Mental Health and Housing Navigation Days in 2025
2025-07-15 11:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-19 11:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-16 11:00 - 19:00 UTC | Virtual
Need help figuring out mental health resources and how to access available services in York Region and South Simcoe?
Once a month you can book a 60-minute appointment to meet with a case manager so that you can get help with:

filling out initial applications for financial assistance programs such as Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), housing applications,
finding information about available community resources, such as, free counselling options, local programs, where to access shelter, food, furniture, community meals, etc.,
finding information on supportive housing options in York Region,
getting connected to ministry-funded services such as Developmental Services Ontario Central East Region (DSO CER),
requesting short-term supports via Streamlined Access, and much more!

These workshops are for anyone 16 years and older, who does not currently have case management support.

My Time – Online Support Group for Autistic Parents
2025-07-15 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-19 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Virtual
Hosted by Maxine Share, this is a support group for parents who have been diagnosed with autism, or who suspect they may be autistic. This is a safe and confidential space.
This support group is for neurodivergent parents (no official diagnosis is required) who are raising autistic and/or non-autistic children.

Single Session Supportive Counselling - Thursdays in July
2025-07-17 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-07-24 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-07-31 11:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual
Get immediate help with an issue related to your mental health.
Our Single Session Counselling offers you personalized support so you can build a plan to work through one of the following concerns:

coping with a specific mental health challenge
caregiver challenges
housing
addictions
education
access to community services
other concern you may be dealing with.

Counsellors will concentrate on helping you build a plan for one or two concerns within the session.
Many people find that they get what they need from one counselling session. Please book one appointment only, so that we can accommodate as many people as possible. If you find that a follow up session is needed, it can be scheduled after you attend your initial Single Session Counselling appointment.
YSSN is funded directly by the Ministry of Health to serve people living within the boundaries of York Region and South Simcoe. If you live outside of these areas, please do not register for an appointment.

Single Session Supportive Counselling - Tuesdays in July
2025-07-22 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-07-29 09:30 - 12:00 UTC | Virtual

RampUp Group - Mindfulness: Living in the Present Moment
2025-07-29 13:30 - 14:30 UTC
Would you like to have more feelings that are positive on a daily basis? Are you interested in finding more contentment in the way you live your life?
Our RAMP Up Group (Recovery and Maintenance Program) is a strengths-based, open group created from the principles of Positive Psychology.
This workshop is for adults 16+ residing in York Region/South Simcoe.

Single Session Supportive Counselling - Tuesdays in August
2025-08-05 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-12 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-19 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-08-26 09:30 - 12:00 UTC | Virtual

Single Session Supportive Counselling - Thursdays in August
2025-08-07 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-08-14 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-08-21 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-08-28 11:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual

RampUp Group - Coping Strategies: Managing Stress and Hardships
2025-08-26 13:30 - 14:30 UTC | Virtual

Single Session Supportive Counselling - Tuesdays in September
2025-09-02 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-16 09:30 - 12:00, 2025-09-23 09:30 - 12:00 UTC | Virtual

Single Session Supportive Counselling - Thursdays in September
2025-09-04 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-09-11 11:00 - 13:30, 2025-09-18 11:00 - 13:30 UTC | Virtual

My Time – Online Support Group for Autistic Parents
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | Virtual
My Time is a monthly online support group created for parents who identify as autistic or neurodiverse. Whether formally diagnosed or self-identified, participants are welcome in this safe, supportive, and confidential space.
This group is for neurodivergent adults who are caregivers raising autistic and/or non-autistic children. It’s not a workshop, but a space to connect with others who share similar lived experiences. Members are encouraged to unmask, reflect, and share their journey without judgment.
Hosted by Maxine Share, an autistic parent and grandparent with decades of community involvement, the group offers a compassionate environment rooted in understanding and respect.

Ask an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist): Building Social Communication Skills
2025-09-17 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | Virtual
Join a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services for a practical, interactive webinar focused on building social communication skills in children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This workshop is targeted to families and caregivers with children/youth aged 7–17 years old who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
The session will explore strategies such as theory of mind, reading the room, comic strip conversations, and scripting to support social interactions. It includes a brief presentation and time to ask questions about helping your child strengthen their speech and language skills.
Key takeaways:

Learn how to encourage and support social communication

Discover practical tools and strategies to develop these skills

Ask your questions directly to a qualified SLP

Autism and the LGBT2SQ+ Community with Dori Zener
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Join social worker Dori Zener and members of her Rainbow Spectrum Pride Team for an engaging workshop exploring the experiences of autistic individuals within the LGBT2SQ+ community. Team members will share their lived experiences, and there will be time for open and respectful Q&A.
Key takeaways include understanding how autism and LGBT2SQ+ identities intersect, learning how to better support individuals at this intersection, and hearing directly from those with lived experience.
This session is open to parents and caregivers of autistic children or adults, autistic self-advocates, and interested professionals or service providers.
