Peer Support 

In Person meetings:
Aurora Town Hall – 100 John West Way, Aurora, ON L4G 6J1

Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on the following dates:

For more information please contact: yorkaurora@pcmh.ca.

We are currently looking for volunteer Chapter Leaders and Family Peer Supporters – if you are interested please email support@pcmh.ca. 

Virtual Meetings:
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 – 8 pm.

Register to join the meeting on Zoom by clicking HERE! You will receive a link after registration!

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporters:  Sarah & Shalyn

Sarah and Shalyn look forward to meeting you!

If you have any questions about the meeting, please email brantford@pcmh.ca.

If you are interested in becoming a PCMH volunteer, please email support@pcmh.ca!

In-person Meetings:
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except for December, from 7:00 p m to 8:30 pm at The Hub in Compass Point at 1500 Kerns Rd., Burlington (upper level, main entrance doors)

For more information please contact burlington@pcmh.ca

Chapter Leaders and Family Peer Supporters: Chrystal and Kristin look forward to meeting you!

If you are seeking peer support, Laurie can connect with you one-to-one. Email her to set it up at chathamkent@pcmh.ca.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter: Laurie

Laurie is a mom to three adult sons and grandmother of four. She has been a volunteer peer supporter with PCMH for 7 years, sharing her lived expertise about her own journey of supporting a loved one with mental health concerns. Laurie believes that peer support enables family/caregivers to safely tell their story to someone who has been in similar situations – hearing “Me too!” is like receiving a glass of water in a desert! After 31 years of being an educator, Laurie also believes in the importance of early intervention and the value of receiving early supports in navigating systems, building a support network, and knowing this will lead to a family thriving amidst these challenges. Laurie believes that by accessing support early, when symptoms first appear, the entire family is able to be more resilient, and to experience less suffering. Laurie is a facilitator of the evidence- based “Family Connections” course through Sashbear.org, which gives families the DBT skills they need to manage their own emotions when their loved one is experiencing mental health and other challenges. With Laurie’s experience facilitating family advisory councils, she encourages family members to advocate for improved services. Laurie’s involvement in both provincial and national family council networks has enabled her to be aware of the services offered in other communities, and successful advocacy pathways. She continues to bring these values and supports for families to the hospital, community and school settings and hopes to engage more families in this work.

Meetings:
Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. For more information contact durham@pcmh.ca

Register Here to Join our Virtual Meeting

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter:
Vicki is a teacher with the Durham District School Board (having taught in Special Education for several years), and a mom who lost her only son, Tyler, to a long struggle with mental health and addictions. She uses this lived experience to propel her forward to find solutions and effect change in the field of Child and Youth Mental Health Services. She is one of two facilitators for the Durham PCMH Chapter, and represents PCMH Durham on the Youth Suicide Prevention Network. She was awarded the 2014 Kinark Chair’s Award, acknowledging her time spent volunteering in different capacities as a proponent for child and youth mental health, and the Excellence in Family Engagement Award by Parents for Children’s Mental Health in 2016. Vicki’s experience as a parent, a career as a Child and Youth Worker for 17 years before becoming a teacher, and working 16 years in the field of education puts her in a unique role to support families on this journey.

Hybrid Meetings:
Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. except July and August. For more information contact guelph@pcmh.ca

REGISTER HERE to join meetings VIRTUALLY

Join us in-person HERE:

737 Woolwich St. North, Guelph, ON – FREE PARKING available. Youth ages 12 to 26 are welcome to come and use the supervised drop-in centre at The Grove where they can access foosball, air-hockey, a meditation room, a video-gaming room, and more!

Chapter Leaders & Family Peer Supporters: Holly and Jeff

Holly and Jeff are the loving parents of 3 boys in Guelph, ON. Their oldest son struggles with a variety of serious mental health disorders and challenges. Over the past 9 years they have navigated and worked with many different levels and branches of the mental health system across the province as they advocated for their son. Holly and Jeff identified the lack of a local support group for parents of children with mental health disorders, which led to becoming PCMH group leaders in Guelph. Holly and Jeff share a passion for helping families navigate the system, listening to their journeys and advocating for their children. Since 2017, Jeff has served on the Parent Advisory Council for CPRI, in London, ON and Holly is currently the Parent Council Chair for their grade school in Guelph.

Virtual Meetings:
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30pm to 8:00pm except for July and August.  For more information contact hamilton@pcmh.ca

Virtual Registration Link: Click Here

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporters: Louise & Andrea

Louise is a mother, grandmother and aunt who adores spending time with the young adults in her family, especially when they are making her laugh or learn about something new! Her family was involved in children’s mental health services for six years before learning about PCMH and supports it offers around the province. Louise helped start the Hamilton Chapter in July 2015, with the goal of ensuring that families in Hamilton know that support is available for them at the beginning of their journey. Her passion for helping families living with mental health challenges meet each day with hope and optimism is what keeps her going as a volunteer. Louise brings over 25 years of grassroots advocacy and support group facilitation to her work with PCMH. Louise works in the child and youth mental health sector, helping organizations and system level initiatives engage youth and families in meaningful ways to improve services. In her personal life, Louise loves to spend time with her family and dogs, spend time with her family and dogs, read novels that make her think and rides her bike on hilly country rides.

Andrea is a mother of two living in Hamilton with her wife, their 3 dogs, 3 birds, cat and fish. She is raising a youth with complex special needs and mental health concerns, which motivates her to share emotional and practical supports with others in similar situations. Andrea offers her unique perspective and experience to provide hope and empowerment to those struggling to navigate various systems in the Hamilton area.

Virtual Meetings:
Meetings are held on the first AND third Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 pm (Central Time / 8 to 9:30 pm Eastern Time).  For more information contact kenora@pcmh.ca

To register for the meetings on the first Wednesday of each month, click HERE and to register for the meetings on the third Wednesdays of each month, click HERE. You CAN register for both!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter: RoxAnne

In-person meeting:

1990 Royal Cres., Argyle Family Centre, London, ON.

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month from 6:30pm  to 8 pm at the For more information contact london@pcmh.ca.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leaders & Family Peer Supporters:  Lindsay and Olivia

Hybrid Meetings:

Join the meeting in person or virtually on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm.

In Person:

Beauchamp Hub, 140 Elmwood Ave., North Bay, ON    Enter through the Blue Doors!

Virtual:

Register for Zoom link by clicking HERE. You will receive a link for the meeting after you register! Email northbay@pcmh.ca if you would like more information or to be on our email list! 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter: Chantal

Chantal is a mother of two children – one teen and one adult. Her teen has been struggling with challenges since grade one, but is currently on a path to successfully graduating high school. She parents with her wife and their adult child is now out of the house and attending university. She found that she could be a better parent when learning from others and asking questions about how to meet the sometimes volatile home life their family lives as they parent a son who is managing friendships with limits in social abilities. They are often working with doctors, counselors, school and sometimes police to find the best path forward. She wants to learn from others and share the struggle.

Meetings:
Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For more information contact oakville@pcmh.ca or 1-800-637-1108 ext 111.

In-person:
Oakville Public Library Central Branch, 120 Navy Street, Oakville

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leaders & Family Peer Supporters: Numila and Jodie

Numila
Numila joined PCMH in November 2013 as a parent seeking support , information and some direction navigating the mental health system, school system and community resources. Within the PCMH support meetings, the group members were wonderfully understanding and empathic, lending support in a non-judgemental atmosphere. It was comforting knowing others shared their personal experiences that I could relate to.

Jodie
Jodie is one of the founding members of the Oakville PCMH Chapter. She has a background in Nursing and an HBA in Sociology. She uses her strengths and lived experience to be a strong advocate for her daughter. She has a great deal of experience navigating community supports and the school system and keeping current with policy trends. Jodie has been actively involved in providing education to parents through community events alongside other mental health partners. She has also created a useful family resource guide pertaining to anxiety which can be accessed on the Oakville PCMH website.

This chapter offers 1:1 peer support only. If you live in this region and are interested in peer support please email orangeville@pcmh.ca to book a time to speak with our Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter, Sarah.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

In-Person meetings:

We will meet every third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8 pm at Georgian Shores United Church, 997 4th Avenue East, Owen Sound.

Have questions or want more information? Contact Becky or Sara at owensound@pcmh.ca.

We are looking to build our team of Family Peer Supporters. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leaders: Becky & Sara

In-person Meetings:
Monthly on the third Wednesday of each month from 7:00pm to 8:00pm at Grace United Church, 900 Cathcart St., Sarnia, ON.

For more information contact sarnia@pcmh.ca

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leaders & Family Peer Supporters: Jessi and Tanya

Jessi is an advocate for children’s mental health through her role as a kindergarten teacher in the public school board. She has taken mental health training to better support her kids’ mental health challenges and has stayed active as a volunteer in the mental health community. After having difficulty finding support for herself, she is grateful to be able to provide support to other families through her role with PCMH.

Tanya has suffered from mental health challenges that were undiagnosed for many years and this has led her to become a strong advocate for children’s mental health. She wants for all children including her children to grow up in a world where they do not need to fight the stigma of mental health. Through accessing services for her children in her community the lack of support for struggling families was very evident. PCMH has given the community and the parent voice a chance to be heard and to support each other when the system has failed.

We are looking to set up in-person meetings – stay tuned for more details in the new year! Until then, please email Bonnie at simcoecounty@pcmh.ca.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter: Bonnie

Bonnie is a mom of two sons, one of whom she supported through mental health challenges and navigating services for him to be his best self. She is a great support to other parents who are experiencing a similar journey, and even assists with IEP meetings if needed. Bonnie has participated in the Kinark Family Advisory Council in the past and ensured that the family voice was heard in relation to services.

We are currently seeking volunteers who are currently or in the past have been Care Providers with a Children’s Aid Society and cared for children either as a foster, adoptive, kin or customary Care Provider.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader & Peer Supporter, please email support@pcmh.ca.

In Person Meetings:

We will be meeting on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Merrymount ~ 1064 Colborne St., London, ON :

For more information please contact Ginette at FASDlondon@pcmh.ca

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader & Family Peer Supporter, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leaders & Family Peer Supporters: Darlene, Ginette & Lisa

Darlene Durand

Darlene is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and part time professor at a local college in the ECE program. Her passion for FASD was sparked when her family became a foster home for newborn babies. They have been blessed by adoption and their 16-year-old daughter who has FASD, is the reason for Darlene’s passion. Finding ways to guide and support her daughter with strength-based modalities has driven Darlene’s advocacy in the community and most recently in the Healthcare system alongside her daughter. Darlene’s passion and energy is supported by her husband Chris, who is the brakes to her gas pedal at times but together they find success even amidst some of the most challenging moments on their parenting journey. Team LOVE is what the Durand Family has called themselves as they navigate situations, leading with love. Knowing that to help anyone be the best they can be, they need to know they are loved first and foremost. Team LOVE is also involved in cheering on caregivers, providing opportunities for connection and community, to give those raising children the hope and strength they need to get through each day.

Ginette Lamothe

Ginette is the sole parent of an amazing boy diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Her adoptive experience included little support or information about her son’s diagnosis. As a result, Ginette became immersed in learning everything she could to understand her child’s needs to give him the best possible chance of success. She has since learned that parenting a child with FASD often requires a shift in understanding and approach, and that success is a two-sided coin which includes understanding and meeting the needs of the child, while learning skills and becoming intentional and resilient as a parent.

Ginette’s passion is educating others about FASD, advocating her her son as well as the FASD community, and providing support to other parents on this unique journey. Her goal is to help parents feel more competent and confident by empowering them with the information, resources and support they need to succeed. Ginette has been active as a parent mentor, a member of a number of FASD groups and committees and has played an advisory role in several planning committees and initiatves. Ginette is always keeping current on research, best practices and what’s happening in the FASD world, as she strives to continue growing and learning as a parent of a child with special needs.

Virtual Meetings:
Monthly meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. There will be no meetings in July or August. This is a provincial group, therefore, all meetings are virtual. This group provides peer support for parents and caregivers of children or youth with suspected or diagnosed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.

For more information please contact Darlene at FASDpeersupport@pcmh.ca.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Chapter Leader, please email support@pcmh.ca.

Chapter Leaders & Family Peer Supporters:

Darlene Durand

Darlene is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and part time professor at a local college in the ECE program. Her passion for FASD was sparked when her family became a foster home for newborn babies. They have been blessed by adoption and their 16-year-old daughter who has FASD, is the reason for Darlene’s passion. Finding ways to guide and support her daughter with strength-based modalities has driven Darlene’s advocacy in the community and most recently in the Healthcare system alongside her daughter. Darlene’s passion and energy is supported by her husband Chris, who is the brakes to her gas pedal at times but together they find success even amidst some of the most challenging moments on their parenting journey. Team LOVE is what the Durand Family has called themselves as they navigate situations, leading with love. Knowing that to help anyone be the best they can be, they need to know they are loved first and foremost. Team LOVE is also involved in cheering on caregivers, providing opportunities for connection and community, to give those raising children the hope and strength they need to get through each day.

Ginette Lamothe

Ginette is the sole parent of an amazing boy diagnosed with FASD. Her adoptive experience included little support or information about her son’s diagnosis or what parenting a child with FASD would involve. As a result, Ginette became immersed in learning everything she could to understand her child’s needs to give him the best possible chance of success. She has since learned that parenting a child with FASD often requires a shift in understanding and approach, and that success is a two-sided coin which includes understanding and meeting the needs of the child, while learning skills and becoming intentional and resilient as a parent.

Ginette is passionate about educating others about FASD and has become a strong advocate for her son as well as the FASD community. With the help of Ontario FASD Supports funding through Health Nexus, she organized several large live FASD workshops attended by caregivers and professionals from across Ontario. She has been an FASD parent mentor through the London Family Court Clinic and has been a member of the London Middlesex Children’s Aid Services FASD Steering Committee, the local FASD Community of Practice and co-chair of the London FASD Caregiver and Parent Advisory Committee. She has also played an advisory role with Health Nexus in FASD planning, programs, training, and French content, and she has helped to organize several FASD Awareness Day activities.

Currently Ginette is a member of her son’s school board’s Special Education Advisory Committee as an FASD representative and she is always keeping current on research, best practices and what’s happening in the FASD world.

She is thrilled to support others on this unique parenting journey and is excited to be involved with the creation of the Ontario FASD peer support group!

Virtual Meetings:

Click HERE to book a private, one-to-one peer support session with either Kristin or Laurie. A Zoom link will be sent to you once you register!

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer Family Peer Supporter, email support@pcmh.ca.