Activities for Babies, Toddlers & Children
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Art Gallery of Guelph
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Due to the Province wide shutdown, the Art Gallery of Guelph is temporarily closed.
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.
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City of Guelph, Recreation
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Visit the COVID-safe summer fun page for fun activities opening up around the City of Guelph, including splash pads, wading pools and summer camp.
The City continues to offer recreational programming ideas 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.
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EarlyON Child and Family Centres
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UPDATE: As of July 5, 2021, EarlyON Child and Family Centre locations in The County of Wellington and the City of Guelph will now reopen for some in person services.
Indoor Programming
Select EarlyON locations will be offering Single Household programming. Single households do include caregivers who may be providing care for children from more than 1 household. These sessions will have no more than 5 participants including EarlyON staff. Participants must pre-register for all indoor programming. Anyone who has not pre-registered will not be permitted access to indoor programming.
Outdoor Programming
EarlyON Centre's will be offering Outdoor Programming for up to 3 households per session and no more than 15 participants including EarlyON staff. Participants must pre-register for all outdoor programming. Anyone who has not pre-registered will not be permitted access to outdoor programming.
Virtual Programming
EarlyON Centre's will continue to offer Virtual Programming to families as they have been throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.
What Safety Measures will be in Place?
The safety of your family and the community is our first priority and you will see many measures in place reduce risk. In addition to limiting the number of participants in programming, the following safety measures will be taken:
- Participants will only be able to register/attend indoor and outdoor programming once in a 14-day period. This ensures both equitable access for other households and also further reduces the risk of the spread of COVID.
- COVID Pre-screening will occur for all visitors and staff prior to the start of outdoor programming. Anyone who does not pass the screen will not be permitted entry to programming.
- Outdoor programming will mainly consist of walks and hikes and not occur near play equipment or other shared equipment.
- For indoor programming, individual materials will be provided for use with each family during visits and will be sanitized following use. Materials will not be used by another family on the same day.
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitization of EarlyON spaces will occur daily and in between all family visits.
- EarlyON staff will wear masks and shields and will practice social distancing where possible during outdoor programming.
- All adult visitors and children (ages 6 and older) will be required to wear a mask during outdoor programming. Children ages 2 to 5 will be encouraged to wear a mask.
For more information, please visit EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
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Firefly Friends Summer Camp
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Everyone is welcome. Activities include games, crafts, music, outdoor play, group games and much more! Each week an exciting new theme promotes learning, exploring and creating fun camp memories. Parents have peace of mind knowing that their children are enjoying themselves under the guidance of KidsAbility staff. Learn more about Firefly Friends Summer Camp.
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Guelph Public Library
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In response to the Ontario Government’s COVID-19 province-wide shutdown, the Guelph Public Library will be temporarily closing all Guelph Public Library locations to the public. All locations will offer Curbside Services during regular library hours starting Saturday, April 3. No appointments are required and a selection of grab and go materials will be available for quick checkout.
Please note that the operating hours of the West End location have changed during the province-wide shutdown.
GPL is accepting library material returns in book drops at all library locations 24/7 (with the exception of West End Branch and Bookmobile).
GPL is also offering virtual programming, see the Growing Great Generations Events page for listings of these and other virtual events across the City of Guelph and Wellington County.
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Shelldale Family Gateway
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Wellington County Library
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As of April 19, 2021:
In accordance with provincial guidelines and restrictions, all Wellington County Library branches remain closed to the public. Pickup service is still available at all locations.
Join us for fun and safe programming for all ages! Look for Take-and-Make activity bags and Baby Time and Family Story Time resources for use at home.
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Wellington County Museum & Archives
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- The Wellington County Museum & Archives is currently closed due to the Province wide shutdown.
- Virtual WCMA offers a number of fun online activities inspired by their collection as well as virtual tours from each township.
- The WCMA is offering a series of Special Events Activity Kits for all ages delivered right to your doorstep!
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YMCA of Three Rivers (Guelph)
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Visit the YMCA webpage for current member communications.
YMCA of Three Rivers is offering virtual programming so that you can stay healthy, even if you’re staying home. You can expect to find hundreds of virtual programs and resources for the whole family. Check out the Y's virtual Family and Kid Activities.
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Activities for Youth
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Art Gallery of Guelph
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Due to the Province wide shutdown, the Art Gallery of Guelph is temporarily closed.
Explore the current exhibitions, Sculpture Park, and permanent art collections online at MuseumatHome.
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BHive (safe space for youth)
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The BHive is a safe space for youth, offering programs and services that will build their social emotional competence, mental health and wellbeing, and educational engagement and employment readiness. Most of the programming and services offered are by community partners whose mandate is also to serve youth.
Visit the BHive page at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington website for more information.
Find out about upcoming Programs and Activities or watch previous BTogether Talk Series recordings.
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City of Guelph, Recreation
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What’s open:
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parks and recreational areas, benches
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playgrounds, play structures, and play equipment
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off-leash dog parks
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permanent washrooms (starting April 26), portable washrooms (starting April 30)
What’s closed:
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sports fields, golf and frisbee golf courses, tennis courts, basketball courts and skate parks
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baseball diamonds, soccer fields and other multi-use fields
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picnic sites and picnic tables
This City of Guelph webpage has additional information about parks and trails.
The City continues to offer recreational programming ideas 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.
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The Good Food Work Experience
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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.
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Wellington County Library
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As of April 19, 2021:
In accordance with provincial guidelines and restrictions, all Wellington County Library branches remain closed to the public. Pickup service is still available at all locations.
- Take-and-Make kits, Story Time kits, and virtual programming is still available. Learn more at www.wellington.ca/winterprogramming.
- To pick up holds, please contact your local branch and arrange a pickup time. Local branch staff will provide instructions for pickup.
- Computer appointments will not be available at this time.
- All drop boxes will remain open. Please return items when they are due to your local branch. Items that do not have pending holds may be renewed using the online catalogue, or by contacting your local branch.
- Items returned to the library are being held in quarantine for 72 hours. They will still show on your library card as checked out until this quarantine period is over.
- Room rentals are not available at this time.
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Wellington County Museum & Archives
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- The Wellington County Museum & Archives is currently closed due to the Province wide shutdown.
- Virtual WCMA offers a number of fun online activities inspired by their collection as well as virtual tours from each township.
- The WCMA is offering a series of Special Events Activity Kits for all ages delivered right to your doorstep!
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YMCA of Three Rivers (Guelph)
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Visit the YMCA webpage for current member communications.
YMCA of Three Rivers is offering virtual programming so that you can stay healthy, even if you’re staying home. You can expect to find hundreds of virtual programs and resources for the whole family. Check out Y at Home for Fitness and Wellness videos.
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Child Protection and Family Support
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Family and Children's Services of Guelph & Wellington County
Supports 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. By working together, FACS hopes to minimize the impact of this pandemic on the most vulnerable families and community members.
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Children with Disabilities and Special Needs
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KidsAbility
KidsAbility offers physio, occupational, speech and recreation therapy, social work, augmentative communication and specialized clinics.
KidsAbility remains open, continuing to offer in-person services on a priority basis only, visit the News and Updates page for more information.
Visit the Virtual & Online Resources for Families for a list of community supports, educational resources and fun activities.
Preschool Speech & Language Program
KidsAbility will begin providing Preschool Speech and Language Services to children living in Guelph-Wellington effective April 1, 2021.
PSL services had been provided through a program known as “Wee Talk,” a collaborative partnership with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph and Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus. KidsAbility has worked in partnership with Wee Talk for many year and is pleased to be able to offer this program to the Guelph-Wellington community.
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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
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.
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EarlyON Child and Family Centres
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UPDATE: As of July 5, 2021, EarlyON Child and Family Centre locations in The County of Wellington and the City of Guelph will now reopen for some in person services.
Indoor Programming
Select EarlyON locations will be offering Single Household programming. Single households do include caregivers who may be providing care for children from more than 1 household. These sessions will have no more than 5 participants including EarlyON staff. Participants must pre-register for all indoor programming. Anyone who has not pre-registered will not be permitted access to indoor programming.
Outdoor Programming
EarlyON Centre's will be offering Outdoor Programming for up to 3 households per session and no more than 15 participants including EarlyON staff. Participants must pre-register for all outdoor programming. Anyone who has not pre-registered will not be permitted access to outdoor programming.
Virtual Programming
EarlyON Centre's will continue to offer Virtual Programming to families as they have been throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.
What Safety Measures will be in Place?
The safety of your family and the community is our first priority and you will see many measures in place reduce risk. In addition to limiting the number of participants in programming, the following safety measures will be taken:
- Participants will only be able to register/attend indoor and outdoor programming once in a 14-day period. This ensures both equitable access for other households and also further reduces the risk of the spread of COVID.
- COVID Pre-screening will occur for all visitors and staff prior to the start of outdoor programming. Anyone who does not pass the screen will not be permitted entry to programming.
- Outdoor programming will mainly consist of walks and hikes and not occur near play equipment or other shared equipment.
- For indoor programming, individual materials will be provided for use with each family during visits and will be sanitized following use. Materials will not be used by another family on the same day.
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitization of EarlyON spaces will occur daily and in between all family visits.
- EarlyON staff will wear masks and shields and will practice social distancing where possible during outdoor programming.
- All adult visitors and children (ages 6 and older) will be required to wear a mask during outdoor programming. Children ages 2 to 5 will be encouraged to wear a mask.
For more information, please visit EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
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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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Employment Support
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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 Youth Job Connection or Resources for Job Seekers. 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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Born to Read
The 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:
- An environmentally friendly bag
- A board book generously donated by the Friends of the Library
- A pamphlet about the importance of literacy in the first years of life
- A pamphlet about Guelph Public Library's system-wide story times.
- A Connections magazine
- A mock library card with membership registration instructions
- A Footprints of the Future information package
Support for Families with New Babies
Public Health is partnering with local EarlyON Child and Family Centres to support families with new babies during COVID-19. New parents may be asked by their hospital or midwife if they would like Public Health to share their contact information with EarlyON Centres. EarlyON staff will then provide a follow-up phone call to families to offer social support, information about early parenting, and connections to local resources. EarlyON Centres are experienced providers of support for local parents and caregivers of children aged 0-6. This phone call is in addition to the telephone support through Public Health that some families receive after the birth of their baby when referred by their midwife or hospital nurse to the Healthy Babies Healthy Children program.
Check out these links to the FAQ documents for both Guelph and Wellington County.
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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 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.
Other Assistance for COVID-19
The Canadian government offers various benefits to support people during COVID-19:
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Health Information
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Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
Please 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)
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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
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HERE 24/7
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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
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HERE4KIDS
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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.
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KIDS HELP PHONE
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Need help now? You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone 24/7 by calling:
1-800-668-6868.
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ONTARIO 211
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| To navigate Ontario's network of human services quickly and easily, visit Ontario 211 or dial 2-1-1. |
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Internet Expansion, Computer & Hotspot Lending Programmes
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Guelph Community Health Centre
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‘Get Connected’ is a move toward digital equity by providing devices and talk & text plans.
Learn how to donate or obtain a cell phone.
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Guelph Public Library
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The 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.
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Wellington County Public Library
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Hotspot 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.
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Internet Expansion
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| Learn 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 Wellington
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Keeping it together when you’re all together.
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.
CMHA recognizes that at this time of uncertainty, symptoms of anxiety and depression may be exacerbated. Visit Resiliency during the COVID-19 Outbreak webpage for online support, articles videos, tips and mental health services for children, youth and families.
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Compass Community Services
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| All services, programs and Walk-In Clinics offered by Compass Community Services continue to be available virtually. |
Good2Talk
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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.
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HERE24/7
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| 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
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| 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.
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Outreach Services
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East Wellington Community Services
Face 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;
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System navigation (health care, social services, legal/justice, government benefits, etc)
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Assistance in connecting to mental health, addictions, housing/homelessness, employment, education, immigration, abuse/trauma/grief counselling, and health care services
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Support in accessing services (i.e. referrals, connecting with services with transportation and/or 1:1 support, assisting with applications and phone calls)
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Direct access to transportation program, food security, income tax clinics, adult day programs, and youth services
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Support while navigating through difficult times, and i.e. grief, trauma, stress, etc.
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 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.
Parent Outreach Workers
Parent Outreach Workers are available to all parents and caregivers of children between birth to 18 who live in the Brant, Two Rivers, Grange Hill East or Onward Willow 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:
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Assisting with referrals
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Helping to access community programs
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Accompanying to appointments
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Advocacy with other agencies and services
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Assistance with subsidies for recreational programs for families
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Working with families to problem solve and prioritize issues
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Building community connections
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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:
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Ressources pour les familles francophones
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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.
Le coin d'apprentissage
Le 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 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:
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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 Support
Visit the Wellington County website for more information regarding Housing and Emergency Shelter support during COVID-19.
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