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COVID-19 Resources and Activities

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Activities for Children

Art Gallery of Guelph

Art Gallery of Guelph now open to visitors!

The Art Gallery continues to offer Schoolhouse Studio Sheets, a series of fun at-home art activities for kids and families inspired by works in the Art Gallery of Guelph’s permanent collection! Complementing curriculum guidelines, these activities encourage young people to apply creative processes to shape and communicate thoughts, stories and ideas.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington

Camp URU goes ahead, virtually! Camp URU is ideal for children/youth ages 9-12 (Grades 4-6).

Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington for more information.

City of Guelph

City of Guelph continues to offer recreational programming online. Activities can be done at home or in the backyard and include fitness, arts and crafts, healthy recipes, brain games, and water safety tips. They are posted on this page each week.

In-person Summer Camp 2.0 is also up and running for children/youth ages 4-12.

County of Wellington, Children's Early Years Division

Full of activities and tips on truly engaging your little ones, these one-pagers are full of ideas to help parents and caregivers make the most of family time at home.

Free to Grow at Home

Free to Grow at Home: While children and youth are at home and are lacking the resources they need for physical and creative play and learning, we will continue to support them in developing their interests, enhancing their growth and development, building their self-worth, and fostering the skills they need to reach their full potential. For more information, to donate or apply please visit the Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.

Guelph Public Library

Guelph Public Library is re-opening on Tuesday, August 4th! They will be shifting away from curbside pickup on that day and will be opening their doors for regular summer hours of operation (Note: West End Branch will have modified hours).

Join the Kids' Summer Reading Club:

PreReader (Ages Birth to 5 years)
Reader (Ages 6 to 12 years)

GPL also has a collection of virtual programs and activities for kids available as well as many online resources for homework help, book recommendations and personal interest.

Rainbow Day Camp

Rainbow at Home: Each week a camper is registered they will receive a camp in a bag - full of supplies, surprises and so much more.

Campers will have the opportunity to join live zoom meetings and break off into small groups with campers their age to participate in different scheduled activities.

Activities will include: crafts, games, dancing, singing, theatre, sensory activities, science experiments, social time and more....the options are endless.

If you can not make an activity there will be pre-recorded videos as well so your camper never misses the fun!

Virtual Y

Virtual Y: Activities for Mind, Body & Spirit for children, youth and families.

Activité physique virtuelle au Gym Y pour les enfants.

Wellington County Library

Wellington County Library will be opening limited branch access starting on Monday, August 10th!

The library is also offering the TD Summer Reading Club (0-12 years). Every time you read, earn time towards a prize draw of your choice. Win LeapPad and Android tablets, LEGO kits, gift baskets, and more! Plus, ask about Take-and-Make activity bags from your local branch with curbside pickup.

Wellington County Museum & Archives

Wellington County Museum & Archives is now open to the public! Safety measures are in place to protect visitors from the spread of COVID-19. WCMA continues to offer a number of fun online activities inspired by their collection as well as virtual tours from each township.

Activities for Youth

Art Gallery of Guelph

Art Gallery of Guelph now open to visitors!

Or, explore the current exhibitions, Sculpture Park, and permanent art collections online at MuseumatHome.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington

Camp URU goes ahead, virtually! Camp URU is ideal for children/youth ages 9-12 (Grades 4-6). Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington for more information.

BTogether Talk Series

The Big Brothers, Big Sisters Youth Action Committee (YAC) is a group of youth (14-19) who want to keep youth connected. They create opportunities through events, workshops, speaker series etc. that help build their skills, resilience and network.

Visit the BHive site to find out about upcoming, or watch past, BTogether Talk Series.

City of Guelph

In-person Summer Camp 2.0 is also up and running for children/youth ages 4-12.

Free to Grow at Home

The Good Food Work Experience

The Good Food Work Experience: the SEED, Everdale Farm, The County of Wellington-Ontario Works, Lutherwood Employment and 2nd Chance Employment have partnered to deliver this program for youth aged 18-29. During the program, youth have the opportunity to explore different aspects of the food system and discover new passions by participating in a three-week experiential learning opportunity at the SEED and Everdale farm. Youth who participate in the Good Food Work Experience are those who face barriers to employment and/or education/training.

Guelph Public Library

Join the Summer Reading Club for Teens and Adults. The Guelph Public Library is encouraging teens and adults to read and explore the wonderful world of books!

GPL also provides many online resources for homework help, book recommendations and personal interest.

Virtual Y

Virtual Y : Activities for Mind, Body & Spirit for children, youth and families.

Wellington County Library

Wellington County Library will be opening limited branch access starting on Monday, August 10th! The library is also offering a Teen Summer Reading Challenge (13-18 years). Every time you read, earn time towards a prize draw of your choice. Win LeapPad and Android tablets, LEGO kits, gift baskets, and more! Plus, ask about Take-and-Make activity bags from your local branch with curbside pickup.

Wellington County Museum & Archives

Child Care

Looking for child care, authorized recreation or camp programmes?

Visit the Wellington County Children's Early Years Division website for listings of all licensed child care Centres, providers, authorized recreation and camp programmes across Guelph and Wellington County.

Child Protection and Family Support

Family and Children's Services of Guelph & Wellington County

Supports for families who are struggling or in an unsafe situation.

1-800-265-8300 or 519-824-2410

Children with Disabilities and Special Needs

City of Guelph One2One Support Program

The City of Guelph offers support for individuals with disabilities in summer camps. The City provides support for campers living with a disability through their One2One Support program. One2One support is available for campers who are diagnosed with a physical, cognitive and/or developmental disability. Please note: For summer camp 2020 there are only three (3) One2One spots available per week. All campers can register for a maximum of two (2) weeks.

KidsAbility

KidsAbility continues to serve their clients with virtual therapy, support services and the resumption of face-to-face services. KidsAbility has compiled a list of therapy and community resources.

Rainbow Day Camp

Rainbow Day Camp: Rainbow is offering Online Camper Support in the afternoons. This provides opportunities for campers who would like some extra counsellor support (25-minute bookings). In this time the counsellor could help with a craft/sensory, play a game, read a book or just chat and spend time with the campers. These bookings will be first offered to campers who normally receive one on one or occasional extra support at camp and then will be offered to everyone. See also Rainbow Day Camp under 'Activities for Children' on this page.

Developmental Services

All services, programs and Walk-In Clinics offered by Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington continue to be available virtually. In-person meetings occur as necessary for developmental services and Access, Information and Referral (AIR).

Access Information and Referral (AIR)

The centralized intake and referral point for all developmental disability services for infants, children and youth in Guelph and Wellington County.

Visit Access Information and Referral (AIR) for more information.

Phone: (519) 824-4015/Toll-Free: 1-877-216-1116

HERE4KIDS

Parents can call HERE 4 KIDS at 1-844-454-3711 to speak with a service coordinator about linking to services for challenges relating to their child’s speech, movement, play, behaviour, learning, and/or development.

EarlyON Child and Family Centres

EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Wellington County and the City of Guelph are currently closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. EarlyON teams remain dedicated to supported children and families and have taken programming virtual! Team members are also available to provide support to families including answering questions about parenting and child development.

See below for a list of EarlyON operators and links to contacts, resources and virtual programming.

Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington

Community Resource Centre EarlyON team contact information.

Learn more about CRC's EarlyON programming, visit CRC's Facebook page or YouTube Playlist.

Guelph Community Health Centre

Guelph Community Health Centre EarlyON team contact information.

Learn more about the weekly Virtual Parent Cafe and Virtual Registered Parent Programs.

Shelldale Family Gateway

Shelldale EarlyON team contact information.

Learn more about Shelldale's EarlyON Virtual Program and Video Activities.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is partnering with EarlyON Child & Family Centre staff to provide support to families with new babies during COVID-19. For more information on this program, please see Families with New Babies.

Emergency Food Support

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guelph-Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination has updated their Emergency Food Access Guides.

Employment Support

2nd Chance Employment

2nd Chance Employment provides personal, customized services for people who want to find employment or explore their training and career options. Unlike trying it on your own or using a temp service, they guide, assist and support you throughout the process. And it works! Most clients find jobs or enter education or training to move towards their goals. The agency serves youth, students and adults out of all our locations across Guelph and Wellington County. All services are free.
2nd Chance is now offering virtual workshops via ZOOM and on their YouTube channel.

Learn more about the programs available for youth: Ways 2 Work, Youth Job Connection Summer Program or Youth Job Connection.

Lutherwood

Visit Lutherwood's Summer Youth Job Connection or Youth Job Connection or the COVID-19 Online Employment Portal. Virtual paid workshops are running continuously to build skills, awareness, goals, resumes, interview preparedness and job search techniques for the job that is right for you.

Events

Find a current list of events for children, youth and families being offered virtually or throughout Wellington County and in the City of Guelph.

Families with New Babies

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is partnering with EarlyON Child & Family Centre staff to provide support to families with new babies during COVID-19. An EarlyON Child & Family Centre staff member will call families with new babies to check-in on them and answer questions about infant care and local resources. EarlyON Child & Family Centre Registered Early Childhood Educator Programme Facilitators have specialized knowledge and expertise related to child development, parenting, play-based learning and community-based supports. Facilitators work as a member of the EarlyON Child & Family Centre team to plan, implement, and provide information, services and programmes that support parents, caregivers and children 0-6 years of age.

Financial Assistance

Emergency Assistance

You may be eligible for short term financial support if you are in a crisis or emergency situation and you don’t have enough money for things like food and housing. If you are not already receiving support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program, you can apply for emergency assistance online. You can also call County of Wellington Ontario Works office to apply over the phone. Please call the office at: 519.837.2670 (press’1’) or Toll Free 1.800.265.7294 or TTY 1.800.855.0511.

Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program Emergency Benefits

If you receive OW or ODSP and are facing additional costs related to the COVID-19 outbreak, you can access one-time emergency benefits. Emergency benefits for COVID-19 related expenses are the same for both programs: up to $100 for single individuals and up to $200 for families. This funding can be used to meet a broad range of needs, for example: cleaning supplies, transportation, food or clothing that you may require due to COVID-19. Please call your caseworker.

Support for Families

Support for Families: Learn about funding that families can apply for if they have children who are not in school or child care because of coronavirus (COVID-19). Find out if you are eligible and how to apply.

Health Information

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health

Please visit the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website for information about:

Helplines

Access Information and Referral (AIR)

The centralized intake and referral point for all developmental disability services for infants, children and youth in Guelph and Wellington County.

Visit Access Information and Referral (AIR) for more information.

Phone: (519) 824-4015/Toll-Free: 1-877-216-1116

HERE 24/7

HERE24/7: is your front door to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Wellington.

Call HERE 24/7 at: 1-844-437-3247 or 519-821-3582

TTY: 1-877-688-5501

HERE4KIDS

Supports parents in the City of Guelph or Wellington County who are looking for support with their child’s development. Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington is proud to be the host agency of HERE 4 KIDS. Parents can call HERE 4 KIDS at 1-844-454-3711 to speak with a service coordinator about linking to services for challenges relating to their child’s speech, movement, play, behaviour, learning, and/or development.

KIDS HELP PHONE

Need help now? You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone 24/7 by calling

1-800-668-6868.

ONTARIO 211

To navigate Ontario's network of human services quickly and easily, visit Ontario 211 or dial 2-1-1.

LGBT Youth

Trans Drop-In is now being offered online (for those aged 16 and up).

Mental Health Services & Resources

Community Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington

Increasing boredom and frustration in families are very real challenges for parents right now. Young children, teenagers, and youth need different kinds of support as they experience ‘cabin fever’ in their own unique ways. Get information, strategies and tips on how to help yourself and your families through COVID-19.

Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington

All services, programs and Walk-In Clinics offered by Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington continue to be available virtually.

Good2Talk

Good2Talk is a free, confidential service for post-secondary students in Ontario, available 24/7/365. By calling 1-866-925-5454, post-secondary students in Ontario can receive professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being.

Post-secondary students can also access free, text-based support through Good2Talk’s partnership with Crisis Text Line powered by Kids Help Phone. By texting GOOD2TALKON to 686868, students can chat with a trained volunteer Crisis Responder.

HERE24/7

HERE 24/7 is your front door to the addictions, mental health, and crisis services provided by 11 agencies across Waterloo Wellington. Call HERE 24/7 at: 1-844-437-3247 or 519-821-3582, TTY: 1-877-688-5501.

Minto Mental Health

Mental Health Resources in Minto & Surrounding Areas

On this site you will find resources to help you stay mentally fit and healthy, as well as provide access to a variety of services that anyone can turn to for help in Minto and surrounding areas.

Parenting

Parent Outreach

Parent Outreach Workers are available to all parents and caregivers of children between birth to 18 who live in the Brant, Two Rivers or Grange Hill East Neighbourhoods.

The goal of the Nurturing Neighbourhoods Initiative is to provide one-on-one support to families who may be experiencing challenges at home.

The Parent Outreach Worker is available to provide support in a variety of areas, including:

Assisting with referrals
Helping to access community programs
Accompanying to appointments
Advocacy with other agencies and services
Assistance with subsidies for recreational programs for families
Working with families to problem solve and prioritize issues
Building community connections
Helping to find strategies and appropriate supports to address issues related to health, housing, food, employment, parenting, child behavior, finances.

For more information about this program please visit:

Online Prenatal and New Parent Program

The Online Prenatal and New Parent Program continues to be offered by Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. The program is free to individuals and families who are pregnant or have a new baby and live in Wellington County, Dufferin County or the City of Guelph. The online program provides information about having a healthy pregnancy, labour and birth, medical interventions, caring for a newborn and breastfeeding.

Statistics Canada: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Canadian Families and Children

Ressources pour les familles francophones

Franchement Famille

Franchement famille: Le Conseil scolaire Viamonde profite du long congé de la fête de la famille pour lancer une nouvelle plateforme de contenu, inspiré par les réalités, les enjeux, les passions et les intérêts des familles francophones de l’Ontario.

Gym Y

Activité physique virtuelle au Gym Y pour les enfants.

Substance Misuse Resources

Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy

The Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy has put together a

list of substance misuse treatment, recovery and supportive services

that are local and currently operating or running virtually.

For information about safer substance use, see: Safer Substance Use: Keeping Well During the Pandemic

Youth Shelter

Shelter for Youth (16-24)

How to access local shelter services:

Monday to Friday - 8:30am to 4:30pm call 226-962-3574

Monday to Friday - 4:30pm to 7:00am call HERE 24/7 1-844-437-3247

Weekends - call HERE 24/7 1.844.437.3247

No Phone? Go to Royal City Mission (50 Quebec St.) meals Monday to Friday at 11:00am and tell staff you need shelter.

Housing and Emergency Shelter Support

Visit the Wellington County website for more information regarding Housing and Emergency Shelter support during COVID-19.