Peer Support

Connect with someone who knows what you’re going though – people with lived experiences and mental health professionals ready to help!

Algonquin’s AC Purple Couch

The AC Purple Couch™ promotes mental health awareness amongst students, and presents valuable mental health resources to support students and foster success throughout their college experience.

The concept behind the couch: wherever you see the AC Purple Couch™, grab a seat, and speak your mind. Chat with the person beside you, trained student leaders, or mental health professionals. Just talk.

Have a seat on the AC Purple CouchTM and start the conversation!

To learn more, click here.

Algonquin’s International Peer Mentor Program

International Peer Mentors are students in level 2 and up that volunteer their time to assist new international students during their transition to life at Algonquin College and Ottawa. International peer mentors are a great resource for new international students and can offer information and support to students on campus. This program is open to all full-time enrolled students that are in their second semester or higher who are in good academic-standing at Algonquin College.

To learn more, click here.

Togetherall

If you’re feeling lonely, stressed, worried or just not yourself, on Togetherall you can get support and start to feel better. Share experiences in a safe, anonymous space. Benefit from practical wellbeing tools and resources. Gain access in minutes, available all day, every day.

To learn more, click here.

Mood Disorders Ottawa

A safe, supportive place, surrounded by adults with a mood disorder who ‘get it’. A peer support group, for adults 18+ with mood disorders. Join the sessions for a friendly, confidential discussion of mood disorder-related topics and personal issues. Virtual Peer Support Groups are hosted through the Zoom platform phone and/or video group chat and will include an MDO facilitator and other participating peers.

To learn more, click here.

Psychiatric Survivors of Ottawa

A community of peers using their lived experiences with the mental health system to support one another in moving towards our full potential. They offer a safe and non-judgmental environment for consumer/survivors and their families to come together, support one another and build upon our skills.

To learn more, click here.

Hopewell Eating Disorders Support Centre Ottawa

Hopewell provides individuals programs and resources for teens, adults, and their families coping with eating disorders.

To learn more about the programs available, click here.

All People, All Pathways

CAPSA offers educational opportunities to engage in lifelong learning through training on the topic of substance use health, stigma, person-first language, and allyship. Stigma and judgement-free language about substance use health must become a priority that moves us away from presumptions of disorders and bad/harmful actions.

All People, All Pathways is a peer-facilitated online group offering evidence-based practices and tools designed to help those who are questioning their relationship with their substance use.

To learn more, click here.

Jack.org

Jack.org is Canada’s only charity committed to training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. Through Jack Talks, Jack Chapters, and Jack Summits, young leaders identify and dismantle barriers to positive mental health in their communities.

To learn more, click here.

Youthline

LGBT YouthLine is a *2SLGBTQ+ youth-led organization that affirms and supports the experiences of youth (29 and under) across Ontario. We do this by:
– Providing anonymous peer support and referrals;
– Training youth to provide support to other youth; and
– Providing resources so youth can make informed decisions.
Support is available by telephone, text or live chat. To learn more, click here.

Talk4Healing

Started in 2012 by Beendigen in partnership with the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Talk4Healing has provided over 20,000 Indigenous women and their families with real-world solutions, without judgment, in a safe and accepting environment.
They offer 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women and children, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario. You can talk, text or chat and they have a crisis line available.
To learn more, click here.

Berieved Families of Ontario

A peer-led organization of affiliate chapters across Ontario.
Provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for those who have experienced the death of a loved one to discuss your experiences and learn about grief with others who have been there. The service we provide is free, no charge for our help and support.
They give you a chance to talk, in a confidential setting, about how the death of your loved one affects your life. Facilitators walk the grief journey with you, giving you a light in the darkness.
Our affiliates offer a range of individual and group support programs, in both an open and closed setting. While professional help is beneficial to many; peer programs provide an additional and sometimes alternative resource for those who are grieving.
Bereaved Families of Ontario can assist you to be helpful for a friend, relative or co-worker who has experienced the death of a loved one.
To learn more, click here.