Families affected by addiction and mental illness may find connecting with online tools or online communities helpful, such as:

Calm

Learn meditation techniques for sleep and stress reduction.

Huddol

Huddol is a community dedicated to helping family and friend caregivers connect with each other, healthcare professionals, and a network of resources.  Share your experiences and join a network of experts and caregivers like you.

My Health Magazine

MyHealth Magazine is an online health and wellness program for young people, educators and parents. The magazine is delivered through a series of interactive, online resources providing users with access to health and mental health information. E-Learning is also available.

The Journal

The Journal is a free, personalized online program to help you stay positive, create lifestyle changes that improve mental health, and solve problems in 3 steps.  You’ll learn each skill in a short lesson and then you will work through a task to build practical changes into your life.

Your Life Counts

You’re not alone. No matter what you are going through, we’re here to listen. YLC Online Lifeline is a safe place for you to share anything with us. YLC Online Lifeline is free, confidential, anonymous and secure.

Shelters for women

Akwesasne Family Wellness Program

613-937-4322

1-800-480-4208  Crisis Line

The mission of Iethinisten:ha is to provide emergency and long-term safe housing and outreach program for victims of domestic violence, abusive situations, self-harm and high risk behaviours. The mandate of the program is to provide educational & healing services to women, men and children.

Maison Baldwin House

Cornwall, ON

613-938-2958 / 1-800-267-1744

Assists women and their children in the transition from violent and abusive circumstances to a safe and secure environment and a renewed family by providing safe shelter and services, and encouraging them to realize their full human potential.

Maison Interlude House

613-632-1131 / 1-800-267-4101 Hawkesbury

613-525-5338 / 1-800-461-1842 Alexandria Outreach Program

613-525-5338 Transitional Support & Housing Program

Maison Interlude House is a Francophone organization offering a range of services, in French and in English, in the counties of Prescott, Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry to help support women, their children and youth, in building a future without violence.

Naomi’s Family Resource Centre

613-774-2838 / 1-800-267-0395 Winchester

Provides emergency shelter, safety and support to abused women with or without children. The centre provides confidential, safe and secure services and resources.

Sexual assault/intimate partner violence

Akwesasne Family Wellness Program:

STOP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAM

613-937-4322 

1-800-480-4208  Crisis Line

The mission of Iethinisten:ha is to provide emergency and long term safe housing and outreach program  for victims of domestic violence, abusive situations, self-harm and high risk behaviors. The mandate of the program is to provide educational healing services to women, men and children.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

1-866-863-0511 or 7233 on Bell Mobility cell phone

A free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line for all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.  .

Cornwall Community Hospital Assault and Sexual Abuse Program (ASAP)

613-938-4240 Ext 4202

613-938-4240 Ext 4658/4567 Counselling

613-938-4240 Ext 4552 Nurse (non-emergency)

For emergency cases or recent sexual assault/intimate partner violence, go directly to the Cornwall Community Hospital’s Emergency Room at 840 McConnell and ask for an ASAP nurse.

We also have a self-referred counselling program. Our counsellors see men and women over the age of 14 who have suffered sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or historical sexual abuse. Any person(s) can call our line directly and book an appointment for counselling if they fall within the mandate.

Children’s Aid Society of the United Counties of SDG

613-933-2292 / 1-866-939-9915

Primary focus is the safety and well-being of children and youth. The agency conducts assessments; offers support services such as counseling and teaching and, whenever possible, provide resources.

Counselling and Support Services of SDG

613-932-4610

Counselling and Support Services of SDG is a multi-service, non-profit, accredited organization providing a range of support and services to children, youth, adults and families in the city of Cornwall and the counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.

Équipe psycho-sociale

[French]

613-938-7112 Cornwall

613-525-3952 Alexandria

L’équipe psycho-sociale of S.D. & G. provides core mental health services to francophone children, youth and their families. Referrals and inquiries about mental health services and programs are welcome from parents/guardians, health care professionals, community agencies, schools, the justice system, the Children's Aid Society, and adolescents over 12 years of age who consent to services. The services provided are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) and are offered on a voluntary basis.

Sexual Assault Support Services for Women of SDG & A (SASS)

613-932-1755

Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) for Women of SDG&A is a group of women who desire and are committed to working towards ending sexual violence.

Three Sisters Program

518-358-4406  /  1 -855-374-7837

Operates a 24/7 secure shelter facility whose operations provide crisis response and support services to victims of abuse, violence, assault, harassment, and crisis from domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Victim Services of SDG & A

613-938-8900 / 1-866-264-8900

A non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance. The agency works in partnership with police as well as emergency and other community based services to ensure victims receive the help they need to assist them in the development of their personal path to recovery.

Police services

Akwesasne Mohawk Police

613-575-2000 (central dispatch)

613-575-2340 (non-emergency)

Cornwall Community Police Service

613-932-2110 (non-emergency)

Call 911 for emergency assistance. An emergency is any situation where people or property are at risk (including medical emergencies).

Ontario Provincial Police

1-888-310-1122 (non-emergency)

St. Regis Tribal Police

518-358-9200

Crisis lines

Child, Youth & Family Crisis Line for Eastern Ontario

1-877-377-7775

Crisis professionals are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, serving children, youth age 18 and under, and their families.

Mental Health Crisis Line / Mobile Crisis Team

1-866-996-0991

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis yourself, or you know someone who is, call the mental health crisis line. Operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Serving all individuals, age 16 and up. 

Help lines

Akwesasne Family Wellness Program – Crisis Line

1-800-480-4208

This crisis line service of the Akwesasne Family Wellness Program provides support to women, men and children. Call to get connected with educational healing services.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline

1-866-863-0511

This free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line supports all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse.

Champlain Health Line

Call to connect with local health services in the Champlain LHIN. 

Connex Ontario

1-866-531-2600

Families seeking to understand what rehabilitation services are available to their loved ones are encouraged to call Connex Ontario. The operator will be able to help identify all available options and can provide families with other helpful information, such as program duration and wait times. Chat service is also available.

Drug & Alcohol Helpline

1-800-565-8603

A helpful information and referral specialist will answer your call, email or web chat 24/7. The service is free, confidential and anonymous. Operators can provide information about local services and support, offer emotional support and provide strategies to help you meet your goals. Basic education about drug and alcohol problems is also available to callers.

First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Line

1-855-242-3310

If you are experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, contact the toll-free help line chat online. The service is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. (For more long term care, contact a First Nations and Inuit Health Regional Office.)

Kids Help Phone

1-800-668-6868

Safe, private and non-judgmental counselling for kids, 24/7. Online and on the phone. 

Lesbian Gay Bi Trans Youth Line

1-800-268-9688

The LGBT Youth Line is a toll-free Ontario-wide peer-support phone line for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, queer and questioning young people. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4 to 9:30 PM. The youth line maintains a database of referral resources for LGBT youth in Ontario.

Ontario 211

211 or 1-877-330-3213

A free helpline that connects you to community and social services in your area.

Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline

1-888-230-3505

OPGH is a 1-800 telephone line and website that provides information about the location and availability of problem gambling treatment programs and services in your community and across Ontario.

Telehealth Ontario

1-866-797-0000

Call to speak with a Registered Nurse, for health information or advice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Food banks

Agapè Centre
40 Fifth Street West
Cornwall, ON
613-938-9297

Food bank, soup kitchen.

Community Food Share

28 Ottawa Street
Morrisburg, ON
613-543-0065

497 May Street
Winchester, ON
613-774-0188

Centre de santé communaute de l’Estrie 
1 Nation Street
Crysler ON
613-774-0188 (for food hamper pick-up only)

Chalmers United Church
Corner of Minto and Church Street
Finch ON
613-774-0188 (for food hamper pick-up only)

Community Food Share is a registered charity created to help fight hunger in our community. We distribute food and sundries from two food banks in Morrisburg and Winchester and food cupboards in Finch and Crysler to individuals and families in Dundas and Stormont Counties.

St. Vincent-de-Paul
434 Second Street West
Cornwall, ON
613-932-0756

The Cornwall food bank is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 to 10:45 AM. Clothing and furniture is also available to people in need.

St. Vincent-de-Paul
225 Main Street South
Alexandria, ON
613-525-3466

The food bank in Alexandria is open Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 AM and 1:30 to 3:00 PM. Use the back entrance at the rear of the building.

Please bring your own bags.

Salvation Army
500 York Street
Cornwall, ON
613-932-7515

The food bank is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Thrift Shop is located nearby at 401 Fourth Street West.

Transportation

Carefor Health and Community Services
613-932-3451

Provides transportation from door-to-door for appointments out of town for people over 18 years for a fee.

Monarch Transportation
613-577-9315

The cost is $150 plus GST, plus $20 wait time while there. If an agency or program is covering the cost, payment must be arranged prior to drive. 2-3 days lead time is required.

Nancy’s Peace of Mind Care
613-330-1928

$20/hr plus parking for Cornwall. $30 per hour drive time (x3 hours return) plus parking and $20/hr wait time (for Ottawa). Please allow lots of lead time.

Housing

Greenview Manor
1319 Lisieux Street
Cornwall, ON
613-933-2117

Group home.

Marlborough Place Assisted Living Homes
119 Marlborough St. N.
Cornwall, ON
613-933-5656

429 Second St. E.
Cornwall, ON
613-933-5553

758 rue Principale
Casselman, ON
613-764-5425

Marlborough Place Assisted Living Homes are family-owned and family-operated residences that offer safe, clean and beautiful rooms for residents of all ages. Accept residents with mental health issues at the three locations.

Primrose Manor
134 Ninth Street West
Cornwall, ON
613-933-9310

For adults over 21 with mental health challenges.

Riverview Manor 
1198 Montreal Road
Cornwall, ON
613-938-7455

Residential care for adults over 18 years.  Meals, laundry, and housekeeping provided.  On site medical care.

Royal Manor
128 Marlborough Street North
Cornwall, ON
613-933-1154 

Accepts residents with mental health issues.

Social Housing Registry of Cornwall & SDG Housing Access Centre
340 Pitt Street
Cornwall, ON
613-933-6282, Ext 3108

The Social Housing Division delivers programs and services to residents of both the City of Cornwall and the United Counties of SDG. Social Housing helps people who are in need.

Social Housing refers to rental housing developed with the assistance of government and subsidized by government for people with low to moderate incomes, seniors, or people with special needs who can live, with supports, in the community.

Subsidies are based on the tenants' ability to pay, with rents calculated at approximately 30% of gross monthly household income up to market rent. This is known as Rent Geared To Income. Other eligibility criteria must also be met. 

Through the Housing Access Centre, the Division also administers Social Housing Centralized Waitlist for geared-to-income housing for low income individuals, families and seniors. Individuals must complete an application and meet all eligibility criteria to be on the waitlist. If you are eligible, you will be placed on the waitlist.  Most people need to find their own rental housing in the private market while they are on the wait list as it can be a long wait.

If you wish to apply to be on the waitlist, applications can be picked up at 340 Pitt St - 3rd Floor or you can call 613-937-7512, option # 4.Once you have completed your application, please contact 613-933-6282, ext. 3108 to schedule an appointment to review your application.

Canada Caregiver Credit

Do you support a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependent with a physical or mental impairment?  The Canada Caregiver Credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit that may be available to you.

Disability Tax Credit

Find out if your loved one is eligible for the disability tax credit on this Canada Revenue Agency website.

Family Caregiver Leave

Family caregiver leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per specified family member.

Federal Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefits

Through Employment Insurance, you could receive financial assistance of up to 55% of your earnings, to a maximum of $547 a week. These benefits will help you take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person or someone needing end-of-life care.  As a caregiver, you don’t have to be related to or live with the person you care for or support, but they must consider you to be like family.

Federal Leave Related to Critical Illness

The following questions and answers will be of interest to employers and employees subject to federal jurisdiction.

Legislation Supporting Family Caregivers in Canadian Jurisdictions and Selected International Jurisdictions 

A summary of Canadian and Ontario legislation supporting family caregivers (July 2018). 

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

If your loved one has a disability and needs help with living expenses, he or she may be eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program. ODSP offers: financial assistance to help with essential living expenses and has benefits including prescription drugs and vision care.

Ontario Critical Illness Leave

Critical illness leave is unpaid job-protected leave of absence of up to 37 weeks in relation to a critically ill minor child, or 17 weeks in relation to a critically ill adult within a 52-week period.

Ontario Family Caregiver Leave

Family caregiver leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to eight weeks per calendar year per specified family member.  Family caregiver leave may be taken to provide care or support to certain family members for whom a qualified health practitioner has issued a certificate stating that they have a serious medical condition.

Ontario Family Medical Leave

Family medical leave is unpaid, job-protected leave of up to 28 weeks in a 52-week period.  Family medical leave may be taken to provide care or support to certain family members and people who consider the employee to be like a family member in respect of whom a qualified health practitioner has issued a certificate indicating that they have a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death occurring within a period of 26 weeks.

Support groups for caregivers

Parents’ Lifelines of Eastern Ontario
1-855-775-7005

A non-profit, family focused organization supporting, educating and empowering parents and caregivers of children, youth and young adults dealing with mental health and addiction challenges.

TEND Academy

Family caregivers who experience stress or trauma exposure can access TEND Academy's in-person workshops and online courses. Helpful articles, videos and links are also available.

Caregiver education

Caregiver Self-Assessment

A quick online tool to assess how well you are coping.

Champlain Health Line

Explore healthy living workshops for community members across the Champlain LHIN. 

Creative Coping for Kid 

613-932-4610 Ext 128

Assistance for children and their mothers who have experienced family violence. This free 6-week program supports children who have witnessed mom being abused physically, emotionally and/or verbally by the partner, helping the children deal with the impact of the abuse they have witnessed.

Living A Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions
Seaway Valley Community Health Centre
Cornwall, ON
613-936-0306

A six-week workshop for anyone with a chronic health condition, including family members and family caregivers.

Caregiver organizations

Caregivers Alberta

As an organization of caregivers for caregivers, we understand how hard providing care can be. Whether you’re looking for someone talk to, trying to find resources or want to better manage the stress of providing care, we can help.

Caregiver Exchange

“I didn’t know where to go.”  It’s a common situation for family caregivers to find themselves in. CaregiverExchange.ca gives them a place to turn. It offers them fresh, helpful insights each week. And it provides a powerful, built-in search tool they can use to find relevant support services in communities across Ontario.

Caregivers Nova Scotia

Caregivers Nova Scotia provides programs, services, and strong advocacy for caregivers. A comprehensive guide for caregivers called The Caregiver’s Handbook can be downloaded in sections.

Carers Canada

Our vision is “a Canada that recognizes, respects, and values the integral role of carers in society”. See Mobilizing Action, an integrated and shared plan to address the physical, psychosocial and financial needs of family caregivers.

Family Caregivers of British Columbia

This site has some excellent videos of caregivers and pre-recorded webinars. 

Family Caregivers Voice

Join Carole Ann Alloway and Sara Shearkhani, Co-founders of Family Caregivers Voice, who advocate for changes in the health care system to improve the lives of caregivers and educate caregivers on their journey through the medical system.  See The Stages of Caregiving.

Jack.org

Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory. We do this through three globally-recognized programs.

Ontario Caregiver Coalition

The Ontario Caregiver Coalition is dedicated to recognizing the importance of unpaid caregivers in Ontario by raising awareness of the value they add to the health care system, and by advocating for improved, fair access to needed supports.  OCC strives to be the ‘voice’ of caregivers in the province.

Ontario Caregiver Organization

The Ontario Caregiver Organization was created to help support and ease the burden on caregivers. Its goals include serving as a single point of access to information about existing services, coordinating efforts to provide all caregivers the same accessto support, regardless of age, diagnosis or where they live.

The Caregiver Network (TCN)

TCN connects caregivers by using a platform called Huddol which is a community dedicated to helping family and friend caregivers connect with each other, healthcare professionals, and a network of resources.

Helpful Links

Caregiving Solutions

The Canadian magazine devoted to the topic of caregiving. 

Child Mind Institute

When a child is struggling, the whole family is affected. The Child Mind Institute can help you make good decisions for your child and navigate the challenges of parenting. They provide expert guidance on how to respond in the most effective way to the challenges faced by parents. And if you have a child who needs support, they offer resources that can help you get the best care for that child and the best outcome for your family.

Child and Parent Resource Institute (CPRI)
600 Sanatorium Road
London, ON
1-877-494-2774

Provides specialized, trauma-responsive mental health and developmental services to achieve the best possible outcomes for Ontario’s children and youth. Services include assessment, consultation, treatment, research and education. 

Living Healthy Champlain

This website lists resources for people in the Champlain LHIN who have chronic health conditions.

Ontario Patient Ombudsman

Every experience matters. They will do everything they can to hear, understand and resolve your complaint, without taking sides. Working with you and the health sector organizations, they can help prevent the same issues from happening again to others and influence positive change in Ontario’s health care system.

Partners for Planning (P4P)

P4P empowers people with disabilities and their families with FREE resources to create meaningful lives and secure futures, firmly rooted in community.

Resilience:  A Helpful Tool for Caregivers

This handout explains the skills that can be learned to help you become more resilient and increase your ability to cope during hard times

Ten Tips for Family Caregivers

New to caregiving? These tips will help you to zero in on a few important things.  

Tips for Improving Communication

This tip sheet offers ideas that can help bring families together around shared caregiving goals.