Mental illness and addictions are serious issues that affect thousands of British Columbians. Whether it’s postpartum depression counselling for ethnic groups, women’s-only addiction services, or drug programs for youth, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) programs offer a full spectrum of services tailored to the individual needs of communities, cultures, ethnicities and age groups. Here are just a few of the hundreds of programs VCH offers:

Chinese Postpartum Mental Health Support Group
Did you know that approximately 10-20% of women experience depression pre- or post-pregnancy? It can be devastating for new mothers, and affect a woman’s ability to care for herself and her baby. The good news is that, once identified, perinatal depression is treatable. However, it’s crucial to provide this treatment in a way that respects a woman’s culture and language. That’s the vision of the Chinese Postpartum Mental Health Support Group, a group offered by a public health nurse and a mental health clinician. In this small group setting, Cantonese-speaking women are able to share experiences with their peers, gain support and learn ways to prevent and manage depression.  As a result of this program, attendees say they are more stable, better able to manage their problems, and greatly benefit from sharing and learning together. Learn more

STAR
A women’s-only addiction day treatment program, STAR (Sisters Together Active in Recovery) provides comprehensive, respectful and effective substance use treatment for women. The only service of its kind offered by VCH, STAR addresses a long-standing need in the community for women with childcare responsibilities. It not only assists women along the path to recovery, but helps them build community and foster confidence along the way. “Best practice tells us that women are more likely to seek treatment in a women’s-only setting,” says JP Grimard, STAR’s clinical supervisor. “Women’s-only programs offer safe spaces without the presence of men who, historically, have been the source of abuse or mistreatment in the lives of many of our clients.” Learn more

SACY
Getting kids to stay off drugs is a huge challenge, but SACY (School Age Children and Youth) aims to change that. Through this initiative, Vancouver parents, teachers, students and administrators are engaged in events and workshops aimed at preventing substance use and promoting health and wellness. For kids, SACY not only provides them with information about drugs, but with a supportive environment where they can talk to staff and feel understood. From attending the workshops, parents and teachers learn the most effective way to communicate with youth about drugs, and provide the support they need. Through the program, 67% of SACY-involved youth reported they better understand how substance use can impact their lives. Learn more

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