubhouse – Sunshine Coast Community Services Society
A safe, stigma-free space for adults living with mental illness to build skills and access peer support. 5554 Inlet Ave., Sechelt ; 604-747-4734; sccss.ca/programs/community-action-engagement/arrowhead-clubhouse
• Sunshine Coast Mental Health and Addiction Services – Vancouver Coastal Health
Assessment, treatment, psychiatric care for adults with serious mental health concerns.
5542 Sunshine Coast Hwy., Sechelt; 604-885-6101; vch.ca/en/location-service/sunshine-coast-adult-community-support-services
• RainCity Housing – Sunshine Coast Supportive Housing
Housing services for vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness or mental health challenges. Gibsons Modular Housing: 749 School Rd., Gibsons; 778-462-2212.
Hightide Housing: 5656 Hightide Ave., Sechelt; 778-458-4003; raincityhousing.org/
• Older Adult Mental Health - Vancouver Coastal Health
Supports adults 65+ with a neurocognitive disorder and accompanying mental health issues. #107 - 5710 Teredo Square Sechelt; 604-924-8370; vch.ca/en/location-service/older-adult-mental-health-program-sunshine-coast
• Sunshine Coast Hospice Society
Grief counseling, bereavement groups, and emotional services; 4602 Simpkins Rd., Sechelt; 604-740-0475; coasthospice.com/
• Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) – Ministry of Children and Family Development
Family support, mental health services, and support for children and youth with special needs; #206–938 Gibsons Way, Gibsons; 604-886-5525; gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/data-monitoring-quality-assurance/find-services-for-children-teens-families/sda-gibsons
• Pender Harbour Health Centre
Mental health counselling, harm reduction, and youth programming. 5066 Francis Peninsula Rd., Madeira Park; 604-883-2764; penderharbourhealth.com/services-and-programs/
In celebration of Mental Health Week, SCCSS Arrowhead Clubhouse will be opening its doors to the community. Join them for an open house and BBQ on Thursday, May 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at their clubhouse (5554 Inlet Ave., Sechelt). This is a wonderful opportunity for family, friends, neighbours and community partners to learn more about Arrowhead. Also stay tuned for the Sunshine Coast Foundry, an initiative hosted by SCCSS supporting youth health and wellness, bringing together multiple partner organizations to serve young people aged 12 to 24 and their families.
Accessing mental health support is a crucial step toward healing. We all need support at some point in our lives, and no matter the severity or circumstance, help is available. If you or someone you know needs help getting started, the Sunshine Coast Resource Centre can help you find the resources you need. Contact us at 604-885-4088, email [email protected], or visit resourcecentre.ca and explore our online resource directory.
In crisis or need immediate support? Call 9-1-1 for emergencies, or text/call 988 for mental health and suicide crisis support.
