Workshops, Groups and Events
Virtual Walk-In / Single Session Counselling
Community members are invited to access our free Single Session Walk-in Counselling.
Virtual sessions are available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In-person sessions are available on Thursdays, starting April 11, 2024 at our 355 Church Street location.
For more Information, go to Single Session Walk-in Counselling program page
If you are in crisis, please call:
Distress Centre: 416-408-HELP (4357)
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 416-863-0511 or 1-866-863-0511
Gerstein Centre – Crisis line: 416-929-5200
Community Information and Toronto Community Crisis 211 or go to 211Toronto.ca
Events
Victoria Park Hub Fair
Come and visit FST staff at the Victoria Park Information Fair on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024 from 10am to 2pm at 1527 Victoria Park Ave, 2nd Floor.
There will be information about programs that run out of the HUB, as well as job fair information, opportunities to network with all the partners, refreshments, raffles, and prizes.
For more information, please reach out to [email protected] or 416-750-9600
Workshops and groups by program
Counselling | Families in Transition | Options – Children | Violence against Women | David Kelley Services | Seniors and Caregivers Support Services | Seniors Community Connections | Healthy Families, Healthy Communities
Workshops and groups offered by Counselling Service
Weekly Meditation Group (virtual)
This weekly webinar is an invitation to engage in a guided mindfulness practice. Each week, a counsellor will lead participants through a meditation and provide information about a weekly topic, such as mindfulness, coping strategies, or understanding emotion.
Date(s): Every Monday
Time: 1 – 1:30 p.m.
How: Offered via Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration information: To register or for more information contact Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Group for Emotional Regulation (virtual)
This six-week group helps individuals:
- Know they are not alone in their distress and that others struggle with similar issues.
- Share information and learn from each other.
- Experience a safe place within which to practice new skills.
Every week/session a new technique will be introduced and practised to help you with reducing your anxiety and having more self-regulation. Members will not be allowed in the group if they skip the first two session since the material and practice of it is build up on each session.
Date: Thursdays, May 16 – June 20, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
How: Offered via Zoom
Cost: Sliding scale starting at $10/session
Registration: Pre-screening required and assigned when registering. Please call Family Service Toronto, Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618
Workshops and groups offered by Families in Transition Program
THE WAVE – A Family in Transition Children’s Group (in-person)
This is a group for kids born 2013-2015 to discuss and understand family changes like separation or divorce. Through creative activities, they’ll explore their feelings and experiences. The group format will allow participants to be witnessed and to witness others, and create a safe space for sharing, normalization, and validation of experiences to build resilience.
Date(s): Thursdays, October 17 – December 12, 2024 (excluding October 31)
Time: 4:15 -5:45 p.m.
Location: 355 Church Street
Cost: Group fees align with the FST Sliding scale
Registration information:
Forms will need to be completed by all parents/guardians with decision making in order to register.
Pre-group screening is required with the requesting parent and child on Zoom
To begin the registration process please call Service Access Unit: 416.595.9618
Supporting Children through Separation and Divorce (virtual)
Psycho-educational and interactive sessions for parents who want to develop an understanding of children’s developmental stages and their corresponding experiences of separation and divorce; and learn skills to support their own well-being and their children who may be experiencing challenges.
Dates and time
Wednesday, Jun 19 | 12-2pm
Tuesday, August 6 | 11am-1pm
Tuesday, October 1 | 11am-1pm
Tuesday December 3 | 11am-1pm
Fee: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
How: Offered via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is required.
Please register by calling our Service Access Unit: 416-595- 9618
Co-parents will not be attending at the same workshop.
Co-parenting: Embracing the Ebbs and Flows (virtual)
Psycho-educational and interactive single session workshops for parents wanting to develop an understanding of healthy co-parenting strategies and the different types of co-parenting; and learn skills on how to engage in a healthy co-parenting relationship to support the well-being of their children
Dates and time
Tuesday, July 9 | 12-2pm
Wednesday, September 11 | 11-1pm
Wednesday, November 20 | 12-2pm
Fee: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
How: Offered via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is required.
Please register by calling our Service Access Unit: 416-595- 9618
Co-parents will not be attending at the same workshop.
Blending Families (virtual)
A one-time 2-hour psycho-educational workshop for parents and their partners wanting to ease the transition of introducing a new romantic partner to their children. The workshop will cover common challenges, learning to manage different parenting styles and navigating the co-parenting relationship, while staying connected to your new partner and children.
Date and time: Wednesday, October 16 | 12 – 2 p.m.
Fee: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
How: Offered via Zoom
Registration: Pre-registration is required for all attendees. Please register by calling our Service Access Unit: 416-595-9618.
Co-parents will not be attending the same workshop.
Please attend with your new romantic partner (if possible).
Workshops and groups offered by Options – Children
Resources Coordination Workshop (virtual)
This workshop offered by Options – Children is designed to provide caregivers who have children and/or youth between the ages of 0 -18 years old, with information on both FST’s children programs and Toronto based resources to assist with supporting the needs of a loved one.
Date: June 6, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Where: 202-128A Sterling Rd., Toronto
Fee: Free
Registration: Zoom Webinar Registration Link
Camps Registration Workshop (virtual)
Ever wonder what you need to register your child for camp? Not sure what camps are out there? Come join us for an information session on camps and respite registration. This single-session workshop is suitable for caregivers of children 4 -18 who would like to have a better understanding of the what’s, when, and how’s of registering for camp.
Date: April 18; May 2; May 16, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Fee: Free
Registration link: Please register to the session you want to attend at the following links:
Link for April 18: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Link for May 2: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Link for May 16: Webinar Registration – Zoom
Download April – May sessions flyer
Financial Supports Workshop (virtual)
Come learn about provincial and charitable funding that you and your child may be eligible for. Receive a resource package with links and steps for completing the applications. This workshop is suitable for caregivers of children birth to 18 who would like to have a better understanding of funding for children with special needs.
Date: June 18, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Where: Virtual on Zoom
Fee: Free
Registration link: Zoom Webinar Registration Link
Workshops and groups offered by the Violence against Women Program
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Group for Spanish-speaking women (in-person)
A 10 weeks DBT group for Spanish Speaking women.
Have you felt that your emotions control you? When you get angry, sad, or worried, do you think these feelings hit uncontrollably, and do you regret acting rashly?
If your answer is YES, this group is for you.
Date(s): Fridays, starting June 21, 2024
Time: 11a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
How: 355 Church Street
Cost: Free
Registration information: Please call Family Service Toronto’s Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618.
Pre-group screening is required.
Journeying Through: Uncovering Resources through Expressive Arts (in-person)
An 8-week group for women-identified survivors of trauma offered by Family Service Toronto – Violence Against Women Program. This group is suitable for those who are interested in exploring the sense of belonging and community.
Focus: Exploring and accessing inner resources through art in a supportive group setting
Date(s): Wednesdays, June 6 – July 25, 2024 (group is currently full)
Time: 11a.m. – 1p.m.
How: 355 Church Street
Cost: Free
Registration information: Please call Family Service Toronto’s Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618.
Pre-group screening is required.
Resilient Bodies Trauma-Informed Yoga Webinar (virtual)
This 8-week webinar is for people who have experienced trauma. This online webinar is an invitation to practice gentle trauma-informed yoga and to learn how yoga/mindfulness are useful for trauma recovery. Participants will gain skills to assist them in understanding and managing trauma responses. Each session will include both an educational component as well as a yoga practice. The yoga offered in this webinar is suitable for both beginners and those who already have a yoga practice.
Date(s): April 12 – June 7 (excluding May 31), 2024
Time: 10a.m. – 12p.m.
How: Offered via Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration information: To register, contact the Service Access Unit.
Phone: 416-595-9618
Email: [email protected]
Workshops and groups offered by David Kelley Services Program
You’ve Got Pride
Postcard-making and a queer-centred watch party! Free walk-in event.
Come celebrate pride with us at 355 Church Street! Enjoy some popcorn while watching We’re Here (TV-MA), Drag Race (TV-MA) & Out (PG) and/or get creative in our craft lounge making letters and buttons.
Date: June 12, 2024
Time: 3 – 7 p.m.
Location: Family Service Toronto, 355 Church St., 3rd floor
Registration: No registration required. For information, connect with
Blythe: [email protected]; 416.595.9230 x286; or
Holly: [email protected]; 416.595.9230 x278
Emotional Skills Group (virtual)
This is an online skills group offering 2SLGBTQ+ clients a space to learn and practice the emotional skills needed for managing stress, regulating emotions and having healthier relationships. Each session centers a core emotional skill, with sessions building and integrating upon one another. Groups are limited to maximum 10 participants.
Date(s): to be announced
Time: 1-2:30pm
Fee: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
Registration information: Pre-screening required. Contact Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Eligibility: Participants have to be eligible for services through DKS; interested in learning tools to cope with emotional dysregulation; and able to commit to attending 5/8 sessions.
2STNB+ Connect Peer Support Group (virtual)
2STNB+ Connect Peer Support Group is now offered by DKS services and it replaces 2STNB Peer Support Group, previously offered by Queer and Connected.
This virtual peer support group assists youth across the gender identity spectrum to meet and connect with others in their community, explore their identities, and make friends.
Dates: Ongoing; Bi-weekly, Wednesdays: Apr 3, 17; May 1, 15, 29; Jun 12, 26; Jul 10, 24…
Time: 7:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of workshops)
Cost: Free
Registration/information: The group is open to 2STNB+ youth 16-29 in Toronto and the GTA
Register with Keith at [email protected]
Follow on Instagram
Art in Trans*ition Peer Support Group (virtual)
Art in Trans*ition is an arts-based peer support group at David Kelley Services (DKS). This 5-session virtual group will use art making to reflect on our own gender transitions – social, emotional, medical and physical. We will explore a variety of themes through writing, drawing, poetry, zines, comics and more. For and by 2STNB+ people, this group is inclusive of everyone on a journey of gender transition, whatever transition means to them. Participants of all art-making experience and abilities are welcome (even if that is none!).
Required art supplies: Journal; pen and pencil; phone camera.
More options: Scissors, tape and glue; collage scarps; paint and brushes; markers; crayons; your art medium of choice.
When: Bi-weekly, Wednesday, April 24, May 8, May 22, June 5, and June 19
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Zoom
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of workshops)
Cost: Free
Registration/information: Open to youth aged 16-29 in Toronto and the GTA
Register with Keith at [email protected]
Follow on Instagram
Workshops offered by Seniors and Caregivers Support Services Program
Still With It: Safety & Belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ Seniors (in-person)
This 12-session series creates a safe social space for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors to learn about and discuss concerns related to elder abuse and building community. Peer co-facilitated by 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors, this program will address two significant concerns: raising elder abuse awareness (including financial abuse) and the need for social participation and inclusion.
This group will provide a space for 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors to connect with others, build community, and receive mutual support.
Eligibility: 55+, identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Date: Fridays, 12 sessions starting Sept 13, 2024
Time: 1:30 – 4 p.m.
Location: 355 Church Street, Toronto
Cost: Free
Registration: Pre-screening is required. Call to register: 416.595.9618
Golden Age Rainbow Chat (in-person)
Are you someone aged 55+ and identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community? Are you looking to connect with others and build community? Join the Golden Age Rainbow Chat for a weekly drop-in chat. This ongoing group, offered by Seniors and Caregivers Support Service counsellors, will explore a variety of topics while building social connection and support.
When: every Friday, until June 21, 2024
Time: Weekly on Friday afternoons from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.,
Location: Family Service Toronto, 355 Church Street.
Cost: Free
Registration information: Pre-screening, 30 min, required. To pre-register to the Fall series, contact the Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Need a Boost (virtual)
Join our discussion group for women 60+. Learn to restore your self-confidence and build support in your life.
- Increase your social network
- Practice communication skills
- Rediscover interests and abilities
- Share memories
Date: Second and fourth Monday afternoon each month
Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration: please call Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618.
Failure to Launch (virtual)
A virtual group for parents 55+ of adult children who have been unable to secure their independence due to:
- Chronic Illness
- Mental Health
- Addictions
Come out and meet other parents who are dealing with similar issues. Learn how to protect yourself against abuse while supporting your adult child in gaining independence.
- Understand your role in continuing the cycle of dependence
- Learn how to set limits and boundaries
- Become aware of the impact of guilt and shame
- Learn to cope with loss and change and moving forward
Date: Fourth Thursday each month
Time: 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration: please call Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618.
Gaining Strength, Sharing Stories (virtual)
A virtual group for women 60+
Sharing our stories, we discover we are not alone.
- Tell your story in a safe and supportive environment
- Ease isolation by connecting with others
- Learn strategies for emotional safety and self-care
- Focus on creating and maintaining healthy relationships.
When: Second Wednesday each month;
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration: Please call Family Service Toronto’s Service Access Unit at 416-595-961
Caring for the Caregiver (virtual)
This 11-session group is offered by FST’s Seniors and Caregivers Support Service (SCSS) counsellors. Are you caring for or concerned about a senior (55+)? Maybe a parent, spouse, partner, relative or friend? This closed group explores various topics related to aging and caregiving over a 11-week cycle. Each session will have an educational component as well as opportunities for participants to exchange ideas, offer support, and share experiences. Participants have the opportunity to bring their own topics for discussion or request counsellors provide focused guidance for specific issues. The group is limited to 10 participants.
When: Thursday mornings; October 10 – December 19, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Offered via Zoom
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Eligible for services with SCSS, in a caregiving role for someone age 55+
Registration information: Pre-screening, 30 min, required.
To pre-register contact the Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Seniors Chat Group (virtual)
A discussion group for anyone aged 55 and over offered by Seniors and Caregivers Support Service counsellors.
Bring some coffee or tea and join FST counsellors for a weekly drop-in chat. We will discuss a variety of topics with the goal of building connection and support with one another.
Date(s): First and third Wednesday of each month: Jan 4 & 18; Feb. 1 & 15; Mar. 1 & 15; Apr. 5 & 19; May 3 & 17; Jun. 7 & 21, 2023
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
How: Offered via Zoom or phone
Cost: Free
Registration information: To register contact the Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Workshops offered by Seniors Community Connections Program
Groups for the Latino-Hispanic Community/Spanish-Speaking Seniors Programs
Chat & Socialize (Chatear y Socializar)
Every Wednesday, older adults in the Latino Hispanic community meet in person or via Zoom to socialize. And once a month to watch a movie and share a pizza at Sterling Road. Coordinators: Evelyn & Rodrigo
Where & When:128 Sterling Rd, 2nd floor Office 202 | 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Information: 416.216.8460
Board Games (Juegos de mesa)
On the second Monday of each month, Latino-Hispanic seniors meet to play board games, games to sharpen the mind, or engage in light and entertaining exercises. Coordinators: Evelyn & Rodrigo
Participants meet to laugh, have fun and a good time.
Where & When: 355 Church St. | 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Information: 416.216.8460
Technology practice (Práctica de tecnología)
Every Friday, come with your iPad, iPhone, computer or other device you use to practice and find answers to questions that arise while using new technologies. Coordinator Rodrigo
Where & When: Birkdale Community Centre, 1299 Ellesmere Rd., Scarborough | 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Information: 416.216.8460
In Contact – Podcast for Spanish Seniors (virtual)
A brief review of what is relevant at the local level with an indication of available services that help overcome the challenges in “Times of Coronavirus”. The program is offered by Seniors Community Connections (SCC)
Audience: Latino Hispano Community
Facilitator: Rodrigo Briones, SCC Coordinator, Lation Hispano Community Facilitator
Date(s): Once a week
Time: Link to podcast always available
Cost: Free
Registration: Contact number for more information: Rodrigo 416.755.5565 ext. 438
Workshops offered by Healthy Families, Healthy Communities program
Smartphone Basic Class
Classes are offered by the LabourEducation Centre for Arabic – speaking women who want to feel more confident using their smartphone. Participants will build their English language skills and knowledge about:
- English digital technology terminology
- Safety and Security
- How to avoid fraud & hacking.
- Online job searching & application.
- Saving files on your phone
Translation will be available. Participants need to bring their smartphone.
Dates: Thursdays-biweekly; 8 sessions | March 21 – June 27, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. -12:00p.m.
Location: The Hub, 2nd floor; 1527 Victoria Park Ave. TTC – Presto card available.
Registration: To sign up connect with:
Nada: 416.755.5565 x 343; [email protected]
Nariman: 416.755.5565 x 402; [email protected]
Women’s Resilience: A Nigerian Perspective (virtual)
A Virtual Group Meeting to enhance women resiliency. Issues on self care and compassion, coping strategies, self-growth and lots more are discussed collectively. Program offered by the Violence against Women Program Facilitator (Nigerian Community)
Date(s): Every Tuesday
Time: 12 – 2 p.m.
How: Conference phone call
Cost: Free
Registration information: Contact Blessing by email [email protected]
Contact number for more information: 647 510 4371
Chitchat Group (In-person; Arabic Speaking Women’s Support Group)
الدردشات نسائية عربية
Chitchat is a free group for Arabic-speaking women offered by Family Service Toronto – Healthy Families, Healthy Communities program in partnership with Arab Community Centre. The group offers an opportunity for women to meet, share and learn from each other, improve the quality of their family life, build skills for safe and healthy relationships, and gain awareness of resources.
Date(s): Biweekly, Thursdays
Time: 10:30 a.m – 1 p.m.
How: Victoria Park Hub, 1527 Victoria Park Ave., 2nd floor,
Cost: Free
Registration: Call Nariman Shabo, Counsellor, English and Arabic Speaking at 416-755-5565 Ext 402 or Email: [email protected]