What we can help with
Surrey Speaks volunteers — including lawyers, notaries and licensed consultants — help residents with paperwork, legal questions and finding support, with no service fees.
Need Immediate Mental Health Support?
You are not alone. Help is available 24/7.
If you are having thoughts of suicide, feeling overwhelmed, or worried about someone you care about, support is available any time.
- 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8
- BC Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code)
- In immediate danger: call 9-1-1
Surrey Speaks Society is committed to mental health awareness, community support and connecting people with the right professional resources. Surrey Speaks is not an emergency or crisis service.
WHO HELPS WITH WHAT
The right volunteer for your request
Every helper is a Surrey Speaks volunteer. We match your request to the right person.
Volunteer lawyers
Legal advice on housing, tenancy and strata issues, and family matters such as separation, divorce, parenting and child support.
Licensed immigration consultants (RCICs) or lawyers
Canadian immigration: work and study permits, visitor visas, PR card renewal and citizenship. Only they give Canadian immigration advice.
Volunteer notaries
Affidavits, statutory declarations, powers of attorney, wills and notarizing documents.
Community volunteers
Help with forms and applications — OCI, Indian visas and passports, government benefits — and finding the right services, including counselling and mental health support.
No service fee. Government fees may apply. Surrey Speaks is not a crisis service — in an emergency, call 9-1-1.
How It Works
It’s simple. We’ll do our best to connect you with the right support.
- Submit your requestTap a service above, or Ask for Help, and fill in our short form.
- We review your requestA volunteer reviews it and usually contacts you within a few days.
- Guidance or referralWe help with your forms or connect you with the right resources or professionals.
Common questions
Do I have to pay anything?
There are no service fees for our help. You only pay the official government or application fees — directly to the government office or website, never to us.
What should I bring?
When we contact you, we will tell you exactly which documents you need. Usually this includes your passport, ID and any letters or forms you have received.
How long does it take?
We usually contact you within a few days. After you apply, processing time depends on the government office handling your application.
Can you guarantee my application will be approved?
No. We help you fill in forms correctly, but only the government office decides on your application.
Are you a lawyer, notary, licensed immigration consultant or registered counsellor? Help residents as a volunteer.
Volunteer With Us