PEEL
THE BLUE
Caregiver & Family Support: Peer Support
Family Matters Peer Support and Recovery Program-
The Mood Disorder Association of Ontario has developed a comprehensive support program for family members who are experiencing the complex challenges associated with providing and receiving care to those living with mood disorders and/or addictions. While family members and caregivers are essential to the support team when addressing the needs of a loved one with mental health and addiction challenges, very often family members become in need of services and support themselves.
Online Forum Support Group: Family, Friends, and Supporters
This is a board for family members, friends, and supporters of people with mood disorders and related issues.
Contact Information:
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario-
Address: 36 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 602 Toronto, ON M4R 1A1
Contact Information:(416) 486-8046 Toll Free: 1-888-486-8236
Parents for Children’s Mental Health (PCMH) is dedicated to improving the lives of families and the services for the child and youth mental health. PCMH links families to important networks within their communities to ensure they get the care they need and the support of families who can relate and support them.
Contact Information:
Telephone:
(416)220-0742
Email:
admin@pcmh.ca or board@pcmh.ca
Click to view a list of chapters
Program Information:
PCMH offers chapters across the Province to provide support groups and peer to peer assistance with finding resources appropriate for your family. Connect with the chapter in your area to become connected with families who understand and can travel the road with you on the journey you are on.
Contact Information:
TORONTO:
95 King Street East, Suite 300 Toronto, ON M5C 1G4
phone 1 (800) 449-6367/ 416 449 6830 (416) 449-8434
HAMILTON:
20 Hughson Street South, Suite 405 Hamilton, ON L8N 2C3
phone (905) 523-7413 (905) 449 8434
Programs Available:
Strengthening Families Together (SFT) is a four-week education and support group for family members and friends of people living with serious mental illness. Each 4-week session is $50.00/person and its many local chapters offer self-help support groups for family members of individuals with schizophrenia.
Topics presented in group sessions include information about:
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Schizophrenia and psychosis
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Treatment options
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Coping as a family
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Mental health system and the criminal justice system
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Advocacy
IDEAS Family Support Group is an evening of supportive conversation with presentations from guest speakers, held in a welcoming space. Topics focus on psychoeducation, system navigation, tools for supporting loved ones, and self-care.
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.
Alateen is a place where members come together to: share experiences, strength, and hope with each other to find effective ways to cope with problems, discuss difficulties and encourage one another. Help each other understand the principles of the Al-Anon program through the use of the Twelve Steps and Alateen’s Twelve Traditions.