Penticton - Winter Orientation

The Crisis Line Association of B.C. provides individuals with 24-hour confidential telephone intervention and support. Phone 1-888-353-2273 (1-888-353-CARE) when in crisis.

Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it. All College students currently registered have access to free, confidential counselling and community referral services, conveniently available 24/7 via app, phone and web.

This service is available 7 days a week, between 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Call Penticton Regional Hospital at 250-492-4000 and ask to be connected to the Community Crisis Response Team (CCRT).

Foundry Penticton offers a one-stop-shop for youth ages 12-24 and their families to substance use, counselling and social services. Contact them by calling 778-646-2292 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. 

A space for any youth across Canada, under 30, that is experiencing any sort of crisis to come and talk (through text and chat). They are open every day between 6 p.m. and midnight, and information is available online.

Contact your family doctor or go to a walk-in medical clinic. This link offers a listing of local clinics and wait times. 

This Interior Health mental health counselling service can be booked by calling or walking in to schedule an intake appointment. They are located at 740 Carmi Ave. and the phone number is 250-770-3555. Substance abuse drop-in hours are Monday to Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. 

Contact the CMHA for wellness programs and more. They are located at 2852 Skaha Lake Rd. and can be reached by calling 250-493-8999.

This Interior Health service provides assessment, treatment and family support for individuals 19-30 years old, who may be experiencing psychosis or schizophrenia. The program is offered at 740 Carmi Ave. and office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Afterhours Crisis Response Team from 4:30pm - 11:00pm evenings and weekends. Call 250-770-3555 or visit the Early Psychosis Intervention Program website for information. After hours call Regional Mental Health Crisis Line at no charge 1-888-353-2273.

*Please note, as of July 31, 2023, Pathways has closed and is recommending people to reach out to Interior Health for support. The Penticton & Area Access Centre published a “Little Red Book of Resources” that may be helpful.

SOICS is a one-stop shop that provides a range of free services to all immigrants, temporary foreign workers, post-secondary international students, and refugees through education, advocacy and projects, which assist in their integration http://www.soics.ca/  340 Ellis St. Phone: 250.492 6299

The Salvation Army runs the community Food Bank, as well as a community kitchen offering nutrition education and hands-on training in cooking nutritious meals. They also offer personal assistance (personal and emergency assistance, and assistance during the holiday season. They are located at 2399 South Main St. (phone 250-492-4788) and hours are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

PFLAG is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive place for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Two-Spirited, Queer and Questioning people. They welcome allies and people of diverse gender expression, identity and attraction. Penticton Chapter meets at Oasis United Church, on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. You can also reach Ron Smuin at rsmuin@shaw.ca  and rsmuin51@gmail.ca, phone: 250-493-5530.

The Access Centre changes lives through poverty advocacy, awareness, and action. Services include: legal advocacy, disability advocacy, tenant and landlord issue, and volunteer tax services. Drop-in hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Wed from  1-3 p.m. They are located at 209-304 Martin St. Call them at 250-493-6822.

Provides support to individuals and families dealing with the effects of traumatic and acquired brain injuries. Services include: brain injury prevention and education; Programs for clients, their families and caregivers; advocacy and homeless outreach; and vocational support. they are located at 2-996 Main St. Call them at 250-490-0613.

YMCA Mindfulness Groups are free and support young adults between 18-30 years old. You will learn healthy coping tools to manage anxiety, connect with other young people and receive support. The groups are 7 weeks in duration and are offered at various locations in Kelowna and Penticton. To register for an information session contact 250-317-7980 or ymind@ymcaokanagan.bc.ca.