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
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:
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Toronto Reference Library | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Lillian H. Smith | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | |||
| Parliament Street | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | |||
| Sanderson | 10 am – 6 pm | ||||
| Bloor/Gladstone | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | |||
| Parkdale | 10 am – 6 pm | 10 am – 6 pm | |||
| High Park | 10 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 12 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 schedules:
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
The team offers the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) program at 12 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
LivingWorks safeTALK
LivingWorks safeTALK is a 3-hour workshop that prepares you to recognize when someone might be having thoughts of suicide and how to connect them to life-saving support. Anyone aged 16 or older who wants to support suicide safety in their community is encouraged to attend. No previous training or experience is required.
These workshops are offered free of charge at various TPL branches. 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
