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 | Options – Children | Violence against Women | David Kelley Services | Seniors and Caregivers Support Services | Healthy Families, Healthy Communities
Workshops and groups offered by Counselling – Changing Lives Program
Drop-in Yoga (virtual)
A trauma-informed yoga practice group. Offered online, this weekly webinar is open to anyone comfortable with practising yoga at home and wanting to engage in a guided trauma-informed yoga practice.
Date(s): Every Friday, January 19 – March 8, 2024
Time: 11 a.m. – 12 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]
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: Thursdays, November 2 – December 7, 2023
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
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
Wednesday, February 14 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Apr 17 | 12 – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19 | 12 – 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
Wednesday, January 10 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Thursday, May 9 | 11 a.m. – 1 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.
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, Nov 22 | 12 p.m. – 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
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: Wednesday, November 8
Time: 11 a.m.
Where: 202-128A Sterling Rd., Toronto
Fee: Free
Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/B1GquQxbSf
Workshops and groups offered by the Violence against Women Program
Ebb and Flow
A group for women-identified trauma survivors who want to connect more with their bodies. Weekly sessions will involve mindfulness, expressive arts, and trauma-informed yoga.
Date(s): Mondays, January 8 – February 12, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Location: 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.
Caring for Self: Uncovering Resources through Expressive Arts (the group is now full)
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 self-care through the expressive arts.
Focus:
Exploring and accessing inner resources through art in a supportive group setting
What is expressive arts?
Expressive arts uses the arts to explore our internal experience and navigate themes and obstacles we encounter in life. This playful approach through sensory exploration focuses on the process, instead of perfection. Those interested to not require previous artistic experience.
Dates: Wednesdays starting October 11 to December 6, 2023 (except November 22, 2023)
Time: 2:30pm-4:30pm
Location: 355 Church Street
Cost: Free
Registration: Please call Family Service Toronto’s Service Access Unit at 416-595-9618. Pre-group screening is required.
Let’s Learn Together
Monthly group for Tamil speaking women. In this group, women can share their life experiences after COVID-19 and how they coped with challenges, and learn from each other.
In each session, the group facilitator reviews new resources to enhance the knowledge about mental health, coping strategies, safe relationships, and other topics.
Dates: Every 3rd Tuesday of the month; Oct. 17, 2023 – Mar. 19, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Hub, 1527 Victoria Park Ave.Scarborough.
Registration: Please call Satha at 416.586.9780 x 525 and leave your name and call back number.
Workshops and groups offered by David Kelley Services Program
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): Wednesdays, starting January 17, 2024
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.
When: Bi-weekly, Wednesdays 7:00pm-9:00pm
Dates: June 21, 2023 – March 31, 2024
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]
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Art in Trans*ition Peer Support Group (virtual)
Art in Trans*ition is a new 6-session group offered by David Kelley Services (DKS) and Family Service Toronto (FST). Folks at any stage of gender transition are invited to explore social, medical/physical and emotional transition, intersectionally with our other held identities, through writing, poetry, zines, collage, and other art-making practices. Participants have the opportunity to learn about themselves, meet other 2STNB+ youth, and create art in a virtual space.
Participants of none or of all levels of art-making experience and abilities are welcome.
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, Wednesdays, September 27 – December 6 (alternate Wednesdays with 2STNB+ Connect)
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]
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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, starting June 30, 2023
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]
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 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: Thursday, September 7, 2023
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 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]
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
Café Group for Arabic men (in person)
A group for newcomer Arabic men who come together to share experiences and concerns, and learn where they can obtain the correct and reliable information about Canadian laws and settlement.
Cafe’ meetings help newcomers to deal with challenges that face them and their families: settlement and language difficulties; parental difficulties; coexisting with other cultures; employment; loneliness and isolation.
Date: Biweekly, on Thursdays
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 13:00 p.m.
Location: Victoria Park Hub
Registration: Contact Ahmad at 416-595-9230 ext 255 l [email protected]
Download Arabic flyer
Download English flyer
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]