Police highlight area resources as 988 suicide prevention line launches

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Nottawasaga detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) continues its mental health and wellness public awareness campaign by acknowledging the launch of 988 and highlighting several local community resources.

A new three-digit number, 988, launched today on Nov. 30, 2023 for mental health and suicide prevention services. You will be able to call or text 988 from anywhere in Canada for free. You will be directed to the appropriate mental health crisis or suicide prevention service in your area.

The Nottawasaga OPP is fortunate to have community partners who are committed to working collaboratively to provide support to those who are experiencing a mental health issue, or supporting someone who is suffering a mental health issue:

Mary McGill Mental Health Program

705-434-5140 (or 24-hour crisis line, 1-888-893-8333)
Located at Stevenson Memorial Hospital at 200 Fletcher Cres., Alliston.

The Mary McGill Community Mental Health Program (MMCMHP) is an outpatient mental health program at Stevenson Memorial Hospital. The program launched in 1980, when a need for dedicated mental health services in the community was identified. The program provides crisis support, adult counselling, psychiatric consults and group counselling.

The MMCMHP provides individual and group services using a variety of modalities, including cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness meditation approaches. The main focus of counselling is to identify goals for change that will improve coping abilities and increase skills training to achieve these goals.

The program provides support to the hospital emergency department (ED) through crisis assessment to assist the ED staff in assessment of patient safety and risk. The crisis team provides short-term crisis counselling follow-up for patients seen in the ED and referred from the community.

Individual adult mental health counselling is provided to clients referred by physicians, nurse practitioners or by self-referral.

Stevenson’s ED staff and mental health crisis workers have been working collaboratively with the OPP and York Support Services Network (YSSN crisis support worker) to support smooth transitions of care within the ED and foster emergency diversion where possible. It is strong relationships between the hospital and community partners that will ensure support to individuals facing mental health and system challenges.

(Your) Support Services Network

1-855-310-COPE (call or text)

For those experiencing a mental health crisis, and their family or friends, the (Your) Support Services Network (YSSN) offers the Community Crisis Response Service. Individuals may speak with a crisis response professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Crisis workers will provide an immediate response to a variety of critical situations (e.g., depression, loneliness, anxiety or fear, thoughts of suicide, hopelessness, etc.). Depending on the caller’s level of need, crisis services may include a telephone response, a mobile response, access to the Mental Health Support Team, a stay in a short-term crisis bed, or assistance through a range of service providers that encompass the Community Crisis Response Network.

Krasman Centre

krasmancentre.com
Krasman Centre has three drop-ins in Richmond Hill, Alliston and Newmarket.
Alliston drop-in centre: Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 705-435-0054 for further information.
Warm line for 24/7 support: 1-888-777-0979

Peer support refers to services provided by and for people who have had similar lived experiences. It is rapidly becoming one of the most valued, accepted and effective approaches to assist people who experience mental health and addiction issues. Peer support is unique because it fosters values including self-determination and equality, mutuality and empathy, recovery and hope.

Also offered: peer support groups, one-to-one mentoring, crisis services such as warm lines, support in employment, and creative activities.

Isolation is a devastating consequence of mental health and addiction, one made worse by the need to practise physical distancing. Krasman Centre’s warm line, chat and other virtual and physical outreach programs make a difference in people's lives to support mental health.

Drop-in resources include:

Information, resources, access and referral to a variety of mental health recovery related topics
Training, education and skills building
Computer/internet access, phone/fax/photocopier use for consumer/survivors and self-help initiatives
Workshops and groups promoting creativity such as arts and crafts, poetry, and book club
Basic needs for people experiencing homelessness: kitchen, assistance with winter needs, shower, laundry

Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe

cmha-yr.on.ca
1-866-345-0183

The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe (CMHA YRSS) offers crisis intervention, suicide prevention, peer support, counselling, and customized therapy services to address diverse mental health needs in our communities. CMHA YRSS provides over 30 specialized mental health programs and services dedicated to assisting and educating individuals across various demographics: young people, adults, family members, friends, and caregivers. Committed to inclusivity and personalized care, CMHA YRSS empowers individuals, fostering resilience, recovery, and community integration. Through these programs, we cultivate an environment that prioritizes mental wellness, equipping individuals with essential tools and support for leading fulfilling lives. By promoting understanding and eradicating stigma surrounding mental health challenges, CMHA YRSS stands as a pillar of support for those navigating their mental health journey.

SHIFT (Support and Hope for Individuals and Families Today)

705-435-7293 (outreach team on 705-890-8173, text or call)
shiftforgood.ca

SHIFT is a housing-first organization providing an emergency overnight shelter, a daily drop-in program, and an outreach program that serves individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness and/or food insecurity. Poor mental health, substance use and homelessness, or the threat of homelessness, often go hand in hand and here at SHIFT we offer support and assistance to individuals and families by meeting basic needs, assisting with shelter and referral to housing and mental health organizations.

Krasman Centre

17 Paris St., Alliston
905-780-0491 or toll free, 1-888-780-0724
Warm line and peer crisis support services, 1-888-777-0979 (24/7)
krasmancentre.com

Consumer/survivor initiative led and run by people with lived experiences of mental health, substance use/addiction challenges, as well as family members/caregivers.

Offers a wide range of low-barrier peer support-based programs including drop-in centres, 24/7 warm line, community outreach, peer support groups and activities, family member/caregiver supports, resources/referrals, networking/social connection opportunities, basic needs supports, recovery education programs and advocacy. Trained peer supporters with lived experience provide these services.

The Alliston drop-in centre offers low-barrier access to basic supports to individuals experiencing mental health, substance use challenges and those experiencing homelessness. The drop-in centre is located at 17 Paris St. and is open three days a week (Tuesday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday 12:30 to 3 p.m. and Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Visitors can access resources and referrals, peer support, personal care supplies, harm reduction kits, light meals, and refreshments.

CONTACT Community Services

705-435-4900
39 Victoria St. E., Alliston
contactcommunityservices.ca

People in Transition, My Sister’s Place

mysistersplace.ca
24/7 crisis line at 705-435 3835 or 1-800-461-5419
Offers a broad range of services for women and their children living with the consequences of violence and abuse
Located in Alliston and serving all of south Simcoe County
Emergency shelter, on-site crisis counselling, legal advocacy, transitional housing support, children’s programming and referral supports
Second stage transitional housing, with on-site outreach services

Ontario 211

Call 211 or visit 211ontario.ca
24/7, year-round service, which connects people to the right information and services within their community

You can phone 211 or visit the website to get information on a wide range of topics including community programs, health care, housing income support, mental health, disabilities, newcomers, LGBTQ+, abuse, food, government resources, addiction treatment and counselling, child and family intervention, individual and couples counselling, crisis helplines, corporate and community mental health education, justice and mental health programs, mental health first aid, school-based mental health services, support groups and more.

Both email and live chat are available through the website.

Additional resources: