Here to Help BC is a free, publicly accessible web-portal designed for residents of British Columbia to explore and access high-quality information on mental health and substance use. It was created by a collaboration of non-profit agencies (the “BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information”) to ensure that the general public, caregivers and people with lived experience can find reliable content, self-help tools, screening quizzes, and links to local supports. The site emphasises plain-language explanations about mental health challenges, substance use, recovery and coping strategies.

Features & resources

Users of the portal will find: self-screening questionnaires, downloadable guides and publications on topics such as anxiety, depression, substance use, gambling and trauma; an easily searchable directory of supports in BC; sections aimed at family and friends supporting someone else; content young people can relate to (including blogs, journal issues, multimedia); translations in multiple languages; and sign-up for newsletters and curated information lists. The platform also links to provincial services such as the “Help Starts Here” directory.

Who it is for

The primary audience includes adults, youth, caregivers and families in BC who are looking either for themselves or someone they care about. The portal meets needs at the early-intervention or self-management end of the spectrum rather than acute crisis care. Although the resources are publicly available, some supports referenced are provincial and regionally specific to BC; users in other provinces should check local availability.

Why it matters

Mental health and substance-use matters affect many people and can carry stigma or confusion. Having a credible, freely accessible hub where anyone can begin to understand these issues, find tools and map local supports helps reduce barriers to help-seeking. For newcomers or individuals not familiar with the system, the portal offers orientation into what supports exist and how to access them. The collaboration behind the site (seven partner agencies) adds to its credibility and breadth of coverage.

Practical considerations & limitations

While Here to Help BC provides strong informational and navigational value, it should not be seen as a substitute for professional clinical treatment or crisis-intervention services. If a person is in immediate risk (suicidal thoughts, overdose, severe psychosis), they must engage emergency or 24-hour crisis services. Also, some listings and resource-links focus on BC’s regional health authorities—outside BC, local equivalence may differ. The site does require internet access and some downloadable resources may need registration.

Summary

In short: if you live in British Columbia and want to explore mental health or substance use topics—whether for yourself, a friend or family member—Here to Help BC offers a solid free starting point, combining trustworthy information, self-help tools and local resource mapping. Though it won’t replace direct clinical care or crisis lines, it is a valuable part of the mental-health support ecosystem.