Reliable Resources and Supports

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) offers a number of information resources on their website related to various mental health conditions and supporting well-being. CMHA also has a crisis helpline that community members can contact for immediate needs.

Crisis hotline: 705-728-5044 (Local) or 1-888-893-8333 (Toll-Free)

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BounceBack Ontario is coordinated by the Canadian Mental Health Association and is available for youth and adults, ages 15+. The service provides coaching over the phone and online videos to help community members with low mood, depression, anxiety, and stress.

Toll-Free Phone: 1-866-345-0224

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Big White Wall offers free, online mental health support for ages 16+. Available 24/7 and no referrals needed. This support is anonymous but there is also an option to connect with a peer support group. Big White Wall also provides guided courses on anxiety, depression, and more.

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Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County is an accredited registered charity offering professional counselling, psychotherapy and education. Their inclusive, affordable and accessible services are available to everyone living or working in Simcoe Muskoka regardless of age, ability, cultural or religious background, race, sexual orientation or gender identity. They are the only family service agency in the county that doesn’t have admission criteria related to a particular diagnosis.

Call-in Counselling Clinic- 1-888-726-2503

ConnexOntario provides mental health service information. Service is free and confidential. Can be accessed by phone, email, or webchat 24/7. Specialists will refer community members to mental health supports depending on their particular needs. Specialists can also offer basic education on mental health as well as strategies for achieving mental health goals.

Phone: 1-866-531-2600

Common Point is an online directory by 211 specific to mental health and addiction resources available in Simcoe County and Muskoka. Browse services by doing a general search or by clicking on a map, and check out a calendar of mental health and addiction programs available each week/month, and more.

Employment Ontario provides assistance with job searching, skill building, and connecting with employment and training services.

Job seekers can request a meeting with a counsellor to receive support in the areas of career direction development, interview preparation, and beginning a new job.

Employers can request a meeting with a counsellor to receive support in the areas of employee recruitment and exploration of financial assistance available to offset employee training costs.

Live Chat – Available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays)

Toll-free Phone: 1-800-387-5656

Email: contactEO@ontario.ca

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The Work in Simcoe County website was recently launched by The County of Simcoe and area partners.

• The website displays job listings from popular career boards and websites, such as Indeed, Workopolis, job bank, Employment Ontario job boards throughout Simcoe County and more.

• Residents can access a Job Board, map out jobs utilizing the Jobs Map, and receive information about how to access Employment Ontario offices as well as childcare facilities.

• Additional resources for job seekers include: job search help, entrepreneurship information, career exploration for youth, job fair preparation, and information on in demand jobs.

• Employers can also access information on the following topics: Hiring Help, Apprenticeships and Co-ops, In Demand Jobs, Hiring Immigrants, and Research and Innovation.

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The Economic Development Office (EDO) focuses on business development and retention within Simcoe County. The EDO has launched a COVID-19 Business Supports page that offers a variety of resources to assist local businesses during this time.

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Agilec locations offer free employment services. Agilec provides support on various employment topics, such as resume and cover letter creation, application processes, interview processes, and job searching. Agilec also offers supports in the areas of training and second career education. Offices are now open to the public by appointment only.

Phone: 705-431-2255

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Agilec has an online education platform that offers free online courses and learning plans.

• Online courses are free. Community members must register for an online account to enroll in the courses.

• Participants can work at their own pace and use the chat feature for support

• Categories of online courses and workshops include: Supporting Individuals and Businesses during COVID-19, Facilitated Workshop Sessions, Employer Resources, Job Seeker Resources, and Youth Job Seekers.

The COVID-19 Economic Response Plan page outlines all financial supports available to Canadians and how to apply. There are various financial supports for individuals and families, people with disabilities, students and recent graduates, seniors, Indigenous peoples, and businesses. Some financial supports include:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

• Increases to the Canada Child Benefit

• Canada Emergency Student Benefit

• One-time tax-free payments for seniors and people with disabilities

• Mortgage deferrals

For questions related specifically to federal government assistance such as Employment Insurance (EI) or the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB), call 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

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The Province of Ontario outlines additional financial assistance available including:

• COVID-19 emergency assistance

• Temporary changes to rental processes

• Electricity bill payment assistance

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For assistance with MyAccount (required to apply for CERB), call 1-800-959-8281.

For assistance with benefits, call 1-800-387-1193 for help with benefits.

The Welcome Centre Mobile Unit provides various Immigrant services through phone, email, or video.

• Settlement Services include supports related to immigration and citizenship, community, housing, health, education, transportation, children and families, and personal finance.

• Accreditation Qualification & Information Services include information related to work qualifications in Canada, training and education required to enter a profession, and career alternatives.

• Financial information and guidance is also available on Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

Newcomers can book an appointment with the Mobile Unit (available Mon-Fri from 8am-8pm).

Phone: 1-877-761-1155

Email: mobileunit@welcomecentre.ca

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The Welcome Centre now offer virtual English Conversation Circles for newcomers who reside within Simcoe County.

The Online English Conversation Circles for Simcoe County are offered on Mondays from 10am-11am and Thursdays from 5pm-6pm. The Welcome Centre can also connect newcomers to English language assessments as well as other language supports.

Phone: 1-877-761-1155
Email: mobileunit@welcomecentre.ca

Matthews House Hospice provides services and supports for individuals suffering from illness as well as their families and caregivers. These services include a wide variety of programs, workshops, counselling, palliative care, and bereavement care.

Phone: 705-435-7218