Well-Being Matters
At , we prioritize the well-being of our students and employees. Our team is dedicated to supporting you as you navigate the challenges and successes of academic and professional life. Explore our page for resources, important contacts, and information to help you thrive.
What is well-being?
Well-being is characterized by a state of comfort, health, and happiness, encompassing the holistic and strength-based pursuit of overall fulfillment. It involves flourishing physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We firmly believe that a healthy mind and body are essential for academic and career success. We have a responsibility and opportunity to positively impact the well-being of our students and employees.
Want to talk to someone after hours?
Here2Talk
Here2Talk offers free, confidential counselling and community referral services 24/7 to B.C. post-secondary students. Access the services by the app, website or by calling: 1-877-857-3397 in Canada. If you are outside Canada, dial +1-604-642-5212; international calling charges may apply.
Crisis lines
Crisis Centre: If you are considering suicide or are concerned about someone who may be, please call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
KUU-US is an Indigenous, B.C.-wide crisis line offering culturally safe crisis response to Indigenous people at risk. The line operates 24/7. For adults/elders: 250-723-4050, Child/youth: 250-723-2040, Toll free: 1-800-588-8717
TalkCampus
TalkCampus is an online global mental health peer support network allowing students access to instant, online peer support 24/7. Students can download the TalkCampus app on Google Play/App Store. Register using your College e-mail (firstname.lastname@myokanagan.bc.ca)
Health & Well-Being Resources
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- A confidential, 24/7 Canada-wide suicide crisis helpline
- Call or text 9-8-8
BC Suicide Prevention and Intervention Line
- An immediate, barrier-free, confidential support available by phone call.
- For individuals who are or know someone who is having thoughts of suicide.
- Available 24/7 and in up to 140 languages.
- 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
BC Mental Health Support Line
- For individuals who would like emotional support, information, and resources specific to mental health in BC.
- Available 24/7 and is toll-free anywhere in the province.
- 310-6789 (no area code needed)
KUU-US Crisis Line Society
- Available to all Indigenous folks in BC, offering confidential, culturally safe risk-management and crisis response.
- Available 24/7 and is toll-free anywhere in the province.
- 1-800-KUU-US17 (1-800-588-8717)
Counselling Services
- Clinical Counsellors providing a safe and confidential space to explore concerns and strengthen your ability to cope right here on campus.
- Short-term counselling related to personal, mental health, career, and/or academic challenges.
- To request an appointment or for more information visit the Counselling Services webpage.
Here2Talk
- Students both domestic and international, who are currently registered in a BC post-secondary institution, can access this free, confidential counselling and community referral service.
- Available 24/7 via app, phone, and online chat.
- 1-877-857-3397
National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC)
- Provides information, resources, referrals, and support to individuals affected by eating disorders.
- Phone and live chat hours (PST):
- Monday – Thursday: 6:00am – 6:00pm
- Friday: 6:00am – 3:00pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 9:00am – 3:00pm
- 1-866-NEDIC-20 (1-866-633-4220)
- nedic@uhn.ca
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Help Lines
- Trained volunteers provide confidential emotional support and referrals to community resources in multiple languages for individuals who prefer assistance in a language other than English.
- Mandarin Line: 1-888-721-0596 / Ext.1
- 7 days a week: 10:00am to 10:00pm
- Cantonese Line: 1-888-721-0596 / Ext.2
- 7 days a week: 10:00am to 10:00pm
- Korean Line: 1-888-721-0596 / Ext.3
- Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Farsi-Dari Line: 1-888 -721-0596 / Ext.4
- Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Ukrainian Line: 1-888-721-0596 / Ext.5
- Mon – Fri: 10:00am – 8:00pm
- Sat – Sun: 10:00am – 5:00pm
THRIVE Lifeline
- A free, 24/7 text-based crisis line offering confidential support for underrepresented individuals, including people of color, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and those living with disabilities.
- Trained responders offer support for mental health struggles, identity-related challenges, and other crises.
- Text “THRIVE” to 1-313-662-8209 to begin your conversation.
is committed to fostering supportive campuses promoting assistance, intervention, and consent. If you have been affected by sexual violence or know someone who needs assistance we are here to help with support, information, and resources.
Counselling Services
- Clinical Counsellors providing a safe and confidential space to process your experience with sexual violence while working collaboratively with you to strengthen your ability to cope right here on campus.
- Can help make referrals to longer-term counselling options and supports in the community.
- To request an appointment or for more information visit the Counselling Services webpage.
Elizabeth Fry Society
- A feminist organization dedicated to ending domestic and sexual violence, providing support services, and seeking justice for all survivors.
- Their mission is to support and empower survivors of intimate partner and sexual abuse, exploitation, or violence.
- Offers prevention and intervention services in collaboration with community partners.
- Services are available to residents of Kelowna and the Central Okanagan.
- 250-763-4613
- info@efryokanagan.com
VictimLink BC
- A support program that provides information and referral services for victims of crime and trauma across BC and Yukon.
- Available 24/7 and in 240 languages via phone or email.
- 1-800-563-0808 (call or text)
- 211-victimlinkbc@uwbc.ca
Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program – Interior Health
- If you have experienced sexual assault and wish to seek medical care, the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program is available at each hospital in the Interior Health Region.
- This type of care can offer STI prevention, care, and treatment as well as emergency contraceptive options.
- There is no obligation to file a police report to access this service.
- You are welcome to bring a support individual such as a friend or case worker from The Elizabeth Fry Society, SOWINS, or the SAFE Society.
- Kelowna General Hospital: 250-862-4000
- Penticton General Hospital: 250-492-4000
- Vernon Jubilee Hospital: 250-545-2211
- Shuswap Lake General Hospital: 250-833-3600
South Okanagan Women in Need Society (SOWINS)
- A service to provide shelter, safety, and support by helping individuals recognize, understand, and overcome the impacts of abuse.
- For individuals who have experienced, or who are at risk of experiencing violence or abuse.
- Services are available to residents of Penticton and the South Okanagan.
- No referral necessary.
- 250-493-4366
- 24/7 Crisis Line & Emergency Shelter: 1-800-814-2033
- info@sowins.com
SAFE Society
- Provides multiple programs and services for survivors of sexual violence and their families.
- Some of the programs include community-based victim services, sexual violence support, outreach, family violence prevention, and transition houses.
- Offers a confidential, online-chat support and consultation from 10:00am – 10:00pm daily.
- Services are available to residents of Salmon Arm and the North and South Shuswap.
- 250-832-9616
Archway Society
- Provides free, safe, and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence in hopes of empowering each survivor to make the choices that are best for them.
- Offers a variety of services including medical care and forensic exams, reporting options, navigation of the justice system, connection to community resources, and ongoing emotional support.
- Services are available to residents of Vernon and the North Okanagan.
- Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm: 250-309-6733
- 24/7 Support Line: 250-542-1122
- SAS@archwaysociety.ca
Kelowna Women's Shelter
- Offers free emergency and transitional housing as well as outreach and support for women experiencing domestic abuse.
- Services are available to residents of Kelowna and the surrounding area (from Peachland to Oyama).
- 24/7 Help Line: 250-763-1040
- Text Line: 236-970-0704
- support@kelownawomensshelter.ca
Students’ Union (SU) Health & Dental Plan
- All full-time students on the Kelowna, Penticton, and Salmon Arm campuses are automatically registered with the extended medical and dental benefits through Greenshield.
Vernon Students’ Association (VSA) Health & Dental Plan
- The VSA has established an extended health and dental plan that is mandatory for all Vernon students enrolled in two or more courses.
Crime Victim Assistance Program
- A financial benefits program to assist survivors, immediate family members, and certain witnesses in dealing with the effects of violent crime. This organization aims to help offset financial loss and assist in recovery from injury.
- 1-866-660-3888
HealthLink BC
- For non-urgent medical consultation or information on thousands of health topics.
- Available 24/7.
- Call 8-1-1