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Share your Story
Share your story, on your own terms, and help inspire and make a difference in the lives of peers facing the same or similar challenges in your community.
To get a better sense of the kind of stories we’re looking for, you can read personal blog posts written by community members.
“I am a woman of color, survivor of domestic violence, refugee claimant, single mother, internationally trained professional, ambitious, empowered entrepreneur who spent more than a decade on a waiting list for affordable housing. Some of the community services I utilized included, but not limited to, the Domestic Abuse Sexual Assault Care Centre of York Region, Women’s College Hospital, Women’s Support Network, Women Centre of York Region and YSSN. I am thrilled to be such an active part of the York Region community and I have a lot to say about people’s ability to get the services they need.” – Carleen M.
- Talk about a challenging time in your life, how you overcame it and the services and supports that helped you
- Focus on a funny moment that changed the way you think or feel about a situation
- Share a lesson you learned that changed the direction of your life
- Discuss how learning from other people helped you on your journey
- Show how you were able to deal with setbacks while still striving for success
- Reflect on a moment that defined who you are and who you’re becoming
Clothing: Come as you are and wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable. We suggest that you avoid clothes with stripes, excessive patterns, graphics or words (they don’t always appear well on camera).
Location: Find a well-lit space with natural light inside your home. It’s best to choose an uncluttered space, if possible.
Settings: We suggest using your cell phone’s better rear camera. Make sure you wipe it down first before starting to record.
Sound: Minimize background noise. No music and avoid running AC or fans while filming. Close windows to avoid outside noise.
Stabilize: Set your phone at eye level on a piece of furniture or a tripod and press record.
We recognize that telling your story is a deeply personal decision and isn’t always an easy thing to do.
Here are some resources to help support you on your journey:
Learn about storytelling and trauma and the healing power of your personal story.
If you need to talk to someone, you can call Krasman Centre’s Warm Line & Peer Crisis Support Phone and Chat Services at: 1-888-777-0979. Calls are answered 24/7 by individuals with lived experience with mental health concerns, addiction and/or trauma.
If you’re in crisis, call the Your Support Services Network (YSSN) Community Crisis Response Service (310-COPE) at: 1-855-310-COPE (2673) to speak with a crisis worker anytime you need to. Crisis workers will provide an immediate response in a variety of situations.
These programs in York Region, Toronto and North York provide support without the traditional intake process, with a focus on peer support.
Your Support Services Network (YSSN)
240 Edward Street, Unit 3, Aurora
(905) 898-6455
Free single session counselling offered once per week
Catholic Community Services of York Region
21 Dunlop Street #101, Richmond Hill
(905) 770-7040 ext. 241
Walk-in counselling session offered once per week for $40 (no one is denied if they can’t pay the full fee)
Cornerstone to Recovery
570 Steven Court b, Newmarket
(905) 762-1551
Recovery focused (mental and physical) wellness drop in/meetings
Meetings/activities offered Monday through Friday, $10/month membership fee
Krasman Centre
10121 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill
(905) 780-0491
Free drop-in, groups and more offered seven days per week
Family Therapy Toronto
Psychotherapist
358 Dufferin Street
(416) 819-0110
Karma Cares Mental Health/Therapy/Social Worker
Psychotherapist
128 Avondale Avenue
(647) 300-1172
LOFT Community Services – 416 Community Support for Women
Mental health service
416 Dundas Street East
(416) 928-3334
Drop in food program, companionship for the homeless
Reconnect Community Health Services
Mental health service
1281 St Clair Avenue West (in Domy’s Hair Salon)
(416) 248-2050
Mental health support services
Skylark Youth: ‘What’s up’ Walk-in
Mental health service
65 Wellesley Street East, #500 (in The Village Centre)
(416) 482-0081 ext. 333
Free mental health walk-in service for youth
What Next Peer Support/Drop-in Centre
Social services organization
3701 Chesswood Drive
(416) 449-4555
Toronto North Support Services
Mental health clinic
132 Railside Road
(416) 499-5969
Pathways for seniors program
Lumenus Community Services
Youth social services organization
1126 Finch Avenue West, Unit #16
(416) 222-1153
Walk-in mental health clinic for teens
Sound Times Support Services
Mental health service
280 Parliament Street
Offers legal services and psychiatric services
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
Mental health service
(416) 486-8046
Support services and drop-in
Skylark Youth: Youth Wellness Hub Ontario – Central Toronto
Mental health service
40 Orchard View Boulevard #255
(416) 482-0081 ext. 282
Walk-in support
Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services
Social services organization
221 Broadview Avenue, 2nd Floor
(416) 463-1481
Drop-in and mental health
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health – Queen Street Site
Mental health clinic
1000 Queen Street West
1-800-463-2338
Mental health and addiction services
LOFT Community Services
Social services organization
15 Toronto Street
(416) 979-1994
Drop-in and mental health
YouthCan Impact & EMYS Mental Health Walk-In Clinic
Walk-in clinic
East Metro Youth Services
Mental health clinic
1200 Markham Rd (in ALDGate Centre)
(416) 438-3697
Free walk-in counselling service available
LOFT Community Services – McEwan Positive Care Coordination Project & Transitional Gender Program
Mental health service
200 Gerrard Street East, Suite 309
(416) 646-2831
The Access Point
Mental health service
661 Yonge Street, #4
(416) 640-1934
Walk in resources support
Family Service Toronto
Non-profit organization
355 Church Street (in Alter Condominium)
(416) 595-9230
Walk-in and mental health support
LOFT Community Services – Behavioural Support Services – Mobile Support Team
Mental health service
2115 Finch Avenue West, #205
1-844-798-6920
By calling our toll free number 1-855-310-COPE (2673) or (TTY) 1-866-323-7785, you can speak with a crisis worker anytime you need to. The crisis worker will provide an immediate telephone response in a variety of situations.
