Searching for Support Groups

Online programs are an extension of the programs available in-person at the Wellspring Centres across the country, giving those who live far from physical centres, or those not well enough to leave their homes, access to Wellspring's cancer care and support

• can help individuals overcome the emotional, physical and practical challenges they may be experiencing
• wide range of online groups, programs, self-paced educational webinars and downloadable resources
• workshop topics include art, family, meditation, music, wellness, and writing
• for a full list of programs, see here

A grassroots support group providing adult survivors of childhood cancer with the opportunity to meet fellow survivors in a fun environment that nurtures friendships

Offering virtual and in-person programs

Information packages for new parents * programs for young adults * information and referral * outreach * social and recreational activities * newsletter * parent support group *

In-person and virtual options for volunteer led MS support groups in communities across Ontario

National voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS (Multiple Sclerosis) research and services. Provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.

Some of the programs and services include:

• MS Information and support through MS Knowledge Network
• peer to peer support program: 1:1 Peer Support: Extended and One Call programs
• equipment funding: Quality of Life Equipment Program
• peer support groups: MS Support groups
• online social community: We Talk MS
• education: Educational Webinars
• CPP-D Application Support
• accessible physical activity programs:
• TIME™ at Home | MS Canada
• Gentle Yoga | MS Canada
• SPIRIT CLUB | MS Canada
• NeuroSask MS Support Programs | MS Canada

Provides services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Is a national voluntary organization in Canada that supports both MS research and services.

Some of the Programs and Services Include:

• MS Information and support through our MS Knowledge Network- MS Knowledge Network

• Peer to Peer Support Program - 1:1 Peer Support: Extended and One Call programs

• Equipment Funding - Quality of Life Equipment Program

• Peer Support Groups - MS Support groups

• Online Social Community - We Talk MS

• Education - Educational Webinars

• Accessible Physical Activity Programs

• TIME™ at Home | MS Canada
• Gentle Yoga | MS Canada
• SPIRIT CLUB | MS Canada
• NeuroSask MS Support Programs | MS Canada

Cancer Treatment and Research Centre

• inpatient and outpatient care
• palliative care

Psychosocial Oncology Clinic, 416 946-4525

• counselling for patients and families including caregivers
• support groups; peer support
• music therapy
• Magic Castle - child care for children 12 and under whose caregivers are having appointments or visiting family at Princess Margaret; also open for children who are patients themselves
• aftercare

Provides support in accessing HIV medical care and medications, immigration services and other social services, as well as delivering practical support services

HIV Medical and Medication Access

• assists people living with HIV in getting connected to HIV medical care and HIV medications
• helps people access drug coverage through Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Trillium Drug Program and free drug coverage from pharmaceutical companies
• accompany Community Members to medical appointments to provide translation, support and advocacy
• financial assistance for medical and medication costs (while finances are available)

Income Support

• help people living with HIV/AIDS access government assistance programs such as as OW, ODSP, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance
• provides financial assistance for health and wellness needs

Immigration Support

• assists people living with HIV/AIDS access immigration support, including getting a legal aid certificate, referrals to lawyers who specialize in HIV
• offers language support in languages such as Spanish, Swahili, Amharic and French
• accompanies people to their immigration/legal appointments to provide interpretation, support and advocacy
• helps Community Members complete immigration applications

Food Programs

• Essentials Market weekly food bank, including pet food (member of Daily Bread Food Bank)
• Food for Life: bi-weekly meal delivery program and delivery of items from the Essentials Market

Other Support Programs

• information and referral to other services such as mental health, housing, employment and legal services
• pet programs including financial assistance for vet bills, pet food, referrals to vets with discounted services, low cost spay/neutering and foster program in partnership with the Toronto Humane Society, see separate listing
• free haircuts on-site
• harm reduction kits, including used equipment drop-off and safer sex supplies on-site

Complementary Therapies

• hosts on-site free massage and acupuncture clinics in partnership with local colleges

Educational and Cultural Groups

• offers the Hassle Free HIV+ Women's Group as well as the Golden Girls Group for HIV+ Women over 60
• provides educational workshops for people living with HIV around HIV disclosure, U=U and harm reduction
• Saturday Social Club - play games and socialize

Engagement and Volunteer Programs

• opportunities for Community Members to volunteer and/or become Community Mobilizers
• engagement/volunteer programs including POWER (Positive Women's Empowerment and Resiliency) program, Men's Health, PHA Patient Instructor health educator program, front desk, Essentials Market, delivery and Therapeutic Care

• assistance with claims and applications -- Canada Pension Plan, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), social services, social assistance
• referrals to mental health professionals and other agencies
• community information seminars
• support groups
• advocacy and lobbying

HIV/AIDS prevention and support services

• sexual health education, health promotion workshops, safer sex supplies
• one-on-one support, support groups, referral
• form filling, settlement services, interpretation and translation
• financial support including contingency fund
• capacity building and training

SAFE Program - non-judgemental check-in service for personal security, www.asaap.ca/safeprogram for more information

Offers sexual health education and outreach, one-on-one counselling and support groups in Spanish; services are private and confidential; provides a safe place for the 2SLGBTQI+ community

• counselling services for people living with HIV/AIDS and/or at risk of contracting HIV
• education and prevention services for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV
• education and resources for safe and consensual sexual practices
• harm reduction education and resources for substance users
• connection to community resources and primary care
• ongoing education and workshops on sexual health, mental health and harm reduction
• activities and groups focused on the 2SLGBTQI+ community

Information and referral on AIDS and HIV related topics

• individual help and emotional support
• discussion and support groups
• information workshops
• harm reduction services

• emergency child care for clients only
• interpretation and translation
• community kitchen

• literature in 8 languages
• volunteer opportunities

• home visits by an ALS Community Lead who can assist in navigating the ALS journey and help connect patients with other health care providers and community support services
• equipment and assistive devices available through the loan program or through funding assistance
• the opportunity to be part of an ALS support group (where available)

The ALS Canada Equipment Program provides access to basic and essential assistive equipment through:

• The loan equipment program, which includes mobility assistance and lifts, bedroom and other equipment, and new small bathroom items
• Funding assistance programs for certain leased and rented equipment

• information and referral
• educational program for health professionals
• public education
• medical equipment loans program
• support group meetings for patients and their caregivers
• guest speakers provide insight and information on various topics of interest
• accepts donations of gently used medical equipment such as walkers, wheelchairs, hospital beds, lift chairs, and hoyer lifts
• pick-ups can be arranged and tax receipts are provided

• ​counselling and support through the hearing care counselling program, general support services and employment support services
• communication devices
• tinnitus information and support
• educational presentations and workshops on hearing loss and deafness
• sound advice workshops
• hearing health clinics
• advocacy

HIV/AIDS education, prevention and support, including information on HIV and STI (sexually transmitted infections) risk, sexual health and healthy relationships, and harm reduction

• community-based prevention programs for youth, women, and gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, trans and other men who have sex with men (MSM)
• community workshops, forums, outreach, training for professionals and organizations, and culturally specific materials
• volunteer opportunities

Harm reduction

• ​supplies and outreach

Peer support

Settlement Program
Counselling and support, needs assessment, outreach and prevention for Black, African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees, including LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) individuals

• orientation
• information and referrals to community services
• assistance in accessing services
• assistance in finding a doctor and living with treatment
• assistance with immigration system
• form and documentation completion
• housing and employment help
• interpretation and translation
• social opportunities and networking

Member agency of Toronto Drop-in Network (TDIN)