Helpful Links
Tillicum Lelum Neutral Zone – Aboriginal Youth Drop-in Centre: Tillicum Lelum offers youth programming which provides relevant social and recreational activities for youth between 10-24 years of age. Our culture and recreation programs at the Neutral Zone provide youth with the opportunity to socialize and learn new skills in a safe and supportive environment. For more information about the Neutral Zone and its’ programs, please call 250-753-8291.
NARSF Living in Families with Teens (LIFT) Program: Voluntary program for parents and youth who are experiencing difficulties within the family relationship system. LIFT assists and supports parents in their role as caregivers with the goal of promoting parental capacity and maintaining the integrity of family.
LRCA Youth Support: Operates on an outreach basis for youth between the ages of 13 to 18 who may be experiencing problems at home, in school, or are experiencing conflict in their lives.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association: L2N Driver Practice Program: Supports youth to acquire a Class 7 (N) BC driver’s license.
bgc Central Vancouver Island: Youth Lounge: Free drop-in program that provides youth ages 11-18 with a safe, fun and supervised place to hang out and make their own. The program runs 3pm-7pm every Thursday and 2pm-9pm every Friday at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Variety of free activities such as swimming, skating, video gaming, homework support, pizza nights and much more! Partnership with the city of Nanaimo.
Volunteer Nanaimo – Nanaimo Youth 20/20 Can Project: Are you passionate about making a difference? Join a great youth project and connect with other youths that want to make a difference. If you are between 15-29 years old, we invite you to join the Nanaimo Youth 20/20 Can team.
Foundry Virtual BC: Young people aged 12-24 and their caregivers can access virtual services through the Foundry BC app from anywhere in British Columbia!
Mental Health
BounceBack: Free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 13+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach.
LGBTQIA2S+
Nanaimo Family Life Association: Transcend Nanaimo: Peer Support Group for Transgender, Non-binary, Two-Spirit, & Gender Youth. Ages 12 to 17. gender_journeys@nflabc.org
(250) 754-3331 ext. 710
bgc Central Vancouver Island: Generation Q: Invites young people ages 12-18 who identify as LGBTQ2SIA+ to meet every Thursday night at 6:30pm for a variety of activities (games, movie nights, crafts, discussions, guest speakers and more!) and conversations in a supportive, inclusive environment.
QCHAT: Peer support line and resource database for 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth in B.C. Text 250-800-9036 or call toll-free 1-855-956-1777.
Health
Nanaimo Youth Wellness Centre at NAC: Available for young people up to age 25 to access vital health and wellness services. Youth have access to physicians, counsellors and public health nurses, appointments are preferred.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association – Supporting Young Parents and Families program: Provides support to young parents (between the ages of 15 and 29) navigate pregnancy, birth, and post partum.
Education and the arts
Jax Mac Foundation: Offers grants and scholarships for youth aged 10-18.
BC Housing Education Awards Program: Offers post-secondary scholarships to people living in BC Housing properties or who receive BC Housing rental supplements.
Literacy Central Vancouver Island: Youth programs & tutoring: Free tutoring sessions, group activities, and workshops offered.
Employment support
Work BC Nanaimo Office: Offers free access to computers, printers and the internet at their resource room. Staff can also provide support to access free training and employment opportunities.
Nanaimo Foodshare: Cultivating Abilities Employment Program. 11 weeks PAID in class and 8 weeks paid wage subsidy for employment. Ages 15 – 55.
Nanaimo Foodshare: Homegrown Youth Employment Program. 8 weeks PAID in class and 8 weeks paid wage subsidy once job is secured after. Ages 15-30.
Island Crisis Care Society: Project Rise. Program for people who have experienced homelessness, but are now ready to re-integrate more fully into independence and community life. Participants will access 6 weeks of pre-employment training, followed by practical work placements. Ages 18 and up.
Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Youth & Leadership Training Program/Youth Employment Counsellor: This program serves Aboriginal youth between 15-29 years of age who are seeking employment. The Aboriginal Youth and Leadership Program offers a variety of workshops that enhance employability skills and personal growth. Contact 250-753-8291 for more info.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association – BladeRunners: designed for youth aged 16 to 30 who have encountered barriers or challenges in finding and/or keeping employment. NYSA staff work alongside participants to encourage, empower and support them through this four-week, paid program.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association: DiverseFutures: Employment program for youth, ages 16-30 years, who seek a clear path to full-time employment. There are two different streams to the program, which welcome youth based on their diverse and unique life realities.
Substance Use
Island Health Discovery Youth & Family Substance Use Services: offers free community-based counselling services, access to residential care and treatment for youth struggling with substance use.
NARSF Transitions Program for Teens ages 13 to 19: Provides Withdrawal Management and Supportive Recovery for youth ages 13-19 who would like to take a break from substances.
The Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre: offers medically supervised withdrawal support, mental health crisis supports and holistic live-in wellness for youth aged 12-18 that are residents of British Columbia.
Housing
Friendship Lelum -Aboriginal Youth Safe House: provides short-term shelter for youth aged 12 – 18 years who are experiencing stressful experiences and have been identified as “at-risk”. We provide counselling, advocacy, referrals and support. For information about further services please call 250-753-8266.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association – Waddington: Supportive and affordable apartment building designed for youth in need of support and assistance. Ages 16 to under 19.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association – Rowe House: Tenants who are eligible for Rowe House are those individuals who meet the age criteria and who are employed or going to school on a full-time basis. Ages 19 to 25.
Nanaimo Youth Services Association – RentSmart: Program providing support to individuals and families in finding and maintaining housing in the Nanaimo region.
Poverty Advocacy Nanaimo 