We are not a crisis support line. If you are in an emergency, please call Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team at 1-888-829-7484 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Resources
We are committed to providing information and resources to help our community understand and strengthen mental health supports. The below resources provide information on what is available in our area, as well as ways families and individuals can build and maintain mental wellness.
Outside of these listed resources, you may also be able to access support through:
Your workplace: An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may be available through your workplace to provide you with access to professional, confidential assistance for personal or work-related problems. Speak with your employer to find out if your workplace offers an EAP or other support.
Your family doctor or nurse practitioner: Community Health Centres and Family Health Teams in Huron and Perth counties provide a range of services based on the needs of patients. Contact your primary care provider to access services.
Your school: Avon Maitland District School Board and Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board have school-based services available through a range of partnerships with community agencies. Contact your school principal to access services.
Mental Health & Addiction Resources
Huron Perth Centre
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Population Served: Children & Youth until their 18th birthday
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM
Services:
Assessment and treatment services for a wide range of mental health concerns for children and youth.
Timely Access Team with timely access to staff for an assessment to start the service planning process.
Weekly Drop in Clinics
Referrals to various services across both counties.
Counseling and Therapy services including Therapeutic Parenting, Trauma Group and others.
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Address:
73 Wellington St, Clinton, ON N0M 1L0
Phone:
(519) 482-3931
Website:
http://www.hpcentre.on.ca/
Gear Works
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Population served: Individuals who inject drugs intravenously.
Hours and days vary by location. See the link below for details!
Huron Perth Public Health Unit offers a needle exchange program at several sites across the counties. Individuals can bring in used needles and syringes and pick up sterile needles and syringes. As well, listed are locations of sharps disposal kiosks.
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Website: https://www.hpph.ca/en/classes-clinics-and-services/needle-exchange-program-gear-works.aspx#
Contact: 519-482-3416
CMHA Huron-Perth
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Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Huron Perth Addiction and Mental Health Services is a local mental health and addictions agency which provides a variety of services, including addiction counselling for youth and adults, mental health case management, peer support, court support, counselling for problem gambling/behavioural change, supportive housing, community withdrawal management and more.
Population Served: Various, depending on service
Services:
CHMA Huron-Perth offers multiple programs and services for all age groups. To explore their offered services in more detail, please visit https://cmhahuronperth.com/programs-and-services/
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Goderich (Huron) office:
29 Kingston Street, Goderich, Ontario N7A3K2
Stratford office:
540 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario N5A 5T9
Main office:
10 Downie Street., 3rd Floor, Stratford, Ontario N5A 7K4
519-271-6819 | 1-888-261-9350
Fax: 519-271-2746
Local Phone: (519) 271-6819
Phone: 1-888-261-9350
E-mail: support@cmhahuronperth.com
CMHA Middlesex
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Population served: Individuals experiencing symptoms of mental illness residing in Exeter, Southern Huron County or Goderich
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Services:
Case Management
Leisure and Life Skills
Employment Support Services
Community Homes for Opportunity (CHO) is a supportive housing program for people with serious mental illness.
The Crisis Stabilization Space provides short-term support for individuals 16+, experiencing a crisis related to their mental health and/or substance use.
Eating Disorders Residence offers specialized supports in a home-like setting for those 18+ who have an eating disorder diagnosis and need 24 hour support to interrupt eating disorder symptoms.
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Website: https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/programs-services/rural-services-exeter/
Contact: 519-235-0335
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance
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Population Served: Individuals struggling with Mental Health over 16 years of age
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM
Clinton - Listowel - Stratford
Services:
Inpatient and Outpatient options:
Inpatient unit has 15 beds for ages 16 and older in Stratford
Outpatient services include: Individual and group therapy services offered in offices in Listowel, Stratford and Seaforth.
Prevention & Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (https://www.hpha.ca/pepp)
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Website:
http://www.hpha.ca
Clinton Public Hospital: 519-482-3440
St. Marys Memorial Hospital: 519-284-1332
Seaforth Community Hospital: 519-527-8404
Stratford General Hospital: 519-272-8210 / Toll Free: 1-888-275-1102
Email: administration@hpha.ca
Huron Health System - Alexandra Marine and General Hospital
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Population served: Individuals struggling with mental health or addictions both in crisis and seeking treatment
Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
Services:
Inpatients has 20 beds, 3 designated for withdrawal management, 3 for addictions.
Group Therapy, Art Therapy, Relaxation Therapy, Individual Therapy
Huron Outreach Eating Disorders Program - (12+) 1-877-695-2524
Psychiatrist - 519-524-8323 ext. 5361 or 5388
Huron Community Mental Health Services - Group treatment
Intensive case management services
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Website: https://www.amgh.ca/
Contact: 1-877-695-2524
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Central West
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Population served: Those looking for help with a drinking problem.
Fellowship group offering support to anyone with a desire to stop drinking. Group meetings follow the Alcoholics Anonymous twelve steps to recovery.
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Website: www.aa.org
Crossing Bridges
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Population served: Young people aged 12-24.
Hours: Vary (Virtual service)
Crossing Bridges is a free and confidential virtual safe space where you can:
Connect virtually with an Addictions Counsellor
Get information about substance use and behavioural addiction
Find substance use and addiction services and supports
Crossing Bridges provides support to young people aged 12-24 with both substance use addiction and behavioural addiction (e.g. gambling, gaming, sex, Internet or social media use, etc.).
Services:
School-Based Youth Counseling Program
Youth Community Treatment Program
Youth Exploring Change Group
Youth Substance Use Program
Peer Support Services
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Website: https://crossingbridges.ca/
Emergency Housing Resources
Huron Out of The Cold
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Population served: Individuals seek emergency overnight shelter
Hours: 7PM - 8AM daily (no admission after 10PM)
Services:
Those needing access to the Emergency Shelter are invited to call (519) 525-5922 between Monday to Friday, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to complete screening for eligibility, conduct an intake and arrange transportation, if required. Note that space is limited, and a waitlist may be held.
Shelter guests will continue to receive wrap-around support including access to a drop-in centre, hot meals, peer support volunteers, life skills development opportunities, and more.
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Website: https://www.lakeshoreuc.org/huron-out-of-the-cold.html
Contact: 519-525-5922 and mention you are interested in the Huron Out of The Cold program, between Monday to Friday, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Huron Safe Homes For Youth
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Population served: Individuals 16-18 years old
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM
Services:
Crisis intervention and support services for youth and their families/caregivers
Temporary shelter when the youth has no other viable alternative
Mediation (youth and parents/caregiver conflict)
Short term counseling
Immediate and long term planning (developed in conjunction with the youth and the family/caregiver to address their needs)
Referral and advocacy
Independent living / housing stability supports
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Website: https://huronsafehomes.com/
Contact: 1-800-361-1640 or safe.homes@sympatico.ca
Huron Womens Shelter
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Population served: Women (16+) & Children that have experienced gender-based violence
Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days a week
Services:
Emergency Shelter with a 10-bed facility in Goderich with 24 hr. staffing
Our Second Stage Housing program offers geared to income transitional housing (22 apartments) in Exeter, Clinton, and Goderich.
The Children and Youth program provides counselling and support for children and youth who have witnessed violence in their home.
The Family Court Support program assists women who have experienced gender-based violence and are moving through the Family Court System.
Group counselling sessions are offered throughout the year for women and children at various locations. Staff are are also available to facilitate workshops or speak on topics related to violence against women.
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Website: https://huronwomensshelter.com/
Contact: 1-800-265-5506 or 519-524-6245
Stratford-Perth Shelterlink
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Population served: Individuals between 16-24 in need of shelter on ODSP
Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
Services:
Stratford/Perth Shelterlink provides Perth County youth ages 16-24, who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, with shelter, basic needs, support, community aid and advocacy services.
We actively work with youth to assist them in their pursuits, through education and skills development support.
Supportive Housing of Perth Program
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Website: http://www.shelterlink.org/
Contact: 519-272-2294
Emily Murphy Centre
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Population served: Women & Children that have experienced gender-based violence
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 5PM
Services:
Through the provision of services for women and children, second stage housing provides a safe alternative to living with violence and allows women to work co-operatively toward independence and freedom. You may qualify if:
May be living in the home or have separated.
Is in need of safe, supportive, affordable housing.
Is willing to live in a cooperative non-violent atmosphere and agree to the conditions of occupancy.
Supervised Access and Visitation Exchange services offer separated families a way to deal with some of these problems by providing safe and secure settings where visits and exchanges can take place under the supervision of trained staff and volunteers.
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Website: https://emilymurphycentre.com/home-english/
Contact: 519-273-7350 x23
Food & Hygiene Supplies
Goderich Little Free Pantry
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Population served: Anybody needing food or hygiene products in Goderich.
Hours: 24/7
Please take from the Goderich Free Little Pantries as needed. If you find yourself in need regularly, know that your community is here to help. There are local food banks available to provide you with more substantial and nutritious supplies of food designated to meet the specific needs of you (and/or your family).
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Website: https://www.goderichfreelittlepantry.com/
It Takes a Village
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Population served: Individuals struggling with poverty, addiction, homelessness.
Hours: Vary, check website or social media.
Services:
The “give & Take stand” out front of the store is a food resource for anyone, at any time. We try to keep some food on it at all times.
Takes A Village has established a “Self attesting” food bank model, in that we don’t require ID or documentation for someone to access food once a week.
Moneyless Second Hand Store that works on a point system and is completely free.
Online Marketplace with option of purchasing using volunteer hours.
Out of the cold supplies where if emergency shelter is not possible, there are accessible tents, ground mats, etc.
Navigating systems of information and access to technology for appointments
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Website: https://listowelittakesavillage.ca/
Contact: 519-418-4651 or listowelittakesavillage@gmail.com
Other Community Resources
Huron Hospice
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Population served: All.
Hours: Vary
Huron Hospice provides services and programs to residents of Huron County at no cost to the participants.
Services:
Loss & Grief Support Groups
Suicide Support Group (Support for those affected by suicide)
The Grief Recovery Method. An Action Program for moving beyond death, divorce, and other loss.
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Website: https://www.huronhospice.ca/
Betamarsh
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Population served: Youth
Betamarsh Incorporated provides stable, therapeutic residential and foster care environments, which take into consideration the individual needs of each youth. Residents are provided with Individualized Therapeutic Programs tailored to address emotional, behavioral, educational and social difficulties. Services include day-to-day life skills, individual and group support, counselling, educational and familial support. Betamarsh Incorporated provides an environment that empowers and promotes change and motivation. The environment is one that includes families, neighbourhoods, schools and the community. Each resident will have a sense of possibility and will feel that they are capable of managing the different life experiences confidently and productively.
Services:
Emotional Challenges
Mental Health Challenges
Bipolar personality disorder
Conduct disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
Attachment disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Sleep disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (all types)
Phobias
Anxiety disorder
Sexuality and Sexual Activity
Abandonment, Grief and Loss
Stealing
Eating Disorders
Verbal Abuse
AWOL
Substance Use/Abuse
Suicidal Threats and Attempts
Sexual Abuse
Fetal Alcohol Effect/Syndrome
Youth Involved with the Criminal Justice System
Learning Disorder (all types)
Socially Delayed
School, Academic and Attendance Issues
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Website: http://www.betamarsh.com/about/
Contact for Eligibility:
Blake Muxlow, Executive Director. (519) 524-8012 ext 202
BounceBack
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Population served: Adults 18+, Youth 15-17, Care Providers
BounceBack® is a free skill-building program managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). It is designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression and anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered over the phone with a coach and through online videos, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.
Services:
Coaching
Educational videos
Take home materials
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Website: bouncebackontario.ca
National Harm Reduction Coalition
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The National Harm Reduction Coalition works to increase access to evidence-based harm reduction strategies like overdose prevention, naloxone distribution and syringe access programs.
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855-how-to-quit.org
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855-how-to-quit is a helpline that uses the imprint codes on opioid pills as phone extensions, to connect those who struggle with addiction with those who managed to quit. Turning the object of addiction into a way out.
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Victim Services
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Population served: Individuals who are victims of crime, trauma, and tragic circumstances.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Services:
Providing immediate emotional and practical support and assistance
Encouraging empowerment by supporting individuals to regain control of the situation
Attending on site, at your home, hospital, police station or other safe location
If ‘on seen’ support is not appropriate, phone and digital support can be provided.
Follow up are done to maintain connection with the survivor
Listening with complete confidentiality, understanding and respect
Validating feelings of vulnerability, fear, violation, and shock
Referrals to other services offered by local community agencies.
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Website: https://www.victimserviceshuron.ca/
Contact: 519-600-4108
National Resources
Parents Like Us - The Unofficial Survival Guide to Parenting a Young Person With a Substance Use Disorder
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We are a group of parents from Victoria, British Columbia, who care for young people with substance use disorder. By sharing our experiences and reading our stories, we hope you will find refuge, support and the courage to reach out for help.
The authors of this book are parents. Parents like you. We have many similarities and differences, but one thing that we all have in common is that we parent a young person who has a severe substance use disorder. We call it, ‘the club that we never wanted to be in’. Like you, more than anything, we want our kids to be well, to leave this chapter of life behind and to grow into the healthy and happy individuals that we always hoped they would be.
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Drug Education Resources
Dancesafe
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DanceSafe is a drug checking, earplug slinging, party servicing nonprofit that was founded on social justice principles. Our programs include drug education, sexual health and consent deep-dives, political advocacy, and event outreach, where our amazing volunteers distribute information and resources at the fabled DanceSafe Booths.
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Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society
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Population served: Youth under 18 and significant adults in their lives.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Services:
HPCAS advocates for and protects children through their children care services.
To provide such family support services as: child management, parenting education, family counseling.
Child protection includes the assessment and investigations of allegations of child abuse and neglect, and the provision of support and services to families in crisis regarding parenting and child management.
Sexual Abuse Awareness and Prevention: Facilitate education and awareness regarding sexual abuse, provide education and resources regarding prevention of sexual abuse Provide counseling and support services to children who have been victims of sexual abuse, groups such as Safe Child and Feeling Yes, Feeling No
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Website: http://www.h-pcas.ca/
Contact: Goderich:1-519-524-7356 or 1-800-265-5198
Stratford: 1-519-271-5290 or 1-800-668-5094
Huron Respite Network
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Population served: Primary caregivers seeking additional support
Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
Services:
Respite provides a break to caregivers, is flexible, is specific to your family’s needs, is essential.
Huron Respite Network provides planned, periodic, and short-term respite for families who are the primary caregiver of children and youth with developmental and physical disabilities and mental health concerns.
Respite options include:
Hourly respite
Overnight respite
Camp
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Website: https://clch.ca/find-supports/children-youth-supports/children-and-youth-respite-0-18-years/
Contact: 519-524-7362 x218 or respite@clch.ca.
988 - Suicide Crisis Helpline
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Population served: All
What to expect when you reach a 9-8-8 responder:
They will listen. The person you connect to will listen with compassion and without judgement, and give you space to talk.
They will engage with empathy. Whatever you are going through, they want to understand.
They will support you. 9-8-8 responders can help you explore ways to create safety when things are overwhelming.
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Website:
https://988.ca/get-help/what-to-expect
Call or text: 9-8-8
Tripsit
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Tripsit is a reference guide outlining how various substances interact with each other, and can help users to identify their risk level. There is an app version as well.
The app, like the combo chart, is meant as a quick reference guide and additional research MUST always be done. For additional information check out their Factsheet.
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Pharmacogenomic Testing
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Pharmacogenomics (also known as pharmacogenetics) is the study of how our genes affect the way we respond to medications. Pharmacogenomic testing can help to determine which mental health supporting medications may work best for you, and help to eliminate the trial and error involved in finding the best fit.
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THE SOBER CONNECTION
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Mission Statement: The Sober Connection's mission is to provide a safe and accepting space for individuals seeking a substance-free lifestyle and support on their journey. We aim to facilitate meaningful connections, offer valuable resources, and promote personal growth through open conversations, exciting events, and access to reliable service providers. Together, we build a compassionate and resilient network that empowers individuals to embrace their strength, embark on their journey, and create a fulfilling life free from substances.
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United way Connection Centres
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Population Served: All
Services:
Cooling/Warming
Food & Meals
Showers
Clothing
Clothes
Laundry Facilities
Phone, Computer, & Internet
Emotional support
Social support
Social Connection
Referrals
Agency Referrals
Documents
Connection Centres are an initiative led by United Way. They offer wrap-around supports including trauma-informed care, substance use and mental health counselling, as well as basic needs such as showers, laundry and food. Services are client-centred, providing dignity and choice with an unrelenting focus on securing permanent housing.
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Website:
https://perthhuron.unitedway.ca/community-resources/unitedwayconnectioncentres/
Locations/Contact:
Stratford - 9 Douro St., N5A 3R2
~ Email: connectioncentre@cmhahuronperth.com
~ Phone: 226-921-1025
Exeter - 70670 London Rd., N0M 1S1
~ Email: eptcan.noahsark@gmail.com
~ Phone: 519-235-2991
Wingham - 23 John St., N0G 2W0
~ Email: connectioncentre@cmhahuronperth.com
~ Phone: 519-271-6730 ext. 245
Huron Perth Health Alliance - Transitional Housing
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Population served: The Transition Bed Program supports individuals coping with a mental health crisis in Huron or Perth County.
Services: Transitional Case Workers support the Transition Bed Program 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Transitional Case Workers are mental health professionals who work with the client and community supports to create and implement a plan for enhanced stability to meet urgent needs in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Eligibility: The Transition bed program is a non-medical, voluntary program that offers a safe and therapeutic environment for individuals who:
Are 18 years of age or older
Are in a self-identified crisis such as homelessness, mental health or addiction issues, involvement in the criminal justice system and/or suicidal ideation with no plan
Agree to work on recovery focused goals
Agree to take their medication as prescribed and are able to obtain and administer their own medication, if applicable
Are able to attend to Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) (example: mobility [ability to climb stairs], personal hygiene)
Consent to an in-person assessment after the referral form has been completed
Referrals: Referrals can be made by individuals, physicians, health care professionals and community agencies.
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Website: https://www.hpha.ca/crisis#accordion-1055-3
https://www.hpha.ca/crisisprograms
Contact: Phone: 519-482-3440 ext. 6296
The Haven Drop-In - Brussels
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Population served: Any and all looking for a space place to spend time, chat, learn about harm reduction, access harm reduction materials and more.
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Website: https://dignityalternatives.godaddysites.com/the-haven-drop-in
Phone: 519 444-5499
Sunset Addiction & Mental Health Recovery
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Services:
Residential Healing & Sober Living Retreats.
Recovery Camp.
Equine therapy.
Mental health trainings.
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Know of a resource that is not listed here, or have updated information about a resource?
Let us know!
The landscape of resources for mental health and addiction in Huron & Perth is constantly changing. Please contact us if you know of a resource not listed here, or if there has been a change in the availability of a listed resource.