Workshops, Groups and Events
Virtual Walk-In / Single Session Counselling
Community members are invited to access our virtual counselling program weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. by calling 416.595.9618. Our counsellors offer a single telephone session.
The counselling session is about 50 minutes and is open to all persons 18 years of age and older. As available, a counsellor will return the call between 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily.
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
Workshops and groups by program
Counselling | Families in Transition | Violence against Women | David Kelley Services | Queer and Connected | Seniors and Caregivers Support Services | Healthy Families, Healthy Communities
Workshops offered by Counselling – Changing Lives Program
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 practiced 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: Group start date postponed. New date will be announced. Please sign up if interested.
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 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
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.
Dates: To be announced
Location: Zoom
Registration: To register, contact the Service Access Unit.
Phone: 416-595-9618
Email: [email protected]
Procrastinators Unite Now (virtual)
Procrastinators Unite Now is a 7-week arts-based skill training group which focuses on befriending and transforming the habit energy of procrastination through a trauma-based lens. The exercises are based on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy and art therapy; skill building and mindfulness is achieved through meditations, interactive psycho-education and self-reflection.
Participants must be able to participate in a manner that allows for privacy and comfortable keeping video on during the duration of each group session.
Date: To be announced
How: Offered via Zoom
Cost: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
Registration: Pre-screening required and assigned when registering. Please call Family Service Toronto, Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618
Workshops offered by Families in Transition Program
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 wellbeing and their children’s who may be experiencing challenges.
Dates and time in 2023
Wednesday, January 11 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, March 21 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 18 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Monday, May 15 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 21 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Tuesday, July 18 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
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: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly (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 for 2023
Tuesday, January 24 | 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21 | 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, March 23 | 4 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4 | 12 p.m – 2 p.m.
Thursday, May 18 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Thursday, June 22 | 3 p.m – 5 p.m.
Thursday, July 6 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
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.
Mending Fences – Co-Parenting Group (virtual)
A 6-week psycho-education group offered by Families in Transition program for parents who are finding it challenging to work with or communicate with their co-parent after a separation or divorce.
Topics include:
- communicating effectively with your co-parent
- learning to create boundaries
- managing tough emotions and emotional triggers
- learning to be assertive
- protecting children from conflict
Date: To be announced
Fee: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
How: Offered via Zoom
Registration: Please call Family Service Toronto, Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618
A survey will be emailed to participants pre- and post- group
Participants must be able to participate in a manner that allows for privacy and comfortable keeping their video on during the duration of each group session.
Workshops offered by the Violence against Women Program
No workshops offered at this time.
Workshops offered by David Kelley Services Program
Queer Existence & Resistance (in-person)
Join us for a drop-in, collaborative art making event about the theme of queer existence and resistance. Come together with members of the community and allies to celebrate the unique and diverse identities of the LGBTQ+ community. No registration required.
Date: Thursday, June 8, 4 – 7 p.m.
Location: 355 Church St.
This will be a supportive, harassment-free space in which the purpose of the event is to celebrate and amplify the queer community. Discrimination, harassment, or abuse will not be tolerated
Call (416) 595-9230 x 286 or email [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions.
Emotional Skills Group (in-person)
This is an in-person 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): 8 sessions, Thursdays, starting January 2023
Time: 1- 2:30pm
Location: 355 Church Street
Fee: Sliding scale $10 – $105 per session
Registration information: 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
Workshops offered by Queer and Connected Program
Expressive writing Group (in-person)
This is an in-person drop-in expressive writing group offering 2SLGBTQ+ clients aged 16-29 a space to explore their feelings, experiences, and identities. Each session will have a theme and use journalling prompts, free-writing, and speed-writing exercises to guide participants in the exploration of questions related to the theme. The group is limited to a maximum 6 participants.
When: 4 weeks, Thursdays, starting May 4, 2023
Time: 1 – 3 p.m.
Location: Family Service Toronto, 355 Church Street.
Cost: Free
Registration information: contact Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Queer & Connected workshops
Queer & Connected workshops flyer
Conversation Circles (virtual)
In-person, monthly peer-facilitated support group for 2SLGBTQ+ -identified youth
When: last Thursday each month; 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dates: Jan 26, Feb 23, Mar 30, Apr 27, May 25, 2023
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of workshops)
Cost: Free
Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (2SLGBQ)** Peer Support Group (virtual)
Online peer-facilitated workshops/conversation circles and peer support groups to support 2SLGBTQ+ youth (16 – 29) connect with peers and learn about harm reduction, safer sex practices, mental health, emotional skills, and relationship-building skills. Topics include: Boundaries, Conflict Management, Self-Care, and Community Care, building healthy friendships and Emotional Regulation.
When: Every other Wednesday, 6-8 p.m.
Dates: Feb 8 , Feb 22, Mar 8 , Mar 22, Apr 12, Apr 26, May 10, May 24, Jun 7, 2023
For registration connect with Navid at [email protected]
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of meetings)
Cost: Free
Queer and Connected Two Spirit, Trans & Non-binary (2STNB)** Peer Support Group (virtual)
Online peer-facilitated support group for Trans & non-binary-identified youth, ages 16 – 29
When: Every other Wednesday, 7 – 9 p.m.
Dates: Feb 1 , Feb 15, Mar 1 , Mar 29 , Apr 5 , Apr 19 , May 3 , May 17, May 31, June 14, 2023
Location: virtually on Zoom (a link will be provided to all participants in advance of meetings)
Cost: Free
**2SLGBTQ+ youth with multiple, intersecting identities will be able to self-select the group they want to participate in based on which group best fits their needs
For more information, contact:
Chantal P, Queer and Connected Project Coordinator
[email protected]
For program registration:
Email Chantal at [email protected] (conversation circles)
Keith at [email protected] (2STNB groups)
2STNB = Two Spirit, Trans and Non-binary.
Navid at [email protected] (2SLGBQ groups)
2SLGBQ = Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer-self-identified
Workshops offered by Seniors and Caregivers Support Services Program
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: Fridays, start day to be determined
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 register contact the Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit at 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Caring for Caregivers (virtual)
This 12-session group is offered by FST’s Seniors and Caregivers Support Service 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 12-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: Group start date to be announced
Time: Weekly on Thursday mornings from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Offered via Zoom or phone
Cost: Free
Registration information: Pre-screening, 30 min, required. To 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]
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
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 (Arabic Speaking Women’s Support Group) الدردشات نسائية عربية
Chitchat is a free online group for Arabic-speaking women offered by Family Service Toronto – Healthy Families, Healthy Communities program iChitchat is a free online group for Arabic-speaking women offered by Family Service Toronto – Healthy Families, Healthy Communities program in partnership with Arab Community Centre. It’s 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): ongoing, every Friday
Time: 2 – 4:30 p.m.
How: Zoom
Cost: Free
Registration: Call Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Café Group, Arabic Speaking Men’s group القهوة للرجال (virtual)
Café is a free online group for Arabic-speaking newcomer and refugee men offered by Healthy Families, Healthy Communities program. It’s an opportunity for men to meet, tell their stories, and express their feelings and hopes. Group members learn and adopt new skills for building strong families in Canada. It is offered through a partnership between North York Community House and Family Service Toronto.
Date(s): Fridays/biweekly
Time: 12 – 3 p.m.
How: Offered via Zoom
Registration : Call Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]
Ellama- Elhelwa, Arabic Speaking Women’ s Group اللمة – الحلوة (virtual)
Ellama-Elhelwa is a free, online group for Arabic-speaking newcomer and rEllama-Elhelwa is a free, online group for Arabic-speaking newcomer and refugee women offered by Family Service Toronto – Healthy Families, Healthy Communities partnership between North York Community House. It is an opportunity to meet with other women who are interested in learning about Canadian culture, making new friends, sharing their experiences, and gathering information and resources.
Date(s): Tuesday / biweekly (ongoing)
Time: 1 – 3:30 p.m.
How: Offered via Zoom
Registration information: Call Family Service Toronto Service Access Unit 416.595.9618 or email: [email protected]