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Resources for Individuals and Families

Explore this page to see what resources are available to individuals and families in our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Compiled List of Federal & Provincial Benefits

The Government of British Columbia has compiled and is regularly updating a list of federal and provincial benefits available to individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BC Government - List of Federal and Provincial Benefis

 

Federal Resources

Visit the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Supports for Individuals page to explore a number of federal programs and subsidies for Canadian individuals and families.

 

Provincial Resources

 

Library Resources

Our local library branch has been continuously adapting to continue offering library services during the pandemic. Visit the Sidney/North Saanich branch page for the most up to date information. In addition to physical materials, digital resources including ebooks, audiobooks, music, TV and movie streaming platforms, online magazines and newspapers, and education and homeschooling resources are available.

VIRL is now offering online registration for library cards for Sidney residents who want to take advantage of their online resources. Visit their website to register for a library card and take advantage of all the entertainment and learning opportunities available to you.

 

Mental Health Resources

Tips and Resources for Managing COVID-19 Stress & Anxiety

It’s normal to be worried about COVID-19 and what the future may hold. Stress, anxiety, and sadness are common responses to the disruption and isolation that many of us are experiencing. The Government of British Columbia has put together a list of tips and resources regarding mental health management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the key things we can all do to manage stress and anxiety include:

  • Reach out to friends and family
    Social distancing is critical to help control the spread of the virus. But at the same time it can also create even greater feelings of isolation, loneliness and sometimes depression. Therefore use safe ways to connect, including picking up the phone and calling friends and family, connect with friends on-line and offer support to those who need it.
  • Have calm conversations – especially when talking to children
  • Practice self-care
    All things that you can do to manage your stress, whether it’s going for walk in your neighbourhood, exercising, meditating or practicing deep breathing, will better prepare you to take care of yourself and others.
  • Seek help when needed
    You know your body and its signs of stress. If you are having trouble managing your mental health, call your healthcare provider or a support phone line and encourage those you love to do the same.

Virtual Mental Health Supports

The B.C. Government has expanded existing virtual mental health programs and launched new virtual services for B.C. seniors, adults, youth and frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic

Other Mental Health Resources

  • HealthLink BC
    Provides 24/7, confidential health information and advice.
    Call 8-1-1 or visit: www.healthlinkbc.ca.
  • Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre:
    Provides confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.
    Call toll-free 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433), or visit: www.crisiscentre.bc.ca.
  • Kids Help Phone:
    Provides 24/7 national support service that offers professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French.
    Call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868, or visit: www.kidshelpphone.ca.
  • The KUU-US Crisis Response Service:
    Provides 24/7 culturally-aware crisis support to Indigenous people in B.C.
    Call 1-800-588-8717 or visit: www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca.
  • Mental Health Digital Hub:
    A provincial website that provides information, services and education and awareness about mental health and substance use for adults, youth and children.
    Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/mentalhealth.
  • Bounce Back:
    A free evidence-based program designed to help youth and adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood or stress, with or without anxiety. Bounce Back teaches effective skills to help people improve their mental health.
    Call toll-free: 1 866 639-0522 or visit: www.bouncebackbc.ca.
  • MindHealthBC:
    Provides a detailed online directory of evidence based resources that includes mental health and substance use information, self-help resources and online programs, local support groups for patients and for friends and family members, and community health services suited to an individual's specific needs.
    Visit: www.mindhealthbc.ca.
  • HeretoHelpBC:
    Provides information about managing mental illness and maintaining good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests for wellness, mood, anxiety and risky drinking.
    Visit: www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
  • Anxiety Canada:
    Provides free online, self-help, and evidence-based resources on anxiety.
    Visit: www.anxietycanada.com.

 

Food Security Resources

Island Farm Fresh - Saanich Peninsula Farms

Island Farm Fresh is a guide to local farmers, from the Saanich Peninsula all the way to the Gulf Islands. Visit Island Farm Fresh for a list of farms on the Saanich Peninsula and links to their websites.

Food Eco District - Local Farms & Nurseries

The Food Eco District has compiled information about our region's local farms and nurseries, and how you can support them. Visit their website for more details.

South Island FarmHub

The South Island FarmHub is a farmer driven produce distributor. They are launching an online sales platform to make local produce accessible to our community at large: wholesale purchasers, charities feeding the vulnerable, and local residents who want to increase the region’s food resilience by purchasing from their neighbourhood farms. In early June, the South Island FarmHub online store goes live. You will be able to browse our local, fresh and organic produce, view seasonally curated produce boxes, learn about local farm suppliers in the CRD, and shop for your very first order. Visit their website at www.sifarmhub.ca for more information.

Good Food Box

Good Food Box is a non-profit alternative fruit and vegetable distribution system. Boxes are available for pick-up or delivery every Wednesday. They purchase the highest quality produce and ensure variety, freshness and affordability. They prioritize locally grown, unsprayed produce with a focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables. Visit their website at www.thegoodfoodbox.ca for more information.

The SHOAL Centre (10030 Resthaven Drive) will reopen as a contactless pick up location for the Good Food Box program beginning Wednesday, May 27, 2020.

Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank

The Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank runs a food hamper program on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, and they are currently open for extra food pick-ups on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Visit their website at www.splfoodbank.com for more information.

For anyone who is able, donations to the food bank can be made online at www.splfoodbank.com/donate or by phone 250-655-0679.

Saanich School District (SD#63) Food Provision Program

The Saanich School District is supporting local families in need by providing additional food on a weekly basis through their Food Provision Program. Meal delivery is organized regionally in the district with south zone on Monday, central zone on Wednesday, and north zone on Thursday. The school district is working together with Beacon Community Services and the District Parent Advisory Council to continue to expand and sustain this service throughout the time that there is a suspension of in-class instruction. Any families that are in need and are not currently registered for this program can reach out to their child's school principal or contact the District Parent Advisory Council at copacssd63@gmail.com.

Beacon Community Services Meal Program

Beacon Community Services is delivering three free meals a week to isolated seniors in the region. To find out more about this program, please contact Beacon Community Services at 250-656-5537.

 

Gardening Resources

Gardening Supplies

Growing Together

Growing Together is a group of organizations from across the Victoria capital region - Coast Salish territories that have come together share resources that can help folks grow their own food. Visit their Gardening Resources page to access videos, courses, weekly garden guidance, links to local suppliers, and more.

Compost Education Centre

The Compost Education Centre is a non-profit organization providing composting and ecological gardening education to CRD residents. Visit their website to learn more.

CRD Natural Gardening Resources

The Capital Regional District has compiled tips and resources for growing native plants that are drought-tolerant or drought-resistant and can survive with little to no irrigation once established. Native plants flourish in our ecosystem, which is characterized by hot, dry summers and wet, mild winters. Visit their website to learn more.

Vancouver Island Regional Library

LifeCycles

LifeCycles improves community health by bringing people together to grow, harvest, and share local foods. Working in urban gardens and orchards, they are reimagining the way that we live and eat in cities. In addition to a number of ongoing projects, they have resources that include:

Visit their website for more information.

PlantSomethingBC

Plant Something BC started in 2016 is a BC Buy Local initiative that promotes the benefits of buying locally grown plants to aspiring and experienced gardeners of all ages. Plant Something BC promotes the use and sale of BC grown plants by supporting BC Landscape and Nursery Association members and non-members in the horticulture industry from the grower to the landscaper and garden centre. Visit their website to find local garden centres, growing information and additional resources.

 

Resources for BC First Nations and Indigenous Peoples

 

Resources for People with Disabilities

 

Resources for Strata Residents