Student Well-Being

At Elevare™ Career Institute, we care about the health and happiness of our students and staff. Our team is here to help you navigate the ups and downs of school and work. Please explore this page for useful resources, important contacts, and information to help you succeed.

What is Well-Being?

Well-being means experiencing comfort, health, and happiness. It involves a holistic, strength-focused approach to achieving overall satisfaction in life – thriving physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We believe that a healthy mind and body are essential for success in both school and work, and we are committed to supporting the well-being of our community.

After Hours Support

Here2Talk

Here2Talk provides free and confidential counseling and community referral services around the clock for post-secondary students in British Columbia. Access these services via the app, website, or by calling 1-877-857-3397 (within Canada). If calling from outside Canada, dial +1-604-642-5212 (international calling charges may apply).

Visit Here2Talk

Crisis Lines

Crisis Centre: If you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone who might be, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). This service operates 24/7 and offers assistance in up to 140 languages.

Visit Crisis Centre

KUU-US: Serving Indigenous people across British Columbia with a culturally safe crisis response, available 24/7. For adults and elders, call 250-723-4050; for children and youth, call 250-723-2040. Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717.

Visit KUU-US Crisis Line

Other Health and Well-Being Resources

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: A confidential helpline available 24/7 across Canada. Call or text 9-8-8. For more details, visit 988.ca.

BC Mental Health Support Line: Provides emotional support and mental health resources 24/7. Toll-free within British Columbia: 310-6789.

National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC): Offers information, resources, referrals, and support for individuals affected by eating disorders. Hours (PST): Monday–Thursday: 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; Friday: 6:00 AM–3:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Contact them at 1-866-633-4220 or [email protected]. Visit nedic.ca.

Trained volunteers offer confidential support and referrals in multiple languages:

Learn More

Elizabeth Fry Society: A feminist organization focused on ending domestic and sexual violence. Contact them at 250-763-4613 or [email protected]. Visit efryokanagan.com.

VictimLink BC: Provides information and referral services to victims of crime and trauma. Contact: 1-800-563-0808 (call or text) or email [email protected]. Visit victimlinkbc.ca.

Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program – Interior Health: Offers medical care following sexual assault without mandatory police reporting. Hospital contacts include:

South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS): Provides shelter, safety, and support. Contact: 250-493-4366, for crisis support call 1-800-814-2033, or email [email protected]. Visit sowins.com.

Archway Society: Offers confidential support to survivors of sexual violence. Contact during weekdays at 250-309-6733 (Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM) or for 24/7 support call 250-542-1122, or email [email protected]. Visit archwaysociety.ca.

Kelowna Women's Shelter: Provides emergency and transitional housing along with outreach support. Contact 24/7 at 250-763-1040, text 236-970-0704, or email [email protected]. Visit kelownawomensshelter.com.

Addiction & Overdose Training and Supports

Addiction and overdose are significant problems in British Columbia. It is crucial to understand how to address these issues. The province provides a variety of programs for people struggling with addiction, as well as for those interested in learning how to prevent and respond to overdose situations.

Overdose Prvention and Naloxone Training

Take Home Naloxone Program People at risk of an opioid overdose can access naloxone kits for free. Understand how to use naloxone to counteract the effects of an opioid overdose. Our campus has a kit on site and the staff are trained to administer Naloxone in case of emergency. To obtain a kit for your personal use, please visit your nearby pharmacy or health clinic.

Addiction Treatment & Recovery

BC Addiction Recovery Programs:The services offered include detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient programs, and harm reduction initiatives. Additionally, there are resources for peer support, rehabilitation programs, and mental health assistance. These services are accessible through community clinics, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations throughout the province.

Crime Victim Assistance Program: Offers financial support to survivors of violent crime. Contact: 1-866-660-3888. Visit Government BC.

HealthLink BC: For non-urgent medical advice, available 24/7 by dialing 8-1-1.

TELUS Health MyCare App: Consult with a doctor, psychologist, counselor, or dietitian via the app. Visit TELUS MyCare.

Okanagan Women’s Clinic: Offers services including IUD insertion/removal, contraceptive counseling, and more. Contact: 778-484-5166. Visit Okanagan Women’s Clinic.

Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB): Offers food and support services to those in need in Kelowna and West Kelowna.

Ki-low-na Friendship Society: Supports mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being through community-based services. Contact: 250-763-4905. Visit kfs.bc.ca.

Ooknakane Friendship Centre: Provides holistic, culturally focused programs and services. Contact: 250-490-3504. Visit friendshipcentre.ca.

First Nations Health Authority (FNHA): Committed to improving the health and well-being of First Nations people. Contact: 604-693-6500. Visit fnha.ca.

First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day: Virtual appointments available daily from 8:30 AM–4:30 PM. Contact: 1-855-344-3800. Visit Virtual Doctor of the Day.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: Accessible to all Indigenous people across Canada with culturally sensitive support. Contact: 1-855-242-3310 (availability of language support may vary). Visit hopeforwellness.ca.

Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): Provides essential services to survivors of residential schools. Available 24/7 at 1-800-721-0066. Visit irsss.ca.

Penticton Access Centre: Offers support, referrals, and advocacy in the South Okanagan. Contact: 250-493-6822 or email [email protected]. Visit accesscentre.org.

Disability Alliance BC: Provides resources, advocacy, and support for individuals with disabilities. Visit disabilityalliancebc.org.

Project Literacy: Offers free literacy support services—including tutoring in English, math, financial literacy, and digital skills. Contact: 250-762-2163 or email [email protected]. Visit projectliteracy.ca.

Legal Aid BC: Provides free legal assistance to British Columbia residents. Visit legalaid.bc.ca.

BC Human Rights Clinic: Offers complimentary legal services for provincial human rights issues. Visit bchrc.net.

Access Pro Bono: A free lawyer referral service with various pro bono programs. Visit accessprobono.ca.

Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC): Provides free legal education, representation, and advocacy regarding residential tenancy. Infoline: 1-800-665-1185 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 1 PM–5 PM; Wed: 5:30 PM–8:30 PM). Visit tenants.bc.ca.

Dial-a-Law: An online resource offering free basic legal information, regularly updated by legal professionals. Visit dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca.