How to find and give support during the COVID-19 pandemic
How to find and give support during the COVID-19 pandemic
During these challenging times, we want to make sure that all TransLink customers feel informed and can access the resources they need.
Below you’ll find a list of services and resources available to you and your family here in Metro Vancouver:
COVID-19 Information
- Find the latest information and resources related to COVID-19 from the BC Centre for Disease Control, Government of BC, Government of Canada and World Health Organization.
- Get local information for Fraser Health-area residents or Vancouver Coastal Health-area residents.
- Use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine whether you may need a further assessment or testing.
- If you believe you have symptoms or would like to talk to a nurse, dietitian, exercise professional or pharmacist at HealthLink BC, call 8-1-1, or for the deaf and hard of hearing, call 7-1-1.
- Access non-medical COVID-19 related information and services in BC by calling 1-888-COVID19 or texting 604-630-0300.
- Learn how to manage COVID-19 stress, anxiety and depression, and support one another during these challenging times.
- Learn what physical distancing means and how to self-isolate.
- Find information for vulnerable people, including those living with health conditions and older people.
Social & Community Services
- Get information and referrals to a full range of community, social, and government services, including a volunteer matching service for seniors who need support, by calling 2-1-1.
- Find food bank locations and hours for community food hubs across BC.
- Get confidential support for victims of crime and family and sexual violence by calling VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.
- For young people in any moment of crisis or need, start a confidential conversation with a Kids Help Phone counsellor by texting 686868 or calling 1-800-668-6868.
- Get support if you’re a renter or landlord, or a homeowner facing financial stress.
- Request temporary emergency child care if you’re an essential service worker.
- Read information for pet owners in BC.
- Get inspired by Keep Learning BC, which offers parents and caregivers ideas for everyday educational activities for children.
Financial Support
- Access support for individuals, businesses, and industries through the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit.
- Learn about the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers, which provides a one-time $1,000 payment for people who lost income.
- Discuss options to refund Compass Card monthly pass by calling 1-888-207-4055, or refund West Coast Express monthly parking pass by emailing or calling 604-488-8906.
Getting Around
- Learn what TransLink is doing to keep the system safe and clean.
- Sign up for TransLink’s transit alerts to be notified about disruptions, updates, or changes to the transit services you take.
- Find official travel advice and advisories whether you’re travelling in Canada or abroad.
- Learn about the temporarily reduced sailings on some BC Ferries routes.
- For alternative travel options, learn about cycling in Metro Vancouver.
Giving Back
- Find out how to donate to your local food bank.
- Learn how to donate blood with Canadian Blood Services.
- Help the most vulnerable with the United Way of the Lower Mainland.
- Submit an offer if you’re a business that can supply products and services in support of BC’s COVID-19 response.
- Help seniors in your community by volunteering to check in on them or drop off supplies.
If you have any other helpful links or ideas, add it to the comment section below or send us an email!
Author: Rebecca Abel