COVID-19 Resources and Activities
Activities for Babies, Toddlers & Children |
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Activities for Youth |
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Child Care |
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Looking for child care, authorized recreation or school board before or after school programmes? Visit the Wellington County Children's Early Years Division website for listings of all licensed child care Centres, providers and authorized recreation programs across Guelph and Wellington County. |
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Child Protection and Family Support |
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Family and Children's Services of Guelph & Wellington CountySupports for families who are struggling or in an unsafe situation. COVID-19 UPDATE: Family and Children's Services of Guelph and Wellington County (FCSGW) is open and continues to be available 24/7 to provide support to children, youth and families in the community and to respond to reports of concerns about the safety of a child or youth. They can be reached at 519-824-2410 or 1-800-265-8300. |
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Children with Disabilities and Special Needs |
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KidsAbilityKidsAbility offers physio, occupational, speech and recreation therapy, social work, augmentative communication and specialized clinics. KidsAbility continues to serve their clients. Visit their Contact Us page for: contact information, locations and COVID hours. KidsAbility has compiled a list of therapy and community resources. Wee TalkWee Talk is a partnership of agencies that provide speech and language services to families with preschool children in Wellington County, Dufferin County and the City of Guelph. Wee Talk services have been reduced due to COVID-19. Please read this update on the Wee Talk program, posted September 8, 2020: Wee Talk services have been reduced due to COVID-19. For those who have already had an in-person assessment, one-time phone consultations with a speech pathologist have been offered when possible. Wee Talk has a large number of clients who have been waiting for services and, going forward, we will be contacting as many clients as possible to schedule virtual or phone appointments. There may be significant delays and/or sudden suspensions in service due to COVID-19 response, and we appreciate your patience as you wait to hear from us. If your child is receiving Wee Talk services at one of our partner agencies, please contact them directly (links are below). Otherwise, please call 1-800-265-7293 ext 4676 for more information.
Find helpful resources and free webinars to support children at home. |
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Developmental Services |
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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
HERE4KIDSSupports 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. |
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EarlyON Child and Family Centres |
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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.
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. |
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Emergency Food Support |
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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guelph-Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination has updated their Emergency Food Access Guides. |
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Emergency School-Age Child Care |
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To support parents of school-aged children who are regularly enrolled in school, the Ministry of Education will be implementing a targeted Emergency School-Age Child Care programme at no cost to families. Those eligible for Emergency School-Age Child Care include health care and other frontline workers. Visit Wellington County Children's Early Years Division for more information and a complete list of eligible workers. |
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Employment Support |
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2nd Chance Employment2nd 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. Learn more about the programs available for youth: Ways 2 Work, Youth Job Connection Summer Program or Youth Job Connection. LutherwoodVisit Lutherwood's 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. |
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Events |
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Find a current list of events for children, youth and families being offered virtually or throughout Wellington County and in the City of Guelph. |
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Families with New Babies |
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Support for Families with New BabiesWellington-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. Born to ReadThe Born to Read initiative strives to introduce literacy to all infants born in Guelph. When infants are exposed to regular early literacy experiences they develop essential pre-reading skills which act as building blocks for when children learn to read.Each new family will receive a Born to Read literacy bag which includes:
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Financial Assistance |
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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 BenefitsIf 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 FamiliesSupport 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. |
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Health Information |
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Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public HealthPlease visit the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website for information about: |
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Helplines |
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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 24/7HERE24/7: 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 HERE4KIDSSupports 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 PHONENeed help now? You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868. ONTARIO 211To navigate Ontario's network of human services quickly and easily, visit Ontario 211 or dial 2-1-1. |
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Winter Season Support |
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Winter Wear ProgramThe Winter Wear programme provides coats, boots and so much more to low income children, ages 0-18 of North and Centre Wellington. |
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Internet Expansion, Computer & Hotspot Lending Programmes |
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Guelph Public LibraryThe Guelph Public Library has a large variety of technology available for customers. The Available Devices and Hardware page offers information on devices that can be used or borrowed from the library, including what is offered at the Tech Bar. Accessible computers are offered at all branches. Wellington County Public LibraryHotspot Lending Programme The Library offers 70 hotspots available for loan across the County. Chromebook Lending Programme Upper Grand District School Board students have access to 80 Chromebooks. All you need to get started is your UGDSB login, and a valid Wellington County Library card. Ask staff at your local branch for availability. iPad Lending Programme The Library offers 70 iPads, each available for a 7 day loan. Internet ExpansionLearn more about expanding internet connectivity in Wellington County. |
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LGBT Youth |
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Mental Health Services & Resources |
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Community Mental Health Association Waterloo WellingtonIncreasing 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-WellingtonAll services, programs and Walk-In Clinics offered by Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington continue to be available virtually. Good2TalkGood2Talk 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. HERE24/7HERE 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 HealthMental 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. |
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Outreach Services |
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East Wellington Community ServicesFace to face sessions are by appointment only, and can be booked by calling the appropriate worker. Social distancing measures are in place and strictly adhered to, and face coverings are required to enter the building. All clients entering the building will be screened for COVID-19. Phone, video, and text, support is available during business hours by contacting the Outreach Worker, and “porch visits” can be arranged if the client is unable to attend the office. Outreach services offers community support services to all community members of East Wellington. Our compassionate and energetic outreach team includes hard-working and empathic outreach workers that can provide support and direction in many areas;
For more information on outreach and other services, visit: East Wellington Community Services. |
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Parenting |
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Online Prenatal and New Parent ProgramThe 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.
Parent Outreach WorkersParent 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:
For more information about this program please visit: |
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Ressources pour les familles francophones |
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Franchement familleFranchement 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 YActivité physique virtuelle au Gym Y pour les enfants. Le coin d'apprentissageLe coin d'apprentissage: Afin d’approfondir les connaissances à la maison, consultez notre rubrique comportant des ressources en lignes, des services proposés par des organismes extérieurs, des fiches pratiques et tutoriels. |
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Substance Misuse Resources |
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Wellington Guelph Drug StrategyThe 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: |
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Youth Shelter |
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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 SupportVisit the Wellington County website for more information regarding Housing and Emergency Shelter support during COVID-19. |