Searching for Support Groups

COVID19 Virtual support available, visit www.gatoronto.ca/phone-meetings for hours and access codes

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Regular group meetings for men and women who desire to stop gambling

Gam-Anon
Mutual aid and support for spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers, online meeting schedule available for locations in Ontario

Peer support groups, education, and training for family members, service providers, and caregivers * sessions may include information such as advanced directives and safety issues

COVID19 -- contact organization for COVID service updates


Counselling/Mental Health

• individual, couples and family counselling
• support group for women experiencing depression
• family education on mental health
• case consultation for service providers

Crisis counselling and support group -- for women experiencing abuse and children who have witnessed or experienced abuse

• confidential and culturally competent
• information and referral
• telephone counselling
• transitional support worker

Legal aid clinic with Italian-speaking lawyers

Education/outreach to Italian community on social issues

COVID19 Office closed; all services operating from Central Branch | Lipa Green Centre, call or visit JF&CS website for information

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Individual and group counselling, information and referrals, parenting support, mental health and wellness programs and workshops, supplementary financial assistance program

Pathways to Employment in partnership with JVS Toronto

Woman Abuse Program includes support with effects of emotional, physical and sexual abuse; partners with Jewish Women International to provide kosher apartment on emergency basis for one woman and her family until able to obtain appropriate living arrangements

1 Open Door: community hub of UJA Federation's partner agencies such as JIAS (Jewish Immigrant Aid Service) Toronto, JVS Toronto

Helping newcomers build a strong and vibrant community through settlement services

• one-on-one settlement services with an assigned settlement worker
• group programs: information and orientation to life in Canada, mental health and well-being, informal language learning for children and adults
• translation and interpretation; notary public services
• refugee sponsorship

JumpStart -- vocational counseling; connecting skilled or internationally trained professional newcomers to employment with job placements, mentorship opportunities, volunteering and networking connections in their preferred fields

Community Connections -- group activities for newly arrived immigrants and refugees of all ages to help orient them to their new community and establish social and professional networks

A men's support group. Calls will be returned by a volunteer in the area. Provides help, support groups, meetings and referrals for men in a crisis. Helps men with custody, access, alimony, divorce, separation, abuse, false accusations, child support, assault charges sexual assault, and sexual harassment.

COVID19 All CMHA York Region & South Simcoe locations closed to drop-in service, and all client visits and scheduled programming modified, visit website for information

Virtual options available for client services, call 1-866-345-0183 for details: telephone wellness checks, med drops, injections, BounceBack program

All other services: case manager/support worker will contact client

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Support groups for individuals experiencing mental health issues, facilitated by trained and experienced volunteers at various locations, call for detail

Family Caregiver Education Program
10 week program for families and caregivers caring for a loved one with mental illness, includes information on conditions, treatments and support strategies (available throughout the year at various locations)

Family Support Group
For families and caregivers caring for someone with mental illness, no registration or wait list

COVID19 -- programs by Zoom include Family Support Group, Art Expression Group for Caregivers and those with mental illness, Peer Group Recreation with a Recreation Therapist for individuals with a severe mental illness * family caregivers seeking support and information may email secretary@home-on-the-hill.ca for a telephone appointment * Home on the Hill caregivers may be eligible for a subsidy for Anosognosia Education through LEAP training

Supportive housing -- supported living and support services for individuals with severe mental health disorders and their families and caregivers

• public education series four times per year, mental health professionals give lectures on mental health disorders with subjects include diet and exercise, anxiety and depression, schizophrenia, psychotic illness, bi-polar disorder, relationship between marijuana use and psychosis, and lived experience

Family support group for the families of those with serious mental health disorders

• advocacy and support to families supporting loved ones with serious mental disorders

Respite services to families and family members with serious mental disorders

Housing units at two sites

Outreach weekly * cooking program at St Mary's Anglican Church, 10030 Yonge St, Richmond Hill

Call Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Service, 1-888-777-0979, for immediate support (Warm Line cannot be reached from blocked/unknown number)

Social support programs for individuals and families
Includes peer support outreach, application assistance, family drop-in programs, workshops and community-based programs, and peer navigators in emergency departments (North York General, Southlake Hospital)

• virtual groups, visit krasmancentre.com/events for online calendar
• harm reduction kits, naloxone, injection and inhalation supplies available by appointment
• check-in available, email kccheckins@krasmancentre.com for information
• South Simcoe Peer Outreach Program
• Wellness Collaborative Initiative

Welcome Basket
Short term program supporting individuals transitioning back into community after clinical treatment, including information and referrals, peer support, and practical supports

• clothing and toiletries
• groceries
• small kitchen appliances

Partner in Housing to Health
Assistance in securing housing for people who are chronically homeless, includes wraparound supports to maintain housing

• email a.kraus@krasmancentre.com for information
• partnership includes Blue Door Shelters and LOFT Crosslinks

Warm Line and Peer Crisis Support Line 1-888-777-0979, peer support via phone or chat, see separate listing

Drop-In Centres, supports available, see separate listings

Provides support, education, research and advocacy locally, nationally and internationally to individuals, families and organizations that have a personal or professional interest in multiple birth issues.

Acts as a central contact for Chapters across Canada, and directs people asking about births of more than one child at a time such as twins, triplets or additional babies to the services and supports that they need.

Parenting information and peer support, seminars, open forums, and social events

• ​peer support, strategies for coping, resources and referrals for new mothers dealing with symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, including low mood, irritability, crying, difficulty eating or sleeping, intrusive thoughts
• parenting preparation program for couples expecting first child, or with a youngest child under 2 years, includes help for couples adjusting to new roles and relationship after child birth
• informational seminars and training courses for fathers
• managing stress, food and nutrition support for parent and baby, including introducing solids, basic first aid and CPR (non-certificate), home safety, dealing with sleep challenges, supporting your partner
• group support and events, visit online calendar of events

Visit website for local Greater Toronto Area chapters, registration required for most programs

Peer-based support for new and expecting parents, and parents of children up 6 years

• information seminars
• open forums on parenting issues
• toy exchange and barter program
• weekly walk groups for parents and babies
• fitness, recreation and social events

Yoga & Meditation: a gentle approach to yoga encouraging awareness, self-acceptance and well-being

Picking Up the Pieces: 10-week support group assisting those in moving forward after surviving cancer * available for those post-cancer treatment

Wellness Wednesdays: monthly offerings of healing modalities such as QiGong, EFT, etc

Individual Modalities: complementary therapies such as Reflexology, Reiki, Atunement, Trame or Healing Touch sessions may be available for those diagnosed with life-threatening illness, caregivers & bereaved * sessions are limited

Other Group Offerings such as Mindful Meditation, MBSR, Food & Digestion and more

Support groups and education * support provided 1:1 by staff and professionally trained volunteers * wellness programs such as Yoga, Meditation, and Serenity Stroll are available for Caregivers

Click HERE to view additional groups and programs

Programs for those coping with the death of a loved one * programs include drop in and closed session bereavement groups, supportive counselling, wellness programs such as yoga and meditation, school support, summer camp * full listing of programs and programs dates and times, click HERE

Family programs hub, including support, information, and referrals for parents and caregivers; in-person family drop-in play programs for children birth-5 years; virtual homework club and Conversation Café available; contact or visit website for information

• parenting workshops and books
• bereavement, settlement, divorce supports
• early intervention for child development (Nipissing or ERIK Developmental Screen)
• daily circle program and children's library
• weekly Conversation Café for newcomers
• homework club for students (tutor and snacks provided)
• clothing cupboard

Family groups

• Effective Parenting
• Living with Teens
• Parenting a Child/Teen with ADHD
• Navigating Social Media and Technology for Youth with Disabilities

Supporting and advocating alongside all autistic individuals across the province, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

• Supports and funds Thalassemia scientific research, treatment, patient services, public awareness and education
• Advocates for patients and families to help them navigate the health care system
• Provides support and information if requested

This organization is a Registered Charity

COVID19 -- as per government guidelines; telephone and walk-in services available


Employment programs including resume and cover letter writing, job search training, interview skills and mock interviews

Reduce Abuse and Freedom from Violence Projects

• counselling services for families
• group sessions and workshops at various locations

Aging at Home: recreational, cultural and educational services for seniors

Youth summer programs such as recreational activities, leadership development, intergenerational activities for computer skills and gardening programs for youth

COVID19 All FSYR offices closed, no walk-in service until further notice; telephone, email and/or video counselling available; call, email or visit website for updates and information

Counselling and community support programs and services for children, youth, adults, couples and families, including support with parenting, relationships, coming out, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, family stress and separation and divorce

Counselling
For individuals, couples and families, in a variety of formats including language-specific, telephone, face-to-face and single session consultation; for details visit website

Virtual walk-in counselling for youth, adults, couples and families operates on first come, first served basis, accessed once per month

• virtual appointments 15-90 minutes depending on individual needs
• call 905-895-2371 Mon-Tue, Thu 10 am-5 pm (excludes holidays) to book appointment
• not a crisis service

Triple P Parenting
Resources and support for parents managing children with behavioural and emotional issues; individual or group sessions available for parents of kids birth-12 years, parents of teens 13-17 years and parents of children with developmental/behavioural issues; visit www.triplep.net

Group Services
Range of psychoeducational and therapeutic group programs for children, youth and adults on topics including developing social skills, managing anger and anxiety, practising mindfulness, parenting and LGBTQ+ issues; language-specific groups offered in the community; check group calendar for details

Outreach and Presentations
Community-based mental health supports ensure inclusive and accessible services; includes language-specific counselling, group services, parenting workshops and presentations at several locations in the community

Families and Schools Together (FAST)
Eight-week prevention program for parents and children helps with future social integration and participation, academic achievement and healthy lifestyle decisions; FASTWORKS 2-year, bi-monthly, parent-led follow-up program accessed through school

2SLGBTTQ+ Services
Host and lead agency for York Rainbow Network and York Rainbow Information, Referral and Support Line, 1-888-York-LGBT (1-888-967-5542)

• safe access to individual, couple and family counselling, group services and community outreach support
• counsellors attend sensitivity and awareness training, with experience in areas such as coming out, sexual orientation, gender identity, life transitions, relationships, discrimination, parenting
• community consultation and training services
• for information contact Barb Urman 1-866-415-9723, 905-415-9719, burman@fsyr.ca

Offers art productions as well as online events including book clubs, movie clubs and singing groups where people can discuss mental health and alleviate the stigma related to it

COVID19 -- Events including support meetings and informational sessions are currently being held online

Services

• supports individuals with alopecia with community events, support groups, yearly conferences and discussion forums including Facebook groups for community support in English and French
• mentorship program that connects individuals with alopecia one-on-one for support, guidance, and information
• Saturday Success Sessions held twice a year in Toronto and include support and informative discussion for all ages

Heads Up Fund -- provides financial assistance for people 13 years and over purchasing a hairpiece

Wig Lending Library -- a selection of new or gently used wigs is available for borrowing; also accepts donations of new or gently used wigs

Provides educational workshops, health and community resources, supportive counseling, caregiver support groups, social activities, and information and referral * offers information on aging issues for older adults and care management, as well as tips on how to improve coping skills and strategy