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 four branches: Toronto Reference Library, Sanderson Library, Lillian H. Smith Library and Fort York Library.
Offered in four pilot 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
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:
- Toronto Reference Library
- Wednesdays 10-6 pm
- Fridays 10-6 pm
- Every other Saturday
- Lillian H. Smith
- Tuesdays 9-5 pm
- Thursdays 9-5 pm
- Every other Saturday
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.
Contact the branches below for more information. 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.
Contact the branches below for more information, including the program schedule. Registration is required and available through the library branch or Gerstein Crisis Centre website.
Funded Through:
Toronto Public Library
