Get me out of here

Toronto Public Library Project

Crisis Support at the Library

We’ve partnered with Toronto Public Library to offer low-barrier crisis support and programs to library customers, in a welcoming and judgement-free environment. Through this partnership, we provide Crisis Management and Follow-up Support, Referrals and Community Connection, and Peer-Led Recovery Groups and Activities including F.R.E.S.H. and WRAP in the following 12 library branches: Bloor/Gladstone, City Hall, Fort York, High Park, Lillian H. Smith, Northern District, Parliament Street, Parkdale, Sanderson, Spadina Road, St. Lawrence and Toronto Reference Library.

Offered at 7 library branches, our Crisis Teams can help with:

  • short-term counselling
  • mental health supports
  • primary care services
  • connecting with housing workers
  • substance use supports or resources
  • financial and employment supports
  • wellness and recovery programs

Consult the team in-person

Members of the team working at the Toronto Reference Library.

This is a free drop-in service with no advance booking required. Gerstein Community Crisis Intervention Workers are available at the following locations and times:

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday
Toronto Reference
Library
10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm
Lillian H. Smith10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm
Sanderson10 am – 6 pm
Parliament Street10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm
Bloor/Gladstone10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm
Parkdale10 am – 6 pm10 am – 6 pm
High Park10 am – 6 pm

Please contact the branch to learn more.

Programs

Finding Recovery Through Exercise Skills and Hope (F.R.E.S.H.)

The team offers the Finding Recovery Through Exercise Skills and Hope (F.R.E.S.H.) program at four TPL branches.

This program helps people stay active, make friends, learn new skills and have fun. It involves peer-led group activities including crafts, games, walking and music therapy. Activities depend on customers’ needs and interests at each location.

Visit the TPL website to find the most updated schedule. This program is available at 12 library branches: Bloor/Gladstone, City Hall, Fort York, High Park, Lillian H. Smith, Northern District, Parliament Street, Parkdale, Sanderson, Spadina Road, St. Lawrence and Toronto Reference Library.

No registration required.

Follow the link to the program schedule:

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)

The team offers the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) program at four TPL branches. This program is an education and planning tool focusing on mental health recovery. In a group setting, individuals explore self-help tools (i.e. peer counseling, focusing exercises, and relaxation and stress reduction techniques), and resources for keeping themselves well, and feeling better in difficult times. This program series also provides participants with transit supports and refreshments. Each session is two hours in length, offered once a week with each program series lasting 8–10 weeks.

This program is available at 12 library branches: Bloor/Gladstone, City Hall, Fort York, High Park, Lillian H. Smith, Northern District, Parliament Street, Sanderson, Spadina Road, St. Lawrence and Toronto Reference Library.

Registration is required and available through the library branch https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp?N=37867&Ndrs&Ntt=wrap+and+gerstein or Gerstein Crisis Centre website

Funded Through:

Toronto Public Library