Bethesda upcoming events

Creative Coffee Chats (Monday, October 19, 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Creative Coffee Chats

We’re incorporating art into our coffee chats. Do you have questions? We have answers!

Coffee Chats are a parent support group in which parents/grandparents/guardians come together to learn, grow and find connections.

This group is led by our Service Coordinator, Tonya White, and Lianne Wyatt, our Caregiver Engagement Lead, and runs throughout the year to offer emotional support to families.

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, October 20, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

In Partnership with Quest Community Health Center, we invite you to this engaging support group where parents and youth will work separately and collaboratively to understand what it means to be queer, and how families can effectively support their youth.

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

PEERS is an evidence based social skills intervention for motivated teens currently in high school who are interested in making and keeping friends and/or handling conflict. Teens and parents attend 14-weekly group sessions for 90 minutes per week.

Teens are taught social skills through didactic lessons and role-play demonstrations, and practice these skills during group socialization activities. Parents attend separate sessions simultaneously and are taught how to assist their teens in making and keeping friends. Parent participation required.

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Power of Play (Wednesday, October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Power of Play

Learn about the importance of play on child development and how to inccorporate play throughout your child's day to teach a variety of skills.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - Virtual Sessions (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT)

Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of Children 8+ years.

Have you been caring for the needs of others? Do you feel like you've been drowning in your responsibilities?

ACT could be the lifeline you've been looking for! Take this opportunity to connect with other parents and caregivers who understand the kind of struggles we face caring for children who have special needs. Reflect on what's important to you and learn how to find more peace and joy in your life.

No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

Caregivers must attend all sessions.

PumpkinFest at Heartland Forest (Friday, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 20:00:00 GMT

PumpkinFest at Heartland Forest

Join us for a fun-filled Halloween celebration at Heartland Forest! This free, sensory-friendly event offers families an opportunity to enjoy Halloween activities in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Explore the Trail of Treats, haunted tree house, crafts, games, train rides, mini-putt, prizes and more! Families can participate at their own pace and enjoy a memorable Halloween experience together.

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - In-Person Sessions (Friday, October 23, 2026)

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) - In-Person Sessions

Support for Bethesda Parents and Caregivers of youth 8+. Have you been caring for the needs of others? Do you feel like you've been drowning in your responsibilities?

No matter where you are in life, this experiential workshop will move you.

Caregivers must attend all sessions.

PASSPORT Supported Social Event: Halloween Social (Saturday, October 24, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Passport Adult Services Supported Social Event:

Halloween Social

Enjoy an evening of games, food, activities, and time to connect with friends! Come spend the evening enjoying laughter, connection, and fun with peers. Whether you enjoy friendly competition, participating in activities, or simply relaxing and chatting with friends, there will be something for everyone.

Participants will also have the opportunity to decorate their own faux pumpkin to take home!

Want to get into the spirit? Feel free to come dressed in a costume if you would like! Costumes are completely optional, but we would love to see everyone’s creativity.

This is a Fee-for-Service event. Participants will receive 4 hours of direct support from experienced Bethesda staff in a 3:1 ratio. This event is a great opportunity for individuals to socialize with peers while receiving support from our kind and caring staff. It can also provide a fun respite option for primary caregivers.

Details:

Date of event: Saturday, October 24

Price of event: $120 per person

Additional $4.00 charge for Pizza, pop and snacks

Time of event: 3:30pm - 7:30pm

Pre-Registration is required to attend this event.
Registration closes on Wednesday, October 14 at 4:00pm

Please connect with Ashleigh Geroux, Manager, Adult Supported Living, Fee-for-Service if you have any questions about this event.

905.684.6918 ext. 385

ageroux@bethesdaservices.com

*The cost for this event can be submitted for reimbursement through the Passport Funding Program.

PRT Communication Drop-In (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

PRT Communication Drop-In

Have you and your child previously been enrolled in Pivotal Response Training (PRT) and could benefit from support in how to apply PRT strategies to social interactions with peers?

Drop in with your child for an opportunity to practice social skills in a small group setting. A clinician trained in PRT will be present to offer support and strategies to caregivers.

PECS Communication Drop-In (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

PECS Communication Drop-In

Does your child use PECS and you could benefit from support in encouraging use of PECS with peers?

Drop in with your child for an opportunity to practice social skills in a small group setting. A clinician trained in PECS will be present to offer support and strategies.

Co-Regulation: Helping Your Youth Manage Big Emotions (Monday, October 26, 2026)

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Co-Regulation: Helping Your Youth Manage Big Emotions

Big emotions can be overwhelming for both youth and caregivers. This workshop explores how the brain and nervous system respond to stress and emotional overwhelm, and how these responses influence emotions and behaviour.

Caregivers will gain a greater understanding of the science behind emotional regulation and be introduced to practical co-regulation strategies that support connection, foster emotional safety, and encourage responding with curiosity during challenging moments.

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 13:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Take time to focus on you! CARES is an eight-week, peer-led program designed to help caregivers of loved ones with complex needs build practical skills, strengthen their well-being and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, October 27, 2026)

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Teaching Independence (Wednesday, October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Teaching Independence

Caregivers will learn strategies to support their child becoming more independent with daily living tasks, e.g. getting dressed, brushing teeth, cooking, cleaning etc.

Trick-or-Treating at Bethesda (Thursday, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Trick-or-Treating at Bethesda

Come and practice your Trick-or-Treating skills with us! All ages are welcome. It’s time for spooky season fun! Join us for a hauntingly good time at Bethesda Children and Youth Services Niagara Family Centre!

This is a drop-in event.

Practice your Trick-or-Treating skills in a safe and fun environment! Dress up in your most awesome costumes and perfect that “trick or treat!” Explore our building, meet some staff.

No Tricks, just Treats. Explore the centre and meet our friendly staff, who will be decked out in their Halloween best!

This event is for the whole family.

Caregiver Connections - Be Well (Thursday, October 29, 2026)

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Caregiver Connections - Be Well

For Caregivers of Children, Youth, and Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

You are not alone. Caregiving was never meant to be done alone.

Join us for an evening of reflection, connection, and practical wellness strategies designed specifically for caregivers. Through guided activities, discussion, and shared experiences, you'll have the opportunity to pause, reconnect, and learn tools to support your well-being.

Connect with other caregivers who understand

Learn practical wellness strategies you can use right away

Explore ways to protect your energy and well-being

Discover resources and supports available in the community

Leave feeling more connected, supported, and hopeful

COMPASSION • CONNECTION • BOUNDARIES • HOPE

If you’re registered with Bethesda Children and Youth Services – please sign up by selecting the “register” button.

For caregivers within Bethesda Adult Clinical Services, please email ClinicalServicesAdmin@bethesdaservices.com

You spend so much time caring for others; this evening is for you!

Transitions, Changes, and Losses (Monday, November 02, 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Transititions, Changes, and Losses

Over the course of a day one goes through an incalculable amount of transitions and changes. Transitions and changes are common challenges for children/youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This can often create moments of stress that derail plans and cause ongoing stress for caregivers.

From daily transitions to ongoing grief, in this workshop a Behaviour Therapist (BT) and Psychotherapist introduce skills and strategies for caregivers to utilize in everyday transitions (i.e., morning routine) and helps to prepare for communicating and working through sudden or potential loss (i.e., moving, loss of employment, death and other grief).

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 02, 2026)

Mon, 02 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

Each workshop will provide practical tools, expert guidance, and insights into the services and supports available during this important transition. Our goal is to help families plan with confidence. Take the next step toward a successful transition to adulthood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, November 03, 2026)

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Caregiver Club (Paint Night) (Wednesday, November 04, 2026)

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Caregiver Club

Wednesday, November 4 - Paint Night

Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)?

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We'll plan something a little different for each month - your ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 09, 2026)

Mon, 09 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, November 11, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis (Wednesday, November 11, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Understanding Your Child's Diagnosis

Caregivers will learn what is autism and how to best support their child.

Once Upon a Family Day (Saturday, November 14, 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Once Upon a Family Day

Come to the building and checkout different stations based around popular children’s books!

Potions with Harry Potter, Very Hungry Caterpillar Snack station, Pete the Cat music corner and more!

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 16, 2026)

Mon, 16 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Speed Connections (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 18:45:00 GMT

Speed Connections

Meet, Mingle, Connect!

Meet New People: Make new connections in one afternoon

Join us for an exciting event designed for individuals 18+ with developmental disabilities to meet new people, make friends, and explore potential romantic connections in a safe and supportive environment. We will provide topics to help keep the conversations flowing and all matches will be facilitated with care.

This free event includes an educational workshop, a break and speed connections. The educational workshop will be presented by Carol Hicks, Registered Behaviour Analyst.

Itinerary for event:

1:45pm - 2:00pm - Registration

2:00pm - 2:30pm - Educational Workshop

2:30pm - 3:30pm - Speed Connections

3:30pm - 4:15pm - Social Time

Event Details:

When: Tuesday, November 17, 2026

Time: 1:45pm-4:15pm

Where: Sala 61, 125 Vansickle Road, St.Catharines, ON (Easily accessible by public transit)

Note:

Food & Drinks will be available for purchase at Sala 61.

If you require support for this event, our Passport Department is here to help! Please contact Ashleigh Geroux at ageroux@bethesdaservices.com for more information.

Scan QR Code to Register!

For more information, contact Leah Jeffery at ljeffery@bethesdaservices.com

Financial Planning Workshop (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 22:45:00 GMT

Financial Planning Workshop

Are You Planning for Your Loved Ones' and Your Future?

Join Us!

For a free and informative workshop on planning for your own financial future, along with planning for your child or loved one with a developmental and/or intellectual disability. Learn ways to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the future.

LEARN ABOUT:

Registered Disability Savings Plan
Registered Education Savings Plan
Disability Tax Credit
Wills and Planned Giving
Henson Trusts
Power of Attorney

Presented in Partnership with C.R. Smith Financial

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, November 17, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Youth Workshop: Internet Safety (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Youth Workshop: Internet Safety

This interactive workshop is designed for teens who are interested in learning tools and strategies for using the internet safely. Topics include digital etiquette, risks and benefits of social media and private vs public information.

Mental Health First Aid - Essentials Training (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mental Health First Aid - Essentials Training

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Essentials equips you with practical skills to support someone facing a mental health or substance use challenge until professional help is available. The course builds confidence, reduces stigma, and enhances self-care, offering a strong foundation in MHFA principles without formal certification. MHFA Essentials is ideal for individuals, teams, and communities in any setting.

MHFA provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions for declining mental health and crisis situations. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health.

Objectives

The MHFA course helps participants:

Increase their awareness of mental health
- Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions
- Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor)
Improve their confidence to provide help
- Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis
- Demonstrate empathy and effective listening skills in supportive interactions
- Communicate non-judgmentally using verbal and non-verbal skills
- Provide reassurance and appropriate information in supportive conversations
- Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support
Decrease their mental health-related stigma
- Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives
- Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma
- Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling
Enhance their mental health
- Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care:
- - Reflective, Purposeful, and Boundaries
- Recognize when self-care is needed as a Mental Health First Aiders and how to integrate it into daily life
- Commit to intentional self-care actions to maintain personal well-being as a Mental Health First Aider

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, November 19 to Thursday, November 20

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Where: 3280 Schmon Parkway, 2nd Floor Boardroom, Thorold, ON

Cost: $100

Note:

For more information, contact Leah Jeffery at ljeffery@bethesdaservices.com

Mental Health First Aid - Essentials Training (Friday, November 20, 2026)

Fri, 20 Nov 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Mental Health First Aid - Essentials Training

Objectives

The MHFA course helps participants:

Increase their awareness of mental health
- Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions
- Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor)
Improve their confidence to provide help
- Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis
- Demonstrate empathy and effective listening skills in supportive interactions
- Communicate non-judgmentally using verbal and non-verbal skills
- Provide reassurance and appropriate information in supportive conversations
- Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support
Decrease their mental health-related stigma
- Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives
- Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma
- Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling
Enhance their mental health
- Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care:
- - Reflective, Purposeful, and Boundaries
- Recognize when self-care is needed as a Mental Health First Aiders and how to integrate it into daily life
- Commit to intentional self-care actions to maintain personal well-being as a Mental Health First Aider

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, November 19 to Thursday, November 20

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Where: 3280 Schmon Parkway, 2nd Floor Boardroom, Thorold, ON

Cost: $100

Note:

For more information, contact Leah Jeffery at ljeffery@bethesdaservices.com

Creative Coffee Chats (Monday, November 23, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Creative Coffee Chats

We’re incorporating art into our coffee chats. Do you have questions? We have answers!

Coffee Chats are a parent support group in which parents/grandparents/guardians come together to learn, grow and find connections.

This group is led by our Service Coordinator, Tonya White, and Lianne Wyatt, our Caregiver Engagement Lead, and runs throughout the year to offer emotional support to families.

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series (Monday, November 23, 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Transition to Adulthood Workshop Series

A four-part, weekly workshop series designed to support parents, caregivers, and youth as they prepare for life beyond childhood!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, November 24, 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, November 24, 2026)

Tue, 24 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, November 25, 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Exploring Pathways: Early Steps Towards the Transition to Adulthood (Wednesday, November 25, 2026)

Wed, 25 Nov 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Exploring Pathways: Early Steps Towards the Transition to Adulthood

The transtion to adulthood is a long process, but the earlier you start the better prepared you will be when your child reaches that milestone. This workshop will review practical steps that you can take now to prepare for your child’s transition to adulthood.

This workshop is here to support caregivers of youth aged 8-12 years.

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers (Tuesday, December 01, 2026)

Tue, 01 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Queer and Questioning: A Support Group for Queer Youth and their Parents/Caregivers

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, December 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Caregiver Club (Holiday Crafting) (Wednesday, December 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Caregiver Club

Wednesday, December 2 - Holiday Crafting

Could you use a night out once a month just to relax and have some fun with other grown-ups (and no children)?

Join us on the first Wednesday of every month for our Caregiver Club! We'll plan something a little different for each month - your ideas and suggestions are always welcome.

Light refreshments will be provided. Come out and enjoy a little R&R and make some new friends!

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Helping Teens Cope with Depression (Tuesday, December 08, 2026)

Tue, 08 Dec 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Helping Teens Cope with Depression

A psycho-educational workshop designed for parents and caregivers of teenagers who are struggling with depression and/or depressive symptoms.

This workshop will explore depression from a mental health perspective, highlighting the differences between depression and other emotions such as sadness or grief, as well as the criteria that indicate a potential clinical diagnosis of a depressive disorder or episode.

Some basic coping strategies for depression will be shared, as well as providing some general tips for caregivers who are supporting a teen with depression.

PEERS | 14-17 years (Wednesday, December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 23:00:00 GMT

PEERS

Ages 14-17 years

A Group Meet and Greet will take place at the Niagara Family Centre on August 19 at 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Surviving the Holidays (Wednesday, December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Surviving the Holidays

Caregivers will learn strategies to prepare their child for being off of school and having a different routine during the holidays. Caregivers will also be provided an activity guide with ideas to keep their children busy during the holidays

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing (Tuesday, December 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Dec 2026 14:30:00 GMT

CARES: Supporting Caregiver Wellbeing

Through weekly group sessions, caregivers will have the opportunity to share experiences, learn strategies to support their mental health and build confidence in navigating everyday challenges.

The program includes six interactive modules covering caregiver burnout, assertive communication, helpful thinking, managing stress, problem-solving and rewriting our stories.

CARES is about caring for the caregiver. Join a welcoming, supportive space to connect, learn and develop tools that support your well-being, both for yourself and your family.

Learn more about CARES. Click here to watch a short orientation video

Click here to view the CARES program website

Mental Health First Aid - Certification Training (Thursday, January 14, 2027)

Thu, 14 Jan 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Mental Health First Aid - Certification Training

Mental Health First Aid: Certification a new addition to the training portfolio, provides participants with a robust program leading to a nationally recognized Mental Health First Aid certification valid for three years. Through the course, participants increase mental health awareness, build confidence to provide support, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental well-being. The course is delivered in a two-day, scenario-based format.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions for declining mental health and crisis situations. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health.

Objectives

The MHFA course helps participants:

Increase their awareness of mental health
- Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions
- Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor)
Improve their confidence to provide help
- Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis
- Demonstrate empathy and effective listening skills in supportive interactions
- Communicate non-judgmentally using verbal and non-verbal skills
- Provide reassurance and appropriate information in supportive conversations
- Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support
Decrease their mental health-related stigma
- Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives
- Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma
- Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling
Enhance their mental health
- Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care:
- - Reflective, Purposeful, and Boundaries
- Recognize when self-care is needed as a Mental Health First Aiders and how to integrate it into daily life
- Commit to intentional self-care actions to maintain personal well-being as a Mental Health First Aider

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, January 14 & Thursday, January 15, 2027

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Where: 3280 Schmon Parkway, 2nd Floor Boardroom, Thorold, ON

Cost: $150

Note:

For more information, contact Leah Jeffery at ljeffery@bethesdaservices.com

Mental Health First Aid - Certification Training (Friday, January 15, 2027)

Fri, 15 Jan 2027 14:00:00 GMT

Mental Health First Aid - Certification Training

Objectives

The MHFA course helps participants:

Increase their awareness of mental health
- Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions
- Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor)
Improve their confidence to provide help
- Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis
- Demonstrate empathy and effective listening skills in supportive interactions
- Communicate non-judgmentally using verbal and non-verbal skills
- Provide reassurance and appropriate information in supportive conversations
- Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support
Decrease their mental health-related stigma
- Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives
- Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma
- Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling
Enhance their mental health
- Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care:
- - Reflective, Purposeful, and Boundaries
- Recognize when self-care is needed as a Mental Health First Aiders and how to integrate it into daily life
- Commit to intentional self-care actions to maintain personal well-being as a Mental Health First Aider

Event Details:

When: Wednesday, January 14 & Thursday, January 15, 2027

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Where: 3280 Schmon Parkway, 2nd Floor Boardroom, Thorold, ON

Cost: $150

Note:

For more information, contact Leah Jeffery at ljeffery@bethesdaservices.com