resources
2SLGBTQIA+ SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
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Programs and services dedicated to the progressive well-being of LGBTQI2S youth (aged 16-29) through mental health services, social services and housing.
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Downtown Toronto’s LGBTQ2S+ community centre, offering a variety of specialized programs and services including: Trans Youth Mentorship Program, transition support, newcomer support, housing, education and training, and recreation
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Web- and text-based peer support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, 2-spirited, queer and questioning youth. Ages 16-29.
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An anonymous and confidential peer support and crisis service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
Creative Opportunities
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hello@scarborougharts.com | 416-698-7322
Offers diverse, engaging, and high-quality arts programming for all ages, in all disciplines, and in all areas of Scarborough.
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jen@nextgenerationarts.ca | 437-703-5553
Provides resources and opportunities for youth and the community. This includes artistic opportunities, learning opportunities, employment opportunities, but most importantly, opportunities to be leaders in the community.
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TYPS is a youth-led, community-powered platform for young poets to share their original work. The monthly slam is open to poets aged 25 and under.
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Programming for young people to share their story through arts, creative writing, and community engagement.
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Uses Hip Hop art forms to promote resilience and well-being among underserved youth, creating healthier communities. Founded in 2007, Unity has spent over 15 years introducing youth to Hip Hop art forms and empowering them with the confidence and skills for success so they may achieve their full potential.
Disability Supports & Services
Offers a wide range of services including person-directed planning, employment supports, residential programs, and community-based activities.
647-426-3220
Employment and volunteer programs for people with a wide range of disabilities, including learning disabilities, ADHD, developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mental health issues, physical challenges and more.
intake@jvstoronto.org | 416-787-1151
Provides income and employment support to people aged 18+ living with disabilities.
Health
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Call 416-961-3200 | Text 647-933-5399
Sexual health support for all youth. Peer educators available to answer questions about sexual health, puberty, relationships, bodies, gender, orientation, pregnancy, birth control, etc.
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Call 416-961-0113
A fully accredited community health centre that provides primary and sexual health care services to youth between aged 13-29. All PPT services are offered within a pro-choice, inclusive, youth-friendly, non-judgmental environment.
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Email info@rosaliehall.com | Call 416-438-6880
Provides a comprehensive range of youth outreach, early intervention, prevention and treatment services meeting the needs of young families, children and youth aged 12-25.
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Call 1-888-642-2725 / Text 613-800-6757 / Email access@actioncanadashr.org
Sexual health info line for anyone in Canada to ask questions they have about sexual and reproductive health.
There is an Access Fund to support people who are unable to access abortion care due to financial difficulty - this includes people without status, who are uninsured, youth, etc. Call, text, or email the Access Line to get in touch about financial support for abortion care.
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Call 416-961-3200 | Text 647-933-5399
Sexual health support for all youth. Peer educators available to answer questions about sexual health, puberty, relationships, bodies, gender, orientation, pregnancy, birth control, etc.
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416-961-0113
A fully accredited community health centre that provides primary and sexual health care services to youth between aged 13-29. All PPT services are offered within a pro-choice, inclusive, youth-friendly, non-judgmental environment.
Housing & Shelters
Multi-service agency offering youth and family counselling, parenting support, youth shelter and housing, education programs and community-based programs for youth aged 12 to 24 and their families.
416-967-1773
Provides housing and shelter, employment services, and drop-in programs for at-risk youth up to age 24.
647-438-8383
Mental Health
Crisis Support
For immediate danger, please call 211 to be connected with the Toronto Community Crisis Service or go to your local emergency department
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The service provides a non-police-led, community-based, client focused, and trauma-informed response to mental health crisis calls and wellness checks. A trauma informed approach promotes healing and recovery and takes into account a client’s life experiences. TCCS also provides referrals and connections to other services, resources and information, and post-crisis follow-up supports.
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1-800-668-6868 | Text CONNECT to 686868
Available 24/7. Free web, phone, and text-based counselling and crisis support for children and youth up to age 20.
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1-866-925-5454 | Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
Chat with a trained volunteer Crisis Responder for free, text-based support. Available to post-secondary students in Ontario.
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Available 24/7. Emotional support and crisis intervention for social isolation, mental health issues, distress, family violence, or in need of emergency response.
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1-833-456-4566 (24/7) | Text 45645 (4pm-12am)
Suicide prevention and support.
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An anonymous and confidential peer support and crisis service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.
Community-Based Support (Non-crisis)
For comprehensive lists of mental health services in your area, please visit:
ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600
EMentalHealth.ca
Notes:
Some Canadian post-secondary schools offer free counselling services. Contact your school’s health department for details.
The community-based supports below are only a few examples of programs that are specifically for youth and/or BIPOC.
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connect@stellasplace.ca | 416-461-2345
Free programming for youth 16-29, including individual short-term counselling, drop-in counselling, groups, peer support, and drop-in recreational programs.
The Mosaic: BIPOC Drop-in creates space for BIPOC youth, ages 16-29, to come together to discuss their collective experiences, engage in art based activities and find small moments of joy with their peers. Mosaic will take place during the last Thursday of the month, from 4-6PM and will feature themes ranging from self discovery and identity, to first generation family dynamics. Weekly sessions will consist of group discussions, creative activities, and community building exercises. Register here. -
Free immediate mental health counselling for children, youth, young adults and their families, and families with infants, up to 25 years old. No appointment or OHIP required.
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Multi-service agency offering youth and family counselling, parenting support, youth shelter and housing, education programs and community-based programs for youth aged 12 to 24 and their families.
Clinical Support
Use this directory to find a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) therapist in your community. Please be advised that fees may apply.
A directory of therapists offering low-cost and sliding-scale rates across Canada.
Use this directory to find a therapist in your local area. Please be advised that fees may apply.
Online Support and Self-Education (Non-crisis)
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Free online peer support for young adults 16-29 and current George Brown College students (no age restriction) in Toronto. Available on Apple and Android devices.
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Youth mental health tools, information, and resources designed to promote wellness, reduce stigma, and increase access to community supports. Helps youth reach out, give help, and get help.
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Learning materials, self-help and support group resources, information on where to find counselling and therapy.
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Comprehensive online resource that teaches us all how to support someone who might be struggling with their mental health.
SEttlement & newcomer services
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Learning materials about life in Ontario. Topics include: daily life, school, health, work, and immigration.
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Offers programming and services for newcomer women, youth and seniors from diverse backgrounds as they integrate into Canada. Group activities and social events are offered to immigrant youth ages 13-24 at no cost after school, on PA days, throughout March Break and summer.
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Opportunities for individual empowerment and community engagement to enhance the social inclusion and creative abilities of newcomer youth and visa students. E.g. volunteering, summer employment, leadership and life skills training, community connection and engagement
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info@tropicanacommunity.org | 416-439-9009
Provides culturally aware and supportive programs to those in need, including but not limited to counselling, settlement services, childcare, education, personal development, and employment services, with a predominant focus on the Caribbean, Black and African communities of Toronto.
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Call (647) 557-9262 or Email: info@casacentre.ca
CASA is the only Canadian organization specifically focused on non-status childhood arrivals — a particularly underserved, vulnerable, and silenced population.
They provide legal services and navigation support to a diverse client base across the province of Ontario.
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Call 1-877-906-0667 ext. 122 or Email info@cafcan.org
CAFCAN is a registered charitable organization whose primary focus is on building and strengthening the service framework for African Canadian children, youth and families through culturally safe individual and group counselling supports, case management services, employment services, youth mentorship, and youth outreach programs.
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Call (416) 747-1172 or Email contactus@dfrc.ca
Delta Family Resource Centre is a B3 organization (Black-led, Black mandated and Black serving) situated in Northwest Toronto which, in addition to offering programs which engage, empower and heal Black communities in the GTA, also delivers a range of services which equip residents of Northwest Toronto with tools to navigate life and thrive.
Grassroots and community-based, the agency has offered relevant, stimulating programs designed to transform lives – from nurturing family well-being and championing mental health to empowering Black communities and ensuring the prosperity of families, youth, and seniors. Providing a wide range of programs, services, and activities that enhance individual skills and promote well-being and healthy communities. -
Contact them at one of three locations
Access Alliance provides accessible, community-governed, inter-professional primary health care services, including health promotion, illness prevention and treatment, chronic disease management, and individual and community capacity building. Our goal is for all people who face barriers to good health to have access to high quality primary health care within an integrated system of care.
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The Neighbourhood Group Community Services is a social agency serving more than 45,000 low-income people and families in 30 locations across Toronto. With more than 1,000 staff and the support of over 700 volunteers, our free programs and services address the most pressing issues in our community: poverty, homelessness, mental health, unemployment, social isolation, substance abuse, conflict resolution, violence, youth alienation, and the settlement of newcomers.
Substance Use
For a comprehensive list of mental health, gambling, and substance use services in your area, please visit:
ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600
Offers free community outreach, individual and family counselling for youth ages 12 to 25.
416-234-1942 ext.225
YSAP Program: Free individual counselling for youth aged 14-24, harm reduction supply distribution, educational workshops on substances, substance use and harm reduction
Designed by Louise Abrena