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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.

  1. Talk about a challenging time in your life, how you overcame it and the services and supports that helped you
  2. Focus on a funny moment that changed the way you think or feel about a situation
  3. Share a lesson you learned that changed the direction of your life
  4. Discuss how learning from other people helped you on your journey
  5. Show how you were able to deal with setbacks while still striving for success
  6. 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.

Crisis Line: 1-855-310-COPE (2673)