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OPINION: Every story is different, but everyone in these situations needs to know help is available.

The Provincial Health Services Authority is launching a new made-in-BC resource called the Lifeguard App, which will link individuals to emergency responders in the event of an overdose.

The app is activated by the user before they take their dose. After 50 seconds the app will sound an alarm. If the user doesn’t hit a button to stop the alarm, indicating they are fine, the alarm grows louder. After 75 seconds a text-to-voice call will go straight to 9-1-1, alerting emergency medical dispatchers of a potential overdose.

The Lifeguard App can be downloaded at both the App Store and Google Play. The app will be launched in regional health authorities in a phased approach between now and early June.

You can find out more here: http://www.phsa.ca/about/news-stories/news-releases/2020-news/new-lifeguard-app-launched-to-help-prevent-overdoses ... See more

It's the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia! May 17th was specifically chosen to commemorate the WHO’s decision in 1990 to declassify homosexuality as a mental disorder. But despite hard fought progress, there is still so much work to do to end the discrimination, hate and violence that people in our community still face. Now more than ever, we need to call on the government to create pathways to safety for SOGIE refugees, to end the discriminatory blood donation ban and the exclusions of gay men from COVID antibody research, to act on decriminalization of HIV non-disclosure, and to ensure equal protections for transgender, transsexual and gender-variant people. And, as we fight for justice and equality, let's also celebrate diversity and the universality of love! 🌈

Shout out to my incredible colleague Randall Garrison, NDP critic for SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression), for his tireless efforts on these issues and more: https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-statement-16th-annual-international-day-against-homophobia-transphobia-and-biphobia ... See more

At least 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual abuse or assault, according to leading research. Read about the statistic, find helpful information, chat with a trained advocate through the 24/7 national helpline, join a weekly online support group, view male survivors' stories, etc. You're not alone. ... See more

To our community partners,

We understand during this pandemic that many folks find themselves isolated from their usual support services and networks and may be experiencing greater challenges managing day-to-day. As of May 18th we are launching a Rapid Response Programme to provide immediate/crisis and short term support to men (16 plus) who are experiencing increased levels of stress, trauma, mental health challenges and are struggling due to COVID-19. We work on being inclusive agency and extend this invitation to all persons who have or do identify as masculine.

These services are being offered free thanks to the Rapid Relief Fund (Victoria Foundation, Jawl Foundation and the Times Colonist).

Drop-in

Every Monday and Wednesday people can access a 30 minute drop-in appointment:
10.00am Monday and Wednesday people can connect with an MTC counsellor via a permanent link - https://zoom.us/j/93422434521, Meeting ID 934 2243 4521

The link will also be posted social media,website or people can phone 250-381-6367 to get the link (please note there will be a delay when phoning in as phones are only checked once a day)

An appointment is given for later that day or later in the week and people will be given a Zoom link for that appointment

Short term counselling

After a drop in appointment people can choose to be referred to short- term counselling (maximum of 3 sessions). An appointment will be made during drop in and the short-term counsellor will contact the client with a zoom link for their appointment.

The short term counselling is available for those who do not currently have any other therapy/counselling support.

All sessions are confidential. Folks will need access to a phone or computer and a quiet space if possible.

If you have any questions please contact Paula Greene - paula@menstherapycentre.ca ... See more

Resource of the Week.
The BCPA COVID-19 Psychological First Aid Service is designed to help any BC resident aged 19+ who is experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.psychologists.bc.ca/covid-19-resources ... See more

The BCPA COVID-19 Psychological First Aid Service is designed to help any BC resident aged 19+ who is experiencing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty due to the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. Please read all of the following information before completing the sign-up form below.  ... See more

CERB Benefits Eligibility ● CERB Eligibility ($500/week), information on expanded eligibility ● CERB application is brief and currently everyone who applies receives the benefit ● When applying for CERB you are asked to be truthful (“self-attestation”) but ultimately CRA will ver... ... See more

BC’s restart will be a careful, step-by-step process to make sure our combined efforts and sacrifices are not squandered.

Some restrictions will be in place for a while. But some things will become a little easier, starting mid-May.

But to keep moving forward, it’s going to take all of us – people, businesses and organizations – staying vigilant and following BC’s enhanced protocols, like cleaning more often and making spaces safer.

Let’s all do our part as we move forward, together.

Learn more about BC’s Restart Plan: www.gov.bc.ca/restartBC ... See more

When someone asks you how you're doing, if you're comfortable sharing, it's okay to be honest and let people know how you're really feeling. Take some time this Mental Health Week to learn more about what supports are available to you, your friends, and your family.

https://mentalhealthweek.ca/ ... See more

COVID-19 has shifted so much of our daily lives! Learning how to care for ourselves and each other during this pandemic in ways that are safe is a challenge that all of us are experiencing. But for those of us on healing paths or experiencing new hardship this self and community care is crucial.

Join VSAC counsellor Shadi and Inclusion Coordinator Lane to talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has been impacting healing for those who have experienced sexualized violence, and what we can do about it to help ourselves and our communities so #togetherwecanheal.

https://vsac.ca/2020/05/community-and-self-care-for-survivors/

Image description: In a still capture from their video, Shadi and Lane smile side-by-side during a virtual conversation from living room spaces in their homes. Shadi wears a teal sweater and has short, lilac-coloured hair with a defined curl. They smile wearing yellow ear buds and glasses. Lane wears a blue shirt and a blue-flowered denim vest. They have glasses and short auburn hair while they wear a big grin. The image sits on a rainbow background and the text reads "Community & Self Care for Survivors."

#GivingTuesdayNow #SupportSurvivors #TogetherWeHeal #ConnectionIsHealing #CommuntiyCare #youarenotalone #yyj #VictoriaBC #giving #makeadifference #believesurvivors ... See more