Information on COVID-19

Please click the link below to see our COVID-19 Safety Plan.

NSMS Safety Plan

Mental Health Resources

It is always important to look after your mental health, but it is especially important during times of increased stress and anxiety. Please review these resources for information on how to take care of your own mental health, and support the mental health of your family.

Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789

This line will connect you with the Suicide crisis line and other distress lines as needed.

For more mental health resources, including resources for children, please see this document:

Mental Health Resources Dec 2020

Message for Temporary Foreign Workers

Dear Clients,

We are living in uncertain times and we hope you and your families are safe and healthy.

We would like to let you know that the North Shore Multicultural Society is still available to help you, and that you can reach us by phone and email. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Ask us for information about:

• Financial Supports
• How to find a job (resume writing, job searching skills)
• Immigration pathways (PR, work/study permits, visitor records)
• Education and Studying
• Filling out government forms (MSP, Pharmacare, CRA, Welfare, EI, etc.)
• And any other questions that you have!

NSMS is also developing online workshops and English classes that will be coming soon. Keep an eye on our website: www.nsms.ca/workshops.

Contact Us:
Email BCSIS@nsms.ca for support in Farsi or English.
Phone 604-988-2931 to book a phone appointment with a settlement worker.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or have difficulty coping at this challenging time.

If you feel unsafe at home, have questions about your health or COVID-19, please refer to useful resources here: https://nsms.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Important-Information-on-COVID.pdf
This is a very challenging time in B.C. and the rest of the world. Take good care of yourself and your families, and please reach out if you need support!

IRCC Immigration Updates:
Are you concerned about the status of your work permit? Visit these websites for more information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html
And
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/visitors-foreign-workers-students.html#restrictions-workers

Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program during COVID-19:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/employer-compliance/covid-faq.html

For legal help or doubts about your employer, contact:
Migrant Worker’s Centre: https://mwcbc.ca/

Financial Support for Work Permit Holders:

Find out about the financial supports you can apply for as a work permit holder.

Canada Recovery Benefit:   https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html

Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

BC Rental Assistance: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance/rap-safer-calculator

BC Other Financial Assistance: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports

Other Benefits you and your family might be eligible for: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#individuals

Medical Services Plan (MSP) for Work Permit Holders:

If you have questions or concerns about your provincial health insurance (MSP), find out more here:

MSP coverage when work permit is expired, contact Health Insurance BC:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/msp-covid-19-response

MSP for new immigrants, apply here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

Free health care if you need COVID-19 treatment and you have no MSP (let your medical professional know!): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/msp-covid-19-response

Employment Support for Work Permit Holders:
Do you have questions about employment during this pandemic? Do you need support to find a job?

• Contact the NSMS team to get more job search support (BCSIS@nsms.ca)

Use WorkBC’s Job Board or Career Tool kit:
https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Career-Toolkit.aspx

View PDF

Message for International Students

Dear International Students,

We are living in uncertain times and we hope you and your families are safe and healthy.

We would like to let you know that the North Shore Multicultural Society is still available to help you, and that you can reach us by phone and email. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Ask us for information about:

• Financial Supports
• Education and Studying
• How to find a job (resume writing, job searching skills)
• Immigration pathways (PR, work/study permits, visitor records)
• Filling out government forms (MSP, Pharmacare, CRA, Welfare, EI, etc.)
• And any other questions that you have!

NSMS is also developing online webinars and English classes that you can register for. Keep an eye on our website: www.nsms/ca/workshops/.

Contact Us:
Email BCSIS@nsms.ca for support in Farsi or English.
Phone 604-988-2931 to book a phone appointment with a settlement worker.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or have difficulty coping at this challenging time. If you feel unsafe at home, have questions about your health or COVID-19, please refer to useful resources here: https://nsms.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Important-Information-on-COVID.pdf

This is a very challenging time in B.C. and the rest of the world. Take good care of yourself and please reach out if you need support!

IRCC Immigration Updates:

Are you concerned about the status of your study permit?
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19.html
And
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/apply-visit-work-student.html

Financial Support for International Students:

Find out about the financial supports you can apply for as an International Student.

Canada Recovery Benefit:   https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html

Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

International Students who work in an essential job are now allowed to work full-time: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2020/04/removing-barriers-for-international-students-working-in-essential-services-to-fight-covid-19.html

BC Rental Assistance: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance/rap-safer-calculator

BC Other Financial Assistance: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports

Other Benefits you and your family might be eligible for: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#individuals

Medical Services Plan (MSP) for International Students:

If you have questions or concerns about your provincial health insurance (MSP), find out more here:

MSP coverage when study permit is expired, contact Health Insurance BC:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/msp-covid-19-response

MSP for new students, apply here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

Free health care if you need COVID-19 treatment and you have no MSP (let your medical professional know!): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/msp-covid-19-response

Employment Support for International Students:

Do you have questions about employment during this pandemic? Do you need support to find a job?

• Contact the NSMS team to get more job search support (BCSIS@nsms.ca)
• Use WorkBC’s Job Board or Career Tool kit:
  https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Career-Toolkit.aspx

View PDF

Message for Refugee Claimants

Dear Clients,

We are living in uncertain times and we hope you and your families are safe and healthy.

We would like to let you know that the North Shore Multicultural Society is still available to help you, and that you can reach us by phone and email. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Ask us for information about:

• Financial Supports
• How to find a job (resume writing, job searching skills)
• Refugee Claims and the Refugee Claim Process
• English classes
• Filling out government forms (MSP, Pharmacare, CRA, Welfare, EI, etc.)
• And any other questions that you have!

NSMS is also has online workshops and English classes. Keep an eye on our website:  www.nsms.ca/workshops.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or have difficulty coping at this challenging time.

If you feel unsafe at home, have questions about your health or COVID-19, please refer to useful resources here: https://nsms.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Important-Information-on-COVID.pdf

Contact Us

Email BCSIS@nsms.ca for support in Farsi or English.
Phone 604-988-2931 to book a phone appointment with a settlement worker.

This is a very challenging time in B.C. and the rest of the world. Take good care of yourself and your families, and please reach out if you need support!

Prepare for your Refugee Hearing:
امٓادگی برای دادرسی پناھندگی
https://refugeeclaim.ca/wp-content/themes/refugeeclaim/library/guide/rhpg-vancouver-fa.pdf

English Classes During COVID-19 for Refugee Claimants:

Free English Corner at the North Vancouver City Library, every week: https://www.nvcl.ca/calendar?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D147380754

Financial Support for Refugee Claimants:

Find out about the financial supports you might be able to apply for as a Refugee Claimant (please talk to a NSMS settlement worker to see if you are eligible):

Canada Recovery Benefit:  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html

Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html

Income Assistance: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance

BC Rental Assistance: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-assistance/rap-safer-calculator

BC Other Financial Assistance: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports

Interim Federal Health Program (IFH) for Refugee Claimants:

If you have questions or concerns about the cost of medical care, find out more here:

Every Refugee (including Refugee Claimants) is covered under the Interim Federal Health program: https://www.refugeehealth.ca/interim-federal-health-ifh

Medical Services Plan (MSP) for Refugee Claimants:

If you have questions or concerns about your provincial health insurance (MSP), find out more here:

Apply for MSP Online when you have your work or study permit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/eligibility-and-enrolment/how-to-enrol

Free health care if you need COVID-19 treatment and you don’t have MSP (let your medical professional know!): https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/health-drug-coverage/msp/bc-residents/msp-covid-19-response

Employment Support for Refugee Claimants:

Do you have questions about employment during this pandemic? Do you need support to find a job?

• Contact the NSMS team to get more job search support (BCSIS@nsms.ca)
• Use WorkBC’s Job Board or Career Tool kit:
  https://www.workbc.ca/Jobs-Careers/Career-Toolkit.aspx

IRCC Immigration Updates:

Information about Hearing Dates, making a Refugee Claim, etc.:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/refugees.html

View PDF

Employment Services Update

We are living in uncertain times and hope you are safe and healthy. We would like to let you know that the North Shore Multicultural Society is still available to help you, and that you can reach us by phone and email. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

• Are you new to Canada and looking for work?
• Is the COVID-19 situation impacting your job security?
• Do you know that there are many emerging job opportunities as a result of COVID-19?
• Are you a skilled immigrant and looking for a job that matches your qualifications?

NSMS continues to deliver services. We offer a wide range of free services to help you with your employment and career exploration needs.  Our employment and labour market specialists can help you to prepare now for your next job and start connecting with employers!

Our Services: 

WorkBC Employment Services Centres

Access career planning support, job search workshops, one to one resume and career advising, paid short- and long-term training, work experiences, opportunities to make employer connections, secure funding and training and engage in self-employment planning

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants

Access skills upgrading opportunities, gain work experience and access mentorship

Settlement Program for Newcomers

Access support to understand the Canadian workplace cultures, what employers in Canada are looking for and how to tap into the local labour market as a newcomer

As a job seeker, you may need specialized support in this difficult and confusing time!

We can help you to enhance your job skills and learn now to compete in the current labour market and get started in a career that’s right for you!

Connect with us!

Telephone: 604-973-0462

Email: employment@nsms.ca 

Settlement Workers In Schools (SWIS) Program Update

Dear Families and Students,

We are living in uncertain times and hope you and your families are safe and healthy.   The North Shore Multicultural Society continues to support families and students attending school on the North Shore.  Our services are available via phone, email and online. We would like to help support while you experience the added challenges of keeping your children engaged and learning during this challenging time.

The North and West Vancouver School Districts provide regular updates regarding various aspects of education delivery for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students. You may find the latest updates here:

https://westvancouverschools.ca/news/coronavirus-update

https://www.sd44.ca/District/COVID19Updates/Pages/default.aspx#/

The BC Ministry of Education has also provided a collection of resources to help support learning while families are home:

https://www.openschool.bc.ca/keeplearning/

NSMS Services:

The North Shore Multicultural Society provides a wide range of settlement services to families on the North Shore.

The Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) team can assist families in many languages including Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Tagalog.  Parents and school-age children can receive specialized support during the closure of schools, such as:

• Assistance with getting connected to online learning
• Sharing educational resources provided by the province, school districts and other institutions
• Explanation and language support on the latest news surrounding how the education system is responding to the pandemic
• Facilitating communication between parents and schools

SWIS offers online workshops on various topics. Information about those offerings and how to participate are be posted here: https://nsms.ca/workshops/

If you need support with school settlement needs, we are here to help.  You may reach us as follows:

Telephone: 604-988-2931

Email: swis@nsms.ca

Supporting Learning from Home Resources and Understanding COVID-19:

Learning from home can be exciting and challenging at the same time. The following resources may help you support your children to learn in the home environment and cope with new challenges:

Ministry of Education FAQs on Continuity of Education

Ministry of Education FAQs on Continuity of Education

FAQ for Children and Students

Kid-centric Q&A video about COVID-19 (produced by CBC Kids)

Safety at Home

Families can have a very challenging time as they respond to the COVID -19 crises by staying at home. It is well researched that in times of social stress, violence in the home can increase. Please reach out if you are experiencing abuse in your home, or if you are not sure your children are safe, connect with Battered Women’s Support Services:

Tel: 604-687-1867 or toll-free at 1-855-687-1868

Text: 604-652-1867 or Email intake@bwss.org

Website: www.bwss.org

If you are in immediate danger please call 911.   If you are experiencing feelings of extreme distress, crises or you are feeling that life is not worth it or if you or someone in your family are having thoughts of suicide please call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), or call your local crisis centre. You can also receive support from the following services:

Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311

Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1 am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1 am)

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or Text 686868 or Live Chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/

This is a very challenging time in B.C. and the rest of the world. Take good care of yourself and your families.  If you need support, reach out to our Settlement Worker in Schools (SWIS) Program team at the above contact information.  We are here to help.

Sincerely,

Settlement Worker in Schools Team

For more information relating to COVID-19 and our services, please visit www.nsms.ca/covid-19

View PDF

We continue to offer Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC).  At this time, classes are offered online . If you have questions call or e-mail the  school.

If you are a new student please e-mail language@nsms.ca

English Language Centre

T: 604-998-1065

E: language@nsms.ca

Please refer to the resources below for information on COVID-19 and how to protect yourself and the community. Please be advised that this information continues to change rapidly.  As such, we recommend that you visit the website links provided for the latest updates.

Key information on COVID-19:

• BC Centre for Disease Control: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)
• Vancouver Coastal Health: http://www.vch.ca/about-us/news/vancouver-coastal-health-statement-on-coronavirus
• Translated content from BC CDC: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/translated-content

Prevention:

The most important thing you can do to prevent infection and protect loved ones is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.  To help reduce your risk of infection:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.
• If a sink is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them.
• Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.

Social Distancing:

There are many ways to practice social distancing:

• Limit activities outside your home
• Work from home
• Use virtual options to connect with others
• If you are out in public, keep 2 metres between yourself and others.
• ‎Keep your hands at your side when possible
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cough into your elbow or sleeve
• Avoid social activities in large gatherings
• Greet with a wave instead of a handshake, kiss, or hug
• Exercise at home or outside
• Get groceries and medicines at off-peak times

Other useful information on COVID-19:

• World Health Organization Coping With Stress: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/coping-with-stress.pdf?sfvrsn=9845bc3a_2
• World Health Organization Coping With Stress for Children: https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stress-print.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2
• Vancouver Coastal Health How to Wash Your Hands: http://www.vch.ca/Documents/How-to-handwash-poster.pdf

Safety at Home

Families can have a very challenging time as they respond to the COVID -19 crises by staying at home. It is well researched that in times of social stress, violence in the home can increase. Please reach out if you are experiencing abuse in your home, or if you are not sure your children are safe, connect with

Battered Women’s Support Services:

Tel: 604-687-1867 or toll-free at 1-855-687-1868

Text: 604-652-1867 or Email intake@bwss.org

Website: www.bwss.org

If you are in immediate danger please call 911.

If you are experiencing feelings of extreme distress, crises or you are feeling that life is not worth it or if you or someone in your family are having thoughts of suicide please call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), or call your local crisis centre. You can also receive support from the following services:

Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433
Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311

Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (Noon to 1 am)
Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1 am)

Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (24/7) or Text 686868 or Live Chat: https://kidshelpphone.ca/live-chat/

View PDF

Dear Clients,

The North Shore Multicultural Society remains committed to supporting clients during this uncertain time of COVID-19. We are continuing to offer services at this time

You may reach us via telephone at 604-988-2931

To reach us via email, please refer to our Services Directory below:

View PDF

Message from NSMS Executive Director

Dear North Shore Community,

The North Shore Multicultural Society is honoured to serve our North Shore community with information and support during the Canada-wide Covid-19 response. It is very important to us that newcomers in our communities do not become disconnected and have access to support and information. We are open for service!

We know that this is a challenging time and it is important to us that everyone adjust and adapt as we all find new ways to be strong and resilient. If you are alone or experiencing high levels of sadness or distress, reach out to us and we will be pleased to assist you.

What we are doing:

• NSMS continues to offer information, support, and referrals to immigrants We are responding to written requests via email and online, please refer to our services directory. Please note that requests to us can be written in any language. Our goal is return all requests on the day we receive them.
• If you have a question and would like to call us, you are welcome to phone in to our central number 604-988-2931.
• If you are a community or service partner; please contact us via email at office@nsms.caand we will respond to you promptly.

For Covid-19 Information and Resources please refer to this document.

Stay safe and together we will get through this.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy McCulloch

Executive Director

North Shore Multicultural Society

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