Searching for Support Groups

COVID19 - Telephone and virtual support groups ongoing


Support to adults with emotional and/or mental health needs

• volunteers trained in communication and life skills work with clients

Group Support

• trained volunteers provide clients with emotional support and help in acquiring life and coping skills
• clients determine the goals they want to achieve to help them live successfully in the community
• for caregivers and people experiencing depression and anxiety
• groups are co-facilitated by staff and volunteers
• support groups are psycho-educational, open and ongoing
• for adults and seniors

Information and referral to mental health services

Rainbows is a peer support program

• for elementary and secondary level students who have suffered loss due to separation, divorce or death in their family
• enables youth to express feelings and develop coping skills

Support group for recovering drug addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean * helpline or website for dates, locations and meeting times * men only and women only meetings available

COVID19 - Remains open * all programs and services operational * staff available to answer crisis help line, 905-728-7311 or toll free 1-800-263-3725, and can provide crisis counselling, support and safety planning

Shelter support and crisis counselling services include:

• secure emergency shelter for women and children fleeing abuse of any kind whether physical, emotional, sexual, or financial
• up to 27 crisis beds available
• confidential 24-hour crisis and supportive assistance by telephone or in person at the shelter
• emergency transportation to the shelter
• food, clothing and basic personal necessities
• supportive counselling for women, safety planning
• children's program staff to support your children
• help finding community resources and supports
• legal and court support referrals and information about your rights
• assistance with special priority for rent geared to income housing
• language interpretation can be arranged with notice
• crisis counselling and transitional support
• Community Support Workers provide support to women and their children who are currently involved in an abusive relationship, are planning on leaving or have left a partner and would like further options to move forward
• help establish short and long-term goal planning, based on individual needs

Support and follow-up are provided through telephone support, email, home visits or an alternative safe location to meet

• short-term supportive counselling
• goal planning
• safety planning
• advocacy, resources and referrals
• housing support groups for women and youth/children

Mutual aid group for ostomy patients and their families

• trained members visit ostomy patients in hospitals and at their homes upon request, with the consent of the physician
• group offers help and support for all 3 types of ostomies colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy

Ostomy Clinic first Thursday of each month at Durham Medical, 242 King St E, Oshawa, 10 am-5 pm, call for appointment 905-728-1112

Ostomy Clinic third Thursday of the month at The Medical Supply Store, 635 Kingston Rd, Pickering, 10 am-2 pm, call for appointment 905-839-6200

Services and educational programs to promote self-reliance and cultural awareness within the Deaf, deafened, and hard-of-hearing community

American Sign Language (ASL) Instruction

• American Sign Language classes are offered
• there is a fee for this service

Literacy and Basic Skills - Deaf Adult Upgrading Program

• upgrade math, English, reading, writing and computer skills
• classes are taught in American Sign Language

Community Support Services

• assistance with telephone calls, filling out forms, reading correspondence, making appointments, etc

Children's Programs

• integrated recreation program for children, both deaf and hearing, including a number of children and family events, special holiday parties

Public Education Presentations

• provide speakers to visit service clubs, schools, businesses and other organizations to provide information about DDS and the Deaf community

Information and Referral Services

• staff are available to answer inquiries about current and upcoming programs and services, and makes referrals as required

Durham Deaf Club (DDC) and the Oshawa Deaf Senior Citizens (ODSC)

• clubs host social events for members of the Deaf community, and welcome hearing members wanting to become involved in the community

After Stroke Program

• peer-led stroke survivor support group
• caregiver support, education and community programs
• social and fun gatherings with peers supporting peers

COVID19 -- Many face-to-face meetings either switched to a remotely accessible, virtual method or have suspended the meeting completely

International fellowship of men and women who have emotional difficulties and want to live more manageable lives by using the Emotions Anonymous Program of recovery

Program consists of the following foundational components:

• the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, 12 Helpful Concepts, 12 Just for Todays, 12 Promises, 12 Slogans, and 12 Principles
• encompasses EA-approved literature (books, workbooks, emotion-specific pamphlets, program pamphlets, other literature, and the Serenity Prayer
• designed for adults
• anonymous program, EA respects the confidentiality of its members at all times. Members are not required to share any personal details - or even last names - if they do not choose to
• as a spiritual program, there is an emphasis on a Higher Power, works equally well for any religious affiliations and those without religious beliefs
• program is nonprofessional
• can be a complement to mental health therapy but it is not necessary to be seeking professional help to attend EA meetings

Emotions Anonymous is not a medical or psychiatric service, nor does it provide personal or family counseling

​In partnership with the community, welcome, advocate and provide support to people with developmental disabilities

Residential Programs

• Supported Independent Living Program - available to adults who live in their own apartment or townhouse and require some staff assistance
• Associate Living - residential support provides opportunities for children and adults to live in a family setting or supportive roommate environment in their own community
• Group Home - available for children and adults who may wish to live together with others and require a higher degree of support

Day Programs for Adults

• Clarington Project Hub (Bowmanville) - drop in activity centre for adults with a developmental disability
• Community Access and Wellness Centres - develop living skills, grocery shopping, meal preparation, safety awareness, hygiene skills, social skills, community participation in recreational activities such as bowling, swimming, library and community excursions
• 'My Day. My Way.' Day Individualized/Group Access to the Community with Support - personalized experiences, tailored to the dreams, goals, and needs of adults with developmental disabilities
• Employment Supports - supported employment program enables people to find meaningful and gainful employment in the community

Individual Support

• Support Services - resources to individuals and families to help in targeted areas including education, transportation, housing, recreation and leisure, support groups, employment and advocacy, Volunteer Services, volunteers work with individuals as role models to provide guidance for daily living skills, recreational and leisure, and literacy
• Children and Adult Respite Programs - serves families with a loved one who has a developmental disability, short term and weekend care and accommodation is provided; supported by staff, in CLOC's respite home, for children up to their 19th birthday

Summer programs

• Summer Sizzlers - recreational/leisure service designed for teens and young adults

COVID19 - Activities by telephone or online

Helps survivors of prostate cancer, as well as those concerned about this disease or newly diagnosed, who are working on decisions about therapy choices, and their families / caregivers

• support, information and counselling
• four public meetings each year feature speakers with special knowledge in related medical fields
• four member group discussion forums
• social event in December,once pandemic restrictions are lifted
• provides information within Durham Region to foster awareness of prostate cancer, with emphasis on early detection as key to survival, along with advice for most effective survival techniques.

COVID19 -- In person, video or phone sessions are available in response to client preference

Therapy, counselling for individuals, couples and families regardless of religious beliefs, and young parent support services:

• assist victims of family violence to obtain protection and safety
• group programs for abused women, children and teens exposed to violence
• parenting groups for young parents
• one on one parenting support and supportive counselling
• life skills and social groups for young parents
• couple and family therapy
• trauma counselling
• psychotherapy for mild to moderate mental health issues

Head office in Oshawa

Satellite office in Ajax
250 Bayly Street W, Unit 22
Ajax, ON L1S 3V4A

Member Agency of Catholic Charities, a Member Agency of Family Service Ontario, and a Member Agency of Ontario Young Parents Association

In-person services suspended ​

For women in Durham Region

• providing service by phone 905-728-0978 ext 221
• individual consultations over the phone with Legal/Family Court Support Workers
• free summary legal advice from family law lawyers available via phone or video conferencing
• information and assistance with court documents
• virtual legal information group sessions on a range of topics

For women outside of Durham Region

• access a family law lawyer for free summary legal advice through Virtual Legal Clinic - to book an appointment, call 1-866-516-3116 ext.235, or email intake@LukesPlace.ca

Assist female abuse survivors and their children as they deal with family law issues

• individual information, support, guidance and referral on family law system
• group sessions offered including Early Information Sessions, Legal Information Workshops
• access to extensive print and video resources
• weekly pro-bono summary advice clinic to receive lawyer's opinion based on facts of situation
• help with legal preparation and preparing for court
• consultation, education and training to the service community and general public

Family Court Support Worker Program

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

COVID-19 - counselling is done by phone or zoom conferencing


Individual, couple and family counselling

• anger management for adults, anger management for youth, kid's anger management
• boundaries for healthy relationships, communication
• parenting skills
• dealing with grief, stress, anxiety and depression, social skills development
• abuse counselling
• low self esteem and assertiveness training

Groups include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Women's Support Group
• Bible Study
• Cocaine Anonymous (CA)

Support and information to cancer patients, families and caregivers * comprehensive information about cancer and cancer Available for community presentations

Peer Match

• Cancer patients matched with trained volunteers
• by phone, personal visit, group support

Wheels of Hope - Transportation Program

• Volunteer drivers provide transportation to treatment appointments
• subject to availability of volunteers

COVID19 -- Outpatient services provided virtually * call central intake 905-721-4747 * Withdrawal Management Residential program open

Mental health, substance abuse and problem gambling treatment services * supportive housing * opioid treatment services * 24-hour Crisis Support Line

Withdrawal Management Services Centre St location * assists males and females 16 years of age and older, in withdrawal from alcohol and drugs * Community Withdrawal Management with phone support for those unable to come to residence (clients screened to ensure safe option)

Walk-in Support Services (separate listing)
Centre Street location * available 7 days a week between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm, with phone support available 24 hours a day * educational groups provide on-going support * cocaine specific group and a concurrent disorder program for those with mental health and addiction issues are also available

Community Treatment Services of Pinewood Centre serves Durham Region with offices located in Ajax, Bowmanville, Oshawa and Port Perry * core services include assessment, referral and case management * each location with a variety of outpatient services for both youth and adults

Problem Gambling Service youth, adults and family members can access help for gambling concerns through community offices

Women's Residential Treatment Program (separate listing) - 21 day residential treatment services for women

Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) (separate listing) - provides fast access to quality care on a walk-in basis for people living with alcohol and opioid-related addictions * services include medical treatment and same-day counselling services without a doctor's referral

Community Treatment Offices

Port Perry
180 Mary St, 3rd Floor
Port Perry, ON L9L 1C4
Phone Press 4
Fax 905-985-4723

Bowmanville
200 King St E, Suite 206
Bowmanville, ON L1C 1P3
Phone Press 3
Fax 905-697-2745

Ajax
95 Bayly St W, Suite 406
Ajax, ON L1S 7K8
Phone Press 6
Fax 905-683-5596

Oshawa
Oshawa Centre Office Galleria, Suite 125
Oshawa, ON L1J 2K5
Phone Press 2
Fax 905-571-3748

Women's Residential Treatment Program
118 Cochrane St
Whitby, ON L1N 5H8
Phone Press 5
Fax 905-668-7591

Scarborough Community Withdrawal and Outpatient Services
2425 Eglinton Ave, Suite 301
Scarborough, ON M1K 5G8
Phone: 416-431-8200 ext. 6321/6516

COVID19 -- DFCC's offices are closed except for pre-scheduled appointments * if you have a worker, contact them directly on their cell phone * for all other inquiries, please call 905-259-4248


Prevention and intervention programs and services to enhance and support the well-being of children, youth and families who have or may have involvement in the legal system
Additional services include

• student nutrition program, youth engagement groups, therapeutic overnight camp experience, summer school, art expression groups
• support for youth who have emergency needs or require help with transportation to mandatory programs

Collaborative Day Treatment Program (CDTP)
Therapeutic environment for youth experiencing difficulty coping in the regular school system, two classrooms on-site promote the students' knowledge, skills and values through individual therapeutic and academic approaches

Community Support Team (CST)
Mobile, community-based clinical counselling and support services to youth who have been convicted of an offence and have a court ordered condition to attend counselling, regardless of their location in Durham Region

Durham Youth Gang Strategy (DYGS)
One-to-one reintegration and intervention services for youth who have offended, and who have been identified through Youth Justice Services as gang involved or at risk of gang involvement * intervention and reintegration services include individual counselling and mentorship, linkages to community resources, support of gang exit strategies and development of life skills

Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker (EYOW)
The EYOW works to support high-risk, high-needs youth (12-21 years) who may be experiencing challenges related to mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship violence, human/sex trafficking and/or may be involved in criminal activity * supports the youth's family and caregivers * services are offered in the Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge communities * youth may engage the EYOW independently or may be referred by a Youth Outreach Worker or community agency

Intensive Support and Supervision Program (ISSP)
Alternative to custody option for youth who have been convicted of an offence and have a serious mental health diagnosis * intensive, clinically focused, community-based, individualized program designed to deliver services appropriate to the youth's level of functioning, specific needs and mental health diagnoses

Violence Prevention Program (VPP)
Free service designed to promote a change in attitudes and beliefs regarding violence and bullying * interactive workshops are available for students who attend Durham Region schools * requests for workshops can be made by individual schools and community organizations, topics include anger management, healthy relationships, self-esteem, anti-racism and anti-homophobia

Youth Assessments Section 34, Youth Criminal Justice Act
Medical, psychological or psychiatric assessment at any stage of Court proceedings involving a youth using multidisciplinary team including social workers and consultant psychiatrist and psychologists * assessment is used to identify both historical and current mental health issues and to make recommendations to the Youth Court for treatment purposes

On-Site Assessments
On a monthly basis, a psychiatrist/psychologist undertakes early clinical assessments at the Youth Court at the Durham Region Courthouse as part of a collaborative initiative to enhance support to youth in conflict with the law who have mental health concerns

Youth Justice Family Worker (YJFW)
Provides supports to families of youth (12-17 years) at risk and/or high risk, to support rehabilitation and address situations that put youth at risk of re-offending * works jointly with youth and their families to help them to make changes and improve their health and wellbeing * individualized and strength-based supports and services are provided and engaged to address the identified needs of the youth and family * services are offered in the Ajax, Pickering and Uxbridge communities * referrals are made through Youth Justice Services

Durham Region Collaborative Support Services

• assessment and treatment for adolescents who have engaged in sexually harming behaviour

Support Group for parents and caregivers of adolescents who have offended/harmed sexually

Referral Sources:
Community Support Team - Probation; Intensive Support and Supervision Program - Youth Court; Section 34 Assessments - by Youth Court order; Collaborative Day Treatment Program - Probation, Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, Durham Children's Aid Society; Child Protection Mediation - Durham Children's Aid Society; Violence Prevention Program - Schools and Community; Enhanced Youth Outreach Worker - Youth Outreach Workers, Schools, Community, Self-referrals, Families; Youth Justice Family Worker - Youth Justice Services; DYGS - Youth Justice Services

Educational, recreational and social activities for single parents and their children

Mental Health and Primary Care Centre promotes and enhances the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of community

Various programs including:

Community Connection Services

• first point of access for clients and caregivers seeking triage services, intakes,
  referrals
• support with system navigation

Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic
Health care to individuals and their families who do not have a family doctor, including

• specialized mental health care to diagnose, monitor and treat symptoms of mental illness
• cardiovascular health
• Diabetes prevention and management
• chronic disease management
• cancer screening
• HIV, STD, TB testing
• complete laboratory services
• medication management and Clozapine services
• immunization program
• smoking cessation and respiratory health program
• coordinated care planning
• sexual health
• prenatal health care, well-baby care
• Telemedicine - CMHA nurse assists clients in connecting with their care providers through the use of video technology

Case Management Services

• work with individuals with serious mental illness who require support to live and work in the community
• promote independence, utilizing goal-oriented supports, advocacy, and system navigation

Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO)

• recovery-oriented person-centered supportive housing program for people with serious mental illness who may require 24 hours supportive care

Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)

• mobile, multidisciplinary, team-based intensive services
• after hours on-call phone support allowing for 24-hour, 7 day a week availability and provided on a long-term basis with flexible degrees of intensity
• delivers comprehensive services to individuals in relation to their everyday lives, providing treatment, rehabilitation, support and crisis activities

Community Treatment Order Service (CTO)

• intensive case management support to individuals with treatment orders
• provided by nurse case managers
• partnership service with Lakeridge Health Network, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

COVID19 -- Resource rooms open for drop in, computers available for use for housing and employment related needs * Harm Reduction Programs back to regular hours

Variety of programs and services that help individuals, families and youth

Active Parenting Program a video based program guided by a JHS facilitator helps parents of 5-12, and teens, break down communication barriers and enhance the quality of family life * programs available between September and April

Employment Services to assist any job seeker with their resume, cover letter, job search, skills upgrading and more. Ask about our Ready to Go program for youth up to age 30 which has pre-employment training and certifications followed by a paid job trial

Extrajudicial Measures Program community partnership to assist in the delivery of the Youth Criminal Justice Act

Clarington Youth Centres (Courtice, Bowmanville, Newcastle) teen drop-in program in Bowmanville * youth up to the age of 18, after school recreation space, skills development, community volunteer hours opportunities

Group Counselling Anger Management for adults and young adults * Dads Aiming for Direction and Support (D.A.D.S.) helps fathers gain skills they need to nurture their children * Active Parenting groups for parents of children 5-12 and teens, Cooperative Parenting and Divorce. Continuous intake except in July/August

Housing work with clients to find permanent, adequate and affordable housing * eviction prevention, landlord and tenant education * maintains a registry of landlords with rental space available * assistance with personal identification (ID)

ID Clinic Identification replacement clinic, applications for birth certificates for all parts of Canada

Income Tax help for low-income persons * available only in March and April

Inmate Return persons from Durham nearing release may request assistance for planning their return to Durham

Learning Alternatives
Non-credit upgrading program for adults who wish to improve reading, writing, math and computer skills in preparation for employment, apprenticeship, secondary, post-secondary or independence goals * one-to-one instruction is provided in a small group setting * offer flexible schedules and provide year round intake and assessment

Project X Change needle exchange program for intravenous drug users * old needles can be handed in for safe disposal * condom and safe sex information available * connections to rehab programs and counselling * Naloxone kits and nasal spray refills are now available for opioid overdose * PLEASE NOTE this program is NOT available on weekends

Public Speaking Presentations available to present to community groups, agencies, schools, media, service clubs, churches etc * topics include drugs and alcohol, suicide, sexual abuse, the prison system, violence, employment, housing issues * able to speak about any program the JHS delivers

Record Suspension assistance with process formerly known as a 'Pardon' available at Whitby, Oshawa and Bowmanville locations

Residential Program designed to develop independent living skills in person aged 15 and over * participants share in the responsibility for meal planning, grocery shopping and other life skills needed for a home

Womens Drop-In Program drop-in program for persons involved in the sex trade providing access to support, information, laundry/showering facilities, and community referrals

Drop-in centre which supports patients and their families dealing with cancer

• group and one-on-one support for patients, caregivers and family
• information series and seminars on a variety of cancer-related topics
• ongoing programs to help with anxiety and encourage mindfulness, such as guided meditations, yoga and yoga Nidra, the Healing Journey levels and more
• programs for children and teens
• Pediatric Cancer Family Support programs
• variety of programs dealing with survivorship including returning to work, next steps when treatment is over, and fear of recurrence
• grief support for those who have lost a loved one to cancer
• drop-in centre has a lending library, wig boutique and resources for patients and families
• share feelings with compassionate and understanding staff and volunteers

See Calendar for programs and events https://hearthplace.org/calendar/

Association of bereaved families who have lost a child

• support system to help families cope with the loss of a child
• small groups of 8-10 people meet weekly with two trained bereaved group facilitators for a period of 10-12 weeks
• an opportunity to meet with another bereaved parent involved with the program
• Family Support Nights three times a year
• education, support and opportunity for discussion in an atmosphere of mutual understanding
• leadership training is provided for volunteers (who are bereaved parents) to facilitate group sessions
• grief and bereavement specialists assist in development of programs and training of volunteers
• group support for siblings - children and adolescents
• referral into the community for other support

Angels Tree of Light held in November to remember deceased loved ones
Walk to Remember held in first Sunday in March

Stroke support program

• education, support and encouragement to stroke survivors and their caregivers with peer support focus
• includes Durham Young Stroke Support Group and Oshawa Stroke Support Group

Advocates for the needs of people living with the effects of brain injury

• support groups meet regularly
• support to family members and caregivers
• resource library with articles and books on brain injuries and related issues
• community supports coordination on an outreach basis
• BIAD Happenings, drop-in activity day service program
• Youth Engagement Services and recreational group