Guelph, ON, N1H 1C8
Trained volunteers provide emotional support, goal and safety planning, and assistance to callers in connecting with other community resources. Volunteers provide confidential, solution-focused response and assessment of crisis with intervention when required.
- support for people who are experiencing distress about their circumstances
- referral to community services
- training provided for volunteers on listening and communication skills, solution-focused conversation, and assessing high risk situations
Distress Line
- 519-821-3760 ext. 1
- Supports mild to moderate levels of distress through active listening.
- 519-821-3760 ext. 2
- Outbound call service designed to support community members of Guelph-Wellington who are struggling with independent living.
- 519-669-3760
- Supports members of the LGBTQ+ Community by providing a safe space to chat and connect with resources. Texting is also an option.
Guelph, ON, N1E 6K9
Guelph, ON, N1H 0A1
Service categories include:
- information, assessment and referral
- crisis assessment
- support coordination
- peer / self help
- short-term crisis support beds
- court support and diversion
- community counselling and treatment
- support within housing
- day / evening treatment
- residential treatment
- Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT)
- eating disorders
- early psychosis treatment and support services
Guelph, ON, N1E 4J4
- Emotional support, trauma counselling, safety planning and follow-up care.
Note: Guelph General Hospital is the designated sexual assault centre for the region
- confidential and anonymous
- connection to appropriate services - safe shelter, safety planning, legal / medical / housing assistance, counselling
- referral / liaison with other community supports and resources
- support for family members and concerned friends
Guelph, ON, N1H 4C6
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
- No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Project Lifesaver: provides wrist transmitters to individuals who may wander due to cognitive impairment. Suitable for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease, autism, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (VSW partners with Wellington County OPP and Guelph Police Service).
Spira Fire Victim Relief Fund: financial aid for those experiencing material loss due to a residential fire and are uninsured.
Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2
- non-residential program (connects women to Marianne's Place)
- individual and group counselling
- child care available during counselling
- safety planning
- support for survivors of childhood sexual abuse / sexual assault / harassment / stalking / human trafficking
- appointment arranged in mutually agreed location if required
- transportation, accompaniment to police, court, hospital, lawyer, shelter, rural services
- advocacy / referral to community agencies
- education / training on all woman abuse / sexual violence issues
- support for criminal injuries compensation / victim impact statements / restraining orders
- housing / legal / financial / custody information and support
- support for family / partners / friends of survivors
- Family Court Support
- client library and resource materials
- public education presentations available on request
Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2
- individual / group counselling and support
- accompaniment to hospital / police / court
- advocacy / court preparation / community referrals
- assistance with victim impact statements
- sexual harassment support / accompaniment
- information on sexual assault / sexual harassment / childhood sexual abuse / incest / stalking
- information on legal / medical procedures and options
- client workshops on selected topics
- support for family / friends of sexually violated survivors
- public education / training / information sessions available on request
- client library and resource materials
- supporting sexual assault / incest survivors
- providing 24-hour on call service / public education / accompaniment
Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2
Programs include Marianne's Place (shelter), Transitional and Housing Support Program, Family Court Support Program, Rural Women's Support Program, Sexual Assault Centre, 24-hour Crisis Line, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Program.
Guelph, ON, N1E 2X2
- immediate telephone support and information through 24-hour Crisis Line
- individual / group counselling and support
- accompaniment to hospital / police / court
- advocacy / court preparation / community referrals
- assistance with victim impact statements
- sexual harassment support / accompaniment
- risk assessments and safety planning
- information on and support through legal / medical / immigration processes and options
- information on sexual assault / sexual harassment / childhood sexual abuse / incest / stalking
- housing or emergency shelter support
- substance use community supports
- support for family / friends of sexually violated survivors
- facilitated culturally appropriate connections
- public education, training, targeted outreach
- client library and resource materials
Provides a trauma-informed, harm reduction, intersectional approach and response to crisis, working from an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework.
Additional e-mail address: [email protected]
Kitchener, ON, N2A 3N8
Can be reached by text, instructions on website for how to erase browser history. Also offer translation services, both in person and on the phone.
This is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs.
Cambridge, ON
- Provides services and support to people and their families who have experienced sexual violence
- Offers individual counselling to all genders (16 years of age and older) in both Kitchener and Cambridge
- 24-Hour Support Line and support groups, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniments to the hospital, police, and courthouse
- Program supporting women who have experienced violence as they navigate the Family Court process.
Cambridge, ON, N1R 8M5
Can be reached by text, instructions on website for how to erase browser history. Also offer translation services, both in person and on the phone.
This is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs.
Cambridge, ON, N1R 6V7
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
- No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Kitchener, ON, N2H 2M2
- Provide emotional support and intervention, options, information, referrals, as well as advocacy and accompaniments
- Phone support is available in more than 200 languages through an interpreter service
- Online chat support available as well, see website for availability.
Kitchener, ON, N2H 2M2
- Offers individual counselling to all genders (16 years of age and older) in both Kitchener and Cambridge
- 24 Hour Support Line and support groups, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniments for women to the hospital, police, and courthouse
- Information on the family court process
- Assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- Referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- Safety planning
- Court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
- Counselling
- Advocacy
- Crisis support
- Safety planning
- Related accompaniments
- Practical assistance
- Support through legal processes
- Support with obtaining housing
- Connections to community supports
- Public education and outreach
Kitchener, ON, N2H 2M2
- Provides services and support to people and their families who have experienced sexual violence
- Offers individual counselling to all genders (16 years of age and older) in both Kitchener and Cambridge
- 24-Hour Support Line and support groups, advocacy, referrals, and accompaniments to the hospital, police, and courthouse
- Program supporting women who have experienced violence as they navigate the Family Court process.
Kitchener, ON, N2G 4G3
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
- No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Waterloo, ON, N2J 4N7
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal and treatment at a recovery facility
- No direct reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Distress and Crisis Ontario (DCO) is the provincial networking organization that supports and helps build and sustain the capacity of its member agencies in the continuum of support, referral and mental health services offered to the people of Ontario. At a Distress Centre, individuals can find a listening ear for lonely, depressed, and/or suicidal people, usually 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many centres also have Suicide Survivor programs, support services for youth, telephone call out programs for seniors and vulnerable people, mental health Crisis Phone Lines, Online Chat services and much more. For a listing of member agencies, click here.
Stratford, ON, N4Z 1G8
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This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region
- In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
- for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778
General Crisis & Distress
YOUTH (17 yrs & younger)
ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)
- 905-878-9785
- for children and youth in crisis, and caregivers/community members
- see listing, BTN4032
ADULTS (16 yrs & older)
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 1-877-825-9011
- telephone support and mobile intervention program for those who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
- see listing, MHH0509
ALL AGES
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- call or text 9-8-8, or 1-833-456-4566
- national telephone and text suicide prevention and support
- see listing, MET7492
Distress Centre Halton
- Oakville: 905-849-4541
- Burlington: 905-681-1488
- North Halton: 905-877-1211
- Hamilton: 905-561-5800
- see listing, MHH0488
Addiction & Gambling
ConnexOntario
- 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
- online chat
- access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
- see listing, LON6230
Caregivers
Ontario Caregiver Organization
- Toll free helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
- supports Ontario's caregivers by being the one point of contact for information about existing services and supports
- online chat
- peer and community support groups
- see listing, MET8105
Children and Youth Mental Health
One Stop Talk (available Mon-Fri 12 noon-8 pm & Sat 12 noon-4 pm)
- 1-855-416-8255
- connect directly with a counsellor through online chat, video and voice
- offers children, youth (under 18 yrs) and their families immediate access to free mental health support through single session counselling and ensures direct referral to additional service when needed
- services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario
- see listing, MET1991
Kids Help Phone
- 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- online chat
- bilingual help-line provides free counselling, information and referral on anonymous basis to children and youth
- ages 5-30
- see listing, MET6983
Good2Talk (post-secondary school students)
- Counselling Line: 1-866-925-5454
- Crisis Text Line: text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- provides information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus or speak anonymously with a professional counsellor
- see listing, MET2344
Naseeha (available daily, 12 noon-3 am)
- Helpline and Text line: 1-866-627-3342
- Muslim youth helpline serving Muslim and non-Muslim youth across North America
- a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need
- provides workshops, web therapy sessions, and phone & texting mental health support
- see listing, PEL1127
Youthspace.ca (available daily 9 pm-12 midnight)
- Text line: 778-783-0177
- Online crisis and emotional support chat service for youth
- chat online or via text message
- conversations limited to 60 minutes
- see listing, IMP0305
First Responders
Boots on the Ground
- Toll free 1-833-677-2668
- peer support for first responders
- services offered to retired and serving police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, and nurses across the province
- able to provide in person peer support as needed
- see listing, OAK0181
Indigenous peoples
Hope for Wellness Helpline
- 1-855-242-3310
- online chat
- a mental health helpline, telephone or online chat, for Indigenous peoples
- provides immediate, culturally relevant crisis counselling support
- refers callers to additional supports if needed
- see listing, IMP0326
TALK4HEALING
- Helpline and Text line: 1-855-554-4325 (1-855-554-HEAL)
- online chat
- 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario
- services in 14 Indigenous languages
- see listing, IMP0327
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
- 1-866-925-4419
- immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
- see website
2SLGBTQ+
LGBT YouthLine (available Sun to Fri, 4 pm-9:30 pm)
- Text 647-694-4275
- email: [email protected]
- online chat
- peer support by email, text and online chat
- information and referral
- anonymous and confidential
- Youth Line blog
- referral database of LGBTQ+ youth services
- see listing, MET7095
Trans Lifeline (available Mon-Fri 1 pm-9 pm)
- Toll free 1-877-330-6366
- a hot-line that is staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis
- based out of the USA
- see listing, IMP0092
Interligne
- Phone or Text 1-888-505-1010
- confidential information and support service for individuals concerned with sexual orientation and gender identity issues
- service offered through telephone, text, chat, and email
- Acts of Homophobia Registry
- see listing, IMP0133
Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service
- Toll free 1-800-268-7708
- TTY 1-800-567-5803
- psychological support for veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers
- see website
VETS (Veterans Emergency Transition Services) Canada
- 1-888-228-3871
- for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless and their family members
- see listing, IMP0122
Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence
YOUTH
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing, BTN0483)
For children in need of care/protection, report to either:
- Halton Children's Aid Society at 905-333-4441 or toll free 1-866-607-5437
- Halton Regional Police Service, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at (non-emergency) 905-825-4747 ext 8970
ADULTS
Halton Womens Place
- South Halton: 905-332-7892
- North Halton: 905-878-8555
- 24 hour crisis lines and shelter for abused women and their dependent children, emergency transportation to shelter available
- see listing, BTN2544
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)
- 24 hour crisis line: 905-875-1555
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- see listing, OAK2741
Femaide
- 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
- provincial crisis line and confidential services for Francophone women who are victims or survivors of any form of violence or are in distress
- crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
- see listing, MET4619
Assaulted Women's Helpline
- 1-866-863-0511 or text #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone
- telephone crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services
- ages 16 and up
- see listing, MET5691
Seniors Safety Line
- 1-866-299-1011
- 24 hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect
- see listing, MET5690
Other three-digit (N11) helplines serving Halton
- 811 - Health Care Information & Service Navigation Assistance (Health Connect Ontario)
- 711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS, relay service, IP-relay)
- 611 - Telephone Service Provider
- 511 - Provincial Road Conditions & Tow Truck Services, in restricted Tow Zones (Ontario 511)
- 411 - Commercial & Residential Directory Assistance (YellowPages)
- 311 - Regional Services Intake & Information, Public & Family Health Information Line (Access Halton)
- 211 - Community Information, Resource & Service Navigation (Ontario 211)
For a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines
Major Services:
- 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
- HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
- safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks for abused women and their dependent children
- individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
- community agency information and referral when necessary
- court support for interim custody and restraining orders
- children's services
- emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
- depart planning
- SafePet Program
- advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
- transitional support program
- accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)
Family Court Support Worker Program
Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.
Support provided includes:
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- debriefing with clients following family court appearances
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
Schools programs
- EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 8-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)
By law, any individual (including professionals, officials and members of the public) witnessing or with reasonable grounds to suspect an act of child abuse, neglect, abandonment, desertion or need for protection must report the incident to:
Halton Children's Aid Society, 905-333-4441
If the matter is urgent and the Children's Aid Society cannot be reached, call Halton Regional Police Service, 905-825-4777 ext 8970
The Duty to Report applies to any child who is, or appears to be, under the age of 16 years, and to children already under a child protection order who are 16 and 17 years old
On January 1, 2018, Ontario raised the age of protection from 16 to 18. A professional, or member of the public, who is concerned that a 16 or 17 year old is or may be in need of protection may, but is not required to, make a report to a society and the society is required to assess the reported information
The Duty to Report applies even when the information is otherwise confidential or privileged, and overrides any other provincial statutes, specifically any provisions that would otherwise prohibit someone from making a disclosure.
Visit Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: It's Your Duty which provides definitions as well as responsibilities of professionals, officials and members of the public under the Child and Family Services Act (or download brochure here)
If you witness or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation or if a victim comes to you there are agencies in Halton Region that offer help and support services:
Reporting to Police
Halton Regional Police Service
- call 905-825-4777 and ask for the on-duty Vice unit officer
- 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Crisis Support & Counselling
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 24/7 crisis line 905-875-1555
- Anti-Human Trafficking Services 905-825-3622
- 24/7 distress line Oakville 905-849-4541, Burlington 905-681-1488, North Halton 905-877-1211
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 24/7 crisis line 1-877-825-9011
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
- 24/7 helpline 1-833-900-1010
Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 905-825-3622 (after hours call crisis line 905-875-1555)
- 905-624-1755 (after hours call Female Mobile Support 905-459-1315 ext 250)
Restorations Second Stage Homes
- 905-962-7378
Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance
- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
- call 3-1-1
- emergency shelter intake and referral to Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter (men) or Wesley Housing Services - Halton (women and families)
Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services
- 905-825-4777 ext 5239
Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) & Hospital Emergency Rooms
Nina's Place (located at Joseph Brant Hospital)
- 905-336-4116
- Halton Region's only sexual assault and domestic violence care centre
- 905-632-3737
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
- 905-845-2571
- 905-878-2383
- 905-873-0111
Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18
- 24/7 helpline 905-333-4441
Halton Regional Police Service - Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau
- 24/7 non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 8970
Internet Child Exploitation Counselling Program (ICE)
- 1-866-264-8900, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4:30 pm
- referrals to short-term counselling