While we all play our part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our population physically healthy, the measures we are taking such as physical distancing, self-quarantine, and self-isolation may lead to new or heightened mental health concerns such as loneliness, anxiety, or depression. In a time where we are adjusting to new circumstances such as working from home, having our children home from school, and being unable to participate in group activities or team sports, it is important to be intentional and mindful about caring for your own wellness.

At the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, we want to do our part to support you as you support your own mental health, and support those within your household. We have compiled a list of locally developed information and tip sheets, as well as a list of local, provincial, and national support services that can be accessed virtually during this time.

Reach out for Support - counselling and crisis supports

Local Resources (Waterloo Region)

If you are in crisis, please call Here 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247

If you are not in crisis but are looking for support, the following local service agencies have adjusted to providing services via telephone or online sessions.

  • CMHA Waterloo Wellington – View their post here outlining how to access their support based on your need, and for some tips they share on managing anxiety related to COVID-19. Their Self Help & Peer Support program will be providing 1-1 telephone based support as well as hosting virtual peer support groups (calendar here).
    • *NEW* CMHA WW has designed two new online hubs with fantastic resources to help us all take care of ourselves in this time. The first, Here4Help, is a general hub for anyone to access. The second, Here4Healthcare, is specifically to support the wellness of healthcare workers.
  • Front Door: Access to Child and Youth Mental Health Services – child or youth mental health support (telephone & video sessions) – (519) 749-2932
  • Carizon (Telephone & Video sessions) – (519) 743-6333
  • Interfaith Counselling Centre (Telephone & Video sessions) –  (519) 662-3092
  • KW Counselling (Telephone & Video sessions)-  519-743-6333
  • Shalom Counselling Services (Telephone sessions) –  (519) 886-9690
  • Family Counselling Centre Cambridge and North Dumfries (Telephone sessions) –  (519) 621-5090
  • Woolwich Counselling Centre (Telephone sessions)– (519) 669-8651

Provincial and National Resources (Adult / All ages)

Phone services

Text Services

Online Services

Wellness Together Canada – A new resource for Canadians that provides free online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed. These include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues. Visit ca.portal.gs to access resources and sign up.

Togetherall – Togetherall is an online mental health and wellbeing service offering self-help programs, creative outlets, and a community that cares. Visit https://togetherall.com/en-ca/ to sign up.

Bounce Back Ontario – 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. Visit bouncebackontario.ca and submit an online form.

Woebot App – Woebot is an artificially intelligent chatbot delivered through a smartphone app that helps individuals monitor their mood and learn about themselves. It uses evidence-based cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) techniques to equip users with the tools they need and has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression in just two weeks. Woebot is not a therapist and is not intended to replace in-person treatment. It is a tool to use alongside therapy sessions and post therapy support. Anyone can download the app for free at woebot.page.link/ontario.

Youth-specific resources (Provincial / National)

Articles and other resources about COVID-19 Wellness

If we have missed any resources that you feel should be added, please feel free to email them to kkipper@wrspc.ca

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