Wellness Resources
The Heartbeats have been working hard to put together and introduce a diverse array of key wellness resources both in & around McMaster. In addition to this, we have consolidated wellness-related tips/advice from Heartbeat Reps for you all to take a look at. We hope that you all find this helpful!
Click for quick access to each of the sections
General Heartbeat Advice
Maintaining Self-Care & Wellness
TAKE BREAKS
As cliche as this sounds, it’s something many, if not all, of us forget to do sometimes. You need time for yourself in order to recharge. Watch a YouTube video, get a snack, listen to some music, play an instrument. Reward yourself with down time because you need it and deserve it.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NATURE
Nature can be really beneficial with reducing stress and can put you in a better mood. Going for a walk, a hike, or a bike ride not only clears your mind to improve your attention, but also helps you maintain an active lifestyle.
SLEEP!
It may, at times, feel like there isn’t enough time in the day to get a good night’s sleep. Sleeping in or taking a nap can even be the necessary recharge that your body needs in order to stay functioning at its regular level. In order to get a better nights sleep, you can try things like switching off your phone or leaving it outside the bedroom, listening to music or doing mindfulness before bed to unwind, and perhaps even creating a before bed routine.
SCHEDULING 'ME TIME'
During the school year, it can feel like you have an endless amount of tasks to accomplish before taking a break. This can make it hard to give yourself time to chill. Planning for breaks, the same way you might plan to do homework, is one way you can remind yourself to take breaks and do something you enjoy.
SELF-REFLECTION
Spending even 10 minutes a day reflecting on the positive things that happened to you, and taking time to think about yourself is crucial. You are a person before you are a student, and taking time to focus on how you are doing mentally and emotionally will benefit you both academically and personally.
CLEAN YOUR SPACE
Decluttering your spaces can be a huge relief – especially if that space is where you do stressful tasks (like a desk). The act of cleaning itself can also reduce stress, whether that is by providing a little bit of exercise, breaking up your regular schedule in the day, or being a time where you can practice mindfulness.
Coping with Stressors
REACH OUT
If you are ever feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it’s okay to ask someone to talk. We have all been through this, and we are all here to help each other out when we need it. Reaching out to an upper year who you feel comfortable with, a facilitator, or a peer can give you a different perspective on the situations, new ideas, or just someone to vent to. It’s important to remember your feelings are important and it’s okay to turn to someone else for support.
SCHEDULING
Procrastination is a really common way of coping in the short term, but inevitably increasing stress in the long term. Scheduling your time (using a list you might have made when ‘Writing it Out’) can be a really awesome way to reduce procrastination, motivate yourself, and make sure that work can and will get done on time, ultimately reducing your stress levels.
MUSIC
In some residence buildings, there is a piano in the first floor common room. In my first year, when I was missing home, I would head down to that piano and play random chords to country music I had found on the internet. Overall, listening to, playing, or dancing along to music can be a huge stress reliever and be a really great way to relax when you are feeling overwhelmed.
WRITE IT OUT
If your mind is everywhere thinking about everything you have to do at once, it may help to get out a piece of paper and a pen and write everything you need to do down. Whether it’s assignments, lectures, tests, laundry, or cleaning your room, it helps to get it all out of your head. This way, you have a to-do list and you can start concentrating on checking things off rather than exhausting yourself mentally thinking about the next thing you need to do.
JOIN THINGS THAT
MAKE YOU HAPPY
In the first year of university, academics and living away from home can be overwhelming and come with high stress. It can be helpful to have time in the week where you can shift your focus onto something that you know makes you happy. For example, joining a club or intramural sport team can be an excellent way to pursue other interests and shift your focus for 1+ nights a week onto something that counteracts that stress.
​
​
What I Wish I Knew
BHSC OFFICE
One of the resources I wish I knew more about in first year was the BHSc office. In second year, I discovered that the office has academic advising services, support staff, and a number of inquiry facilitators who are always happy to answer questions, or just have a conversation with students. They even have a whole selection of ukuleles, and I believe a deck of playing cards, available for students to play!
BHSC STUDENT NAVIGATOR
The BHSc Student Navigators role is to meet with students to offer a listening ear about anything you may be stressed about, school-related or otherwise! They are also a great place you can start if you are looking to explore other resources on campus, too. (bhscnav@mcmaster.ca)
INQUIRY FACILITATORS
You will have classes with your Facilitator, but you can definitely talk with them outside of class. They are always happy to set up a personal meeting with you where you can ask questions, talk about school, get some life advice or just chat about how life is going! They are here for you even beyond first year!
UPPER YEAR BUDDY
In first year, I didn’t bond with my upper year buddy as much as I wish I did after our initial introductions. These upper years have experienced similar things to you and are offering their time and resources to you. Don’t be afraid or nervous to be the one to reach out, because they are there to support you and would be more than happy to help you out.
COVID-19 Specific Advice
“Hey Wolfpack! Welcome welcome welcome 🙂 I know this isn’t the start you might have anticipated your university journey but I have some tips that helped me along the way and I hope you can take something from it. I personally struggled at first to stay focused and motivated with online learning. What has really helped me has been studying with groups of friends, setting aside “me” time, and planning out goals for the week in advance. Please remember to be kind to yourselves and take the time you need to adjust. Feel free to reach out anytime, I’m always here to chat!” – Anabela Cotovio, Level IV
Reminder: Stay Safe & Healthy!
“Do The Five”, the basic steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19
​
-
HANDS: Wash them often, especially when coming back from the outdoors
-
ELBOW: Whether or not you have been diagnosed, ALWAYS cough into your elbow
-
FACE: Do not touch it! Especially your eyes, nose and mouth
-
SPACE: Keep a safe distance both indoors and outdoors (approximately 2 metres, about the LENGTH of a double bed)
-
HOME: Limit your time outdoors, especially inside buildings
​
How to Wear a Mask Properly
​
Studies of several airborne diseases (influenza, influenza-like illness, and human coronaviruses – not including COVID-19, prove evidence that medical mask use can prevent the spread of infectious droplets from an infected, symptomatic individual. Although, there is limited evidence that wearing a mask would protect a healthy individual from infectious droplets in the surrounding environment.
Tips to properly wear masks:
-
Clean your hands prior to putting on and taking off the mask
-
Inspect the mask, ensure that it is not damaged or dirty
-
Cover your mouth, nose and chin
-
Adjust the mask to your face, leaving no gaps on the sides
-
Avoid touching the mask while wearing it
-
Change your mask once it gets dirty or wet
-
Remove the mask from the straps behind the head/ears – without touching the front of the mask (with clean hands!)
-
Pull the mask away from the face after you remove it
-
Ensure you follow other measures to avoid contracting the virus
​
Additional Tips for Fabric Masks
​
-
If you need to re-use the mask, store it in a clean, re-sealable bag
-
Wash fabric masks in soap or detergent, preferably with hot water at LEAST once a day
For More Information Visit:
Maintaining Mental Health
We are currently living in a historic global health crisis – and that is a little bit of a big deal. This pandemic has affected everyone in one way or another. The profound impact that this virus has had on our daily lives, and the uncertainty it brings for the future, can make some of us worried. Some of us may be anxious, others more stressed than usual – for some, isolation has brought intense feelings of sadness.
​
According to a CAMH survey (conducted June 2020), a third (â…“) of respondents aged 18-39 years old have experienced severe anxiety. 21% of these respondents reported feelings of loneliness and 18.4% stated that they have felt depressed.
This is completely normal.
​
Remember that, like everything else in life, this too shall pass. Hang on!
​
Whether you feel completely unaffected by the chaos of our current lives, or not, it is important to check in with yourself.
​
Consider following some of these tips to help maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic:
1. RECOGNIZE THAT SOME ANXIETY & FEAR IS NORMAL
COVID-19 is a new disease that the world is still learning about. This sense of uncertainty will naturally trigger a sense of fear. In fact, this is a healthy response as it motivates us to protect ourselves and others.
2.ENSURE THAT THE SOURCE IS CREDIBLE!
Fear mongering is popular in panics like these and some are looking to profit from others’ worries. Be sure to fact-check the information that you’re consuming and that it is indeed accurate. One way to do this is to cross-reference with a well known source (e.g. The World Health Organization, Health Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health).
3. AVOID CONSUMING TOO MUCH INFORMATION
In times like these, it is important to stay up to date with information. Although, overconsumption can also become a problem. Limit your time consuming online media, whether it is your socials, news media, or other information-rich services. Balance is key.
4. APPROACH PROBLEMS CALMLY & WITH STRUCTURE
Issues will always feel overwhelming. Sometimes, to make a problem seem less scary, a person can unpack a problem and identify factors that are actually the problem. Sometimes, worries are not necessarily grounded in reality but instead in our own imagination. Here are some steps!
5. YOU ARE RESILIENT!
In stressful situations, humans often overestimate how bad the situation could get and underestimate their ability to cope to them. You are more resilient than you think!
​
Remind yourself that you can handle stress and that if you need support, there are people ready to jump in. Replace catastrophic thoughts with something more positive, and do not underestimate yourself.
6. EAT HEALTHY
In times like these, it is important to stay up to date with information. Although, overconsumption can also become a problem. Limit your time consuming online media, whether it is your socials, news media, or other information-rich services. Balance is key.
7. SEEK HELP
Seeking help can come in many different ways. Reach out to family members, friends, or other loved ones – anyone you are comfortable opening up to. Remember to do this regardless of your mental state! Checking in can make someone else feel much better without you realizing it!
​
In some cases, people may feel uncomfortable reaching out to those they know. In this situation, formal support is an option. You may turn to distress lines, online support groups, or resources in your community – some of which are linked in this booklet!
8. STAY ACTIVE
Not only is physical activity is a good way to improve your overall health, but an effective method to reduce overall stress and anxiety. If you are self-isolated, you can still exercise inside your home! Try to find a good balance of resistance workouts (e.g. push ups, sit ups) and cardio exercises (e.g. running up and down the stairs).
Additional Resources:​
If you or someone you know is experiencing any sort of issues that may impact mental health or wellbeing,
you can call Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454 or text GOOD2TALKON to 686868. There, students can chat
with a professional counsellor or trained volunteer Crisis Responder, respectively, for free and confidential help. This includes information and referrals about services for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus.
​
Crisis Support at the Student Wellness Centre
Counselling appointments can be arranged with a counsellor directly on campus, based on urgency, and usually within 24 hours. The centre can be found in MUSC B101 and at 905-525-9140 x27700.
​
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
This partnership between St. Joseph’s mental health workers and specially trained Hamilton police, offer a crisis line which answers calls 24 hours 7 days a week. Clinicians intake and assess the call, then together you are able to develop a plan of action that may include mobile outreach. The COAST mobile team includes a mental health professional and plain-clothes police officer in an unmarked car. They can visit any residence, workplace, school, or other safe space. The individual may be assisted to a hospital for further assessment or treatment. Ongoing follow-up is offered via telephone support, and referral to community programs and agencies.
​
CAMH Distress and Crisis Resources
Leaders in mental health services and resources, CAMH offers crisis resources specific to areas in and around the GTA. If you are in an emergency situation, mental health crisis, or need someone to talk to, you can find a 24-hour resource with trained professionals via their website.
​
This Helpline offers a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line to all individuals who identify as women and who have experienced abuse. They provide counselling, emotional support, information and referrals. The numbers are as follows:
GTA: 416-863-0511
GTA TTY: 416-364-8762
Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868
​
Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention 24/7 to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Phone and chat counselling is available in English, French, Cree, Ojibwe, and Inuktitut.
1-855-242-3310 (24 hour hotline)
​
Free and confidential peer-support hotline run by trans-identified people, for trans and questioning callers who are in crisis or need someone to talk to. They have a strict policy against non-consensual active rescue, and will not contact the police or emergency services without your consent.
877-330-6366
​
The MSU offers the full Student Assistance Program (SAP) whether you choose to opt out of the health and dental plan or not. The program is built specifically for students and includes but is not limited to: academic counselling, addictions counselling, career development, crisis counselling, financial counselling, legal counselling, nutritional counselling, personal and transitional counselling, as well as life coaching. The counsellors are trained professionals who provide services such as face-to-face meetings, e-video, and telephone based sessions. Additionally, the iAspiria app can provide resources in the palm of your hand. All services are offered 24/7 and multilingually to students and their families.
​
This is a confidential crisis hotline that runs 24/7 and can be accessed by either texting WELLNESS to 741741 or by calling 1-800-668-6868. The texting line does NOT require data, Internet connection or an app. The phone line provides quick and easy access to a trained counsellor.
​
Barrett Centre for Crisis Support
Provides a safe environment in the community and responds to individuals (16 years of age or older) that are experiencing a mental health crisis, but do not require a hospital stay. Offers free and confidential services 24/7.
126-128 Emerald St S, Hamilton, ON
905-529-7878 (24 Hour Crisis Line)
1-844-777-3571 (Toll-Free)
​
Suicide prevention service created by distress and crisis centres across Canada. Offers a 24/7 hotline available to anyone thinking about or affected by suicide. Texting service is offered between 4pm and 12am.
1-833-456-4566 or text 45645
Crisis Support Resources
McMaster-Specific Resources
Download this guide to all McMaster Student Union (MSU) & Off-campus Resources:
MSU Horizons & Spark Guidebook
​
​
MSU Diversity Services
This service strives to build and maintain a campus that celebrates, advocates, and ensures inclusivity in areas such as race, ethnicity, culture, faith, spirituality etc.
​
SWHAT
You don’t have to walk home alone at night thanks to volunteers who will escort you anywhere on campus, as well as anywhere in a 30 minute radius. SWHAT will even ride the bus with you! Contact them at 905-525-9140, ext: 27500.
​
Maroons
Recognizable by their maroon jumpsuits, MSU Maroons are the campus spirit squad. You will see Maroons at events all around campus including Welcome Week, athletic events, community gatherings and fundraising for local charities. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to join.
​
MSU Spark
Spark connects small groups of first-year students with upper-year mentors for weekly sessions that cover a wide range of topics and activities. Not only does Spark help first-year students build stronger peer support, it also introduces participants to a wide range of involvement opportunities.
​
MSU Maccess
MSU Maccess is a community, peer support and advocacy outlet for students with disabilities. Maccess advocates across the spectrum of accessibility related issues, including learning, physical, mental, and cognitive. Maccess also helps other services and university offices better plan events in order to make them more accessible.
First Year Council
If you are entering your first year at McMaster, the First Year Council is a chance to jump right in and get involved. The McMaster Students Union FYC is made up of first year students interested in volunteering to create events and programs for first year students, providing feedback and recommendations on how to improve student life at McMaster.
​
Horizons
The MSU Horizons conference happens each August to welcome incoming first year students. Through this, McMaster students have the chance to develop lifelong leadership skills, explore their new home and gain valuable insight into themselves and their future. This year, programming has adapted to an online format primarily offered through Instagram, hosting several webinars, weekly sessions, takeovers by uppers from different faculties and more!
​
MSU Macademics
MSU Macademics is a service designed to advocate for excellence in both teaching and learning. It organizes the annual MSU Teaching Award ceremony for professors and TAs. The service also promotes educational resources such as the MSU Course Wiki and McMaster’s Course Evaluations.
​
Emergency First Response Team (EFRT)
EFRT is a group of highly trained student volunteers who respond to all medical emergencies on campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event of an emergency EFRT can be activated by calling 905-522-4135 on a cell phone or 88 from any campus phone.
Campus Events
The Campus Events department organizes concerts, speakers, and events at numerous venues around campus. Some of the major projects organized by the programming department are Welcome Week activities, Homecoming Weekend, concerts, and Charity Ball.
​
Pride Community Centre (PCC)
PCC is a MSU service that is set up to provide members of the 2STLGBQIA+ community a contact point and a safe space to seek support. The PCC also provides educational programming and access to resources of interest.
​
Student Wellness Centre
The SWC offers a variety of physician-provided medical services, wellness resources, and counselling services. You can book an appointment through their website for an initial consultation with a counselor and then decide what future steps to take from there!
David Braley Athletic Centre (DBAC)
This is where the Pulse, McMaster’s gym, is located. For online workouts, check out their Instagram.
​
WGEN
WGEN (Women & Gender Equity Network) hopes to establish services, resources and programming/events to create a safe(r) space on campus for women, trans folk, non-binary folk, GNC folk, and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence of all gender identities.
​
The Equity and Inclusion Office promotes and supports institution-wide commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and principles of inclusive excellence, to foster a campus culture and community that respect the human rights, integrity and dignity of all community members.
​
Student Health and Education Centre (SHEC)
SHEC is a health promotion, referral, support and resource centre for McMaster students. It is a student run organization at McMaster where you can get confidential peer support, free tangible health supplies, pregnancy testing, referrals and more! Their phone number is 905-525-9140 ext. 22041, email shec@msu.mcmaster.ca.
Hamilton-Based Resources
Table of Contents:​
This program provides a safe space to explore and normalize grief and reduce isolation by connecting with other bereaved people. They have group sessions or a 1:1 peer mutual support program that will match you with one of their trained bereavement volunteers, who have experienced a similar loss experience.
Clients and volunteers usually meet once a week for approximately 12 sessions. Offered to children, adults and families in grief
In-person support has been cancelled due to the pandemic, but support is being provided virtually in group or 1:1 sessions.
Contact: 905-387-2448 ext.2206 or email support@kemphospice.org
​
Free of charge
Health professionals test for and treat sexually transmitted infections. Family planning services are also provided.
​
No referral required, no health card required, free of charge
​
Contact: Sexual Health Information Line
905-528-5894
​
Hours: Wednesdays from 4:30PM-7:00PM, you must register 15 minutes before the clinic closes to be seen
​
Building is wheelchair accessible
BCCS provides a safe environment in the Hamilton community for individuals who are experiencing mental health and/or substance use crisis and do not require a hospital stay. Services are available to individuals of all genders over the age of 16.
Confidential and free services available 24/7/365.
​
24-hour crisis line: 905-529-7878
Toll-free: 1 (844) 777 3571
541 Eatery & Exchange is a non-profit café on Barton Street East. Visitors may pay-it-forward by volunteering or by turning dollars into buttons. Anyone can use 5 buttons from the pay-it-forward jar each day as $5 towards a fresh, nutritious meal. Proceeds from food sales also go toward hosting community initiatives such as skills training opportunities and youth programming.
​
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8am-4pm
SACHA is a feminist, non-profit, community-based organization that provides supports to people who have experienced sexualized violence at any point in their lives. They work to end violence and oppression through education, advocacy, outreach, coalition building, community partnerships, and activism. They are available to support survivors 24/7 through their support line, counselling, and public education. Staff will be working from home and can be reached by voicemail and email.
​
Contact: Support Line 905-525-4162
Hours: 24/7 support line
​
Free of charge.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
LGBT Youth Line is a Queer, Trans, Two-Spirit youth-led organization that affirms and supports the experiences of youth (29 and under) across Ontario via anonymous supports and referrals, training youth to provide support to other youth, and providing resources so youth can make informed decisions.
​
Text: 647-694-4275
The Men’s Addiction Service Hamilton (MASH) is a safe place for those struggling with substance abuse. Program services include: 24/7 crisis telephone support, residential withdrawal management, psycho-educational relapse prevention, recovery programming, treatment/next steps/referral planning, transition programs, a community tobacco addiction program and access to psychiatric sessions and a primary care physician through a partnership with the Shelter Health Network.
​
Crisis Support Line: 905 527 9264
Administrative: 905 522 1155 ext. 35219/3522
WOMANKIND ADDICTION SERVICE
Womankind Addiction Service (WAS) offers a safe, caring and supportive place where women are assisted with assessing and defining next steps regarding their substance use and recovery. Program services include: 24/7 crisis telephone support, withdrawal management support, supportive housing programs, recovery programming, treatment/next steps/referral planning, emergency shelter/transitional programming, and access to psychiatric sessions and a primary care physician.
Crisis Support Line: 905 545 9100
Administrative: 905 521 9591
A non-profit organization working with and for the urban Aboriginal population of the Greater Hamilton Area. The centre was created to meet the needs and provide a place where the urban Aboriginal population could get together to access and share their culture and traditions. Individual membership fee: $3.
​
Phone: (905) 548-9593
Provides safe, emergency shelter for all women regardless of age, ancestry, culture, place of origin or sexual orientation with or without children who are experiencing crisis in their lives due to family violence, homelessness, or conflict with the law. Shelter services are available 24/7 and include meals, emergency clothing and personal need items. Membership price: $5.
​
Phone: 905-664-1114
The Aboriginal Health Centre aims to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous individuals, families, and communities through wholistic Indigenous, Traditional and Western health care. They offer a variety of services ranging from mental health, traditional healing and counseling, as well as advocacy and outreach programs.
​
Phone: 905-544-4320
The key responsibilities as a councillor are to support the municipality and its operations while ensuring that the public and municipality’s well-being and interests are maintained. The current Hamilton city council consists of Mayor Fred Eisenberger and fifteen councillors, one elected from each of the city’s wards.
​
List of city councillors available on the City of Hamilton website (https://www.hamilton.ca/council-committee/mayor-council/city-councillors)
​
Ward 1 City Councillor (McMaster University lies within this area) : Maureen Wilson
Contact: 905-546-2416 or email maureen.wilson@hamilton.ca
The City of Hamilton discourages face-to-face meetings. If you need to engage with a member of Council in person, an appointment is recommended.
​
MPs have three main duties: legislating in Parliament, representing their riding and political party, and serving their constituents’ needs. MPs occupy different roles and levels of influence in government.
​
List of MPs available on The House of Commons website: https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/
Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas MP (McMaster University lies within this area): Filomena Tassi
​
Contact: 905-529-5435
Provides healing support to adults who have experienced a suicide loss. Offers 12-week support groups, drop-In group meetings, individual support and community education. These support groups can be open (drop-in) or closed (registration required). Also offers 1:1 grief support where you are connected with another person who has also experienced a death due to suicide.
​
Offers video-and phone-based supports. Open groups continue virtually on the 4th Monday evening of each month from 7:00-8:30PM.
​
Contact: 905-599-4673 or email Info@Heartache2Hope.com
​
Free of charge
​
​
​
​
THE VAN MOBILE CLINIC
The Van Mobile Clinic is a collaborative project with Hamilton Public Health that provides limited clinical services once a week. Staffed by nurses from Hamilton Public Health Services, the Van Mobile Clinic provides the same services as The VAN, and additionally provides free sexual health services such as HIV testing, STI screening, Hepatitis C testing, and some first aid services. General VAN services include: information about safe injection, referral cards for multiple services, safe disposal site for needles.
​
Contact: 905-317-9966 (call or text)
Hours: Tuesdays from 2:30PM-6:00PM
​
Hamilton Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Non-profit community mental health agency that provides services to adults with serious mental illness. Services offered in both French and English.
​
Phone: 905-521-0090
​
​
​
FOOD BANKS & EMERGENCY
FOOD PROGRAMS
The following website lists several food banks in Hamilton, their phone number, contact information, website and other contact information.
http://foodaccessguide.ca/food-banks/
​
​
​
​
​
The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence (SA/DV) Care Centre provides compassionate, confidential health care for children, adolescents, women, transgender persons, and men who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Their mission is to ensure that care is provided with sensitivity and privacy for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.
​
They do not report assault cases to police. If you wish to file a police report for sexual assault or domestic violence, they can provide support to you if requested.
For adults 18+:
-
Juravinski Hospital & Cancer Centre Emergency Department
-
LGBTQ2S+ Support
-
Hours: 8:00AM-6:00PM
-
BIPOC-Specific
-
-
Hamilton General Hospital Emergency Department
-
Hours: Open 24 hours
-
​
For children and youth 17 and under:
-
McMaster Children’s Hospital
-
Hours: Open 24 hours
-
All buildings are wheelchair accessible
-
Free of charge
-
Speqrtum aims to support the growth and development of LGBTQ2SIA+ youth and their communities through skillsharing and meetups for queer and trans young people (age 19-29) in the Hamilton area.
Email: info@speqtrum.ca
​
​
ALTERNATIVES FOR YOUTH
Alternatives for Youth provides community-based substance use and addiction treatment services that engage and mobilize youth aged 12-25 and their families. An intake worker is available Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at the main office to provide information, consultation and to schedule an appointment. All services are free of charge.
​
Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
​
Phone: 905 527 4469
Email: admin@ay.on.ca
DIRECTORY OF ALCOHOL & DRUG REHAB PROGRAMS HAMILTON
Region: https://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/drug_rehab_location/hamilton-rehab/
​
Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand, Brant: https://www.hnhbhealthline.ca/listservices.aspx?id=10095
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
HCCI is a charitable organization driven by a mission to mobilize all Hamiltonians to create an inclusive and welcoming city. They offer numerous leadership and training programs, workshops, and other forms of direct community engagement.
​
Phone: 905-297-4694
​
​
Barrier-free primary healthcare services for new immigrants, including refugees. Wide range of services provided including routine physical exams, mental health counseling and support, and triage service for urgent issues.
​
Phone: 905-526-0000
​
​
Non-profit organization that seeks to empower and support all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy, development and programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities
​
​
When not at the Legislature, MPPs have a number of responsibilities in their home ridings such as meeting with constituents to listen to their concerns, helping to resolve matters related to provincial government services, and attending community events such as school openings or local fundraisers.
​
List of MPPS available on the Ontario Legislative Assembly website (https://www.ola.org/en/members/current)
​
Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas MPP (McMaster University lies within this area): Sandy Shaw
​
Contact: 905-628-2755 or email
sshaw co@ndp.on.cao
​
​