The Youth Beyond Barriers (YBB) Program provides confidential services for youth aged 12-17 who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, through weekly support and education groups, and individual counselling. The YBB Program also offers community capacity building around 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion.
They offer:
Individual Counselling – The individual counselling allows youth to explore their identities and lived experiences, and uncover ways of moving, operating, and thinking that are helpful in their lives. The counselling component is community-based and/or virtual and utilizes a strength-based, client centred approach. Additionally, support can be provided for parents/caregivers of youth involved in the program.
YBB Groups – Weekly YBB groups offer support and psycho-education at two locations in Mississauga and Brampton (Currently offered virtually due to COVID-19). The YBB group brings together 2SLGBTQ+ youth, to share their experiences and talk about issues that matter to them. The groups aim to promote healthy living, healthy sexuality and 2SLGBTQ+ positive lifestyles and identities, through group and social activities, and community education and advocacy, where appropriate.
Youth Gender Journeys in Peel (YGJ Group) is a 12-session group for trans and gender-diverse youth, who are exploring their identity and expression. Facilitated by a trans-identified YBB Counsellor, the YGJ Group includes topics such as self-identity, coming out, navigating discrimination, transitioning and more.
Referral Process: Community partners, youth and caregivers can contact AYSP’s Youth Intake Specialist 905.890.5222. The YBB Program can also be accessed by calling 1.800.762.8377 ext. 460 (toll free), or by e-mail at ybb@aysp.ca.
Youth and caregivers can also make a self-referral by contacting WhereToStart.ca or by calling 905.451.4655.
Partner organizations and AYSP staff working with clients who meet eligibility requirements can make a referral to the YBB Program via the Internal Transfer Protocol.
The YBB Program Supervisor is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the referral process or program criteria –
P 905.890.5222 x 1254.
Brampton Library is a world-class destination that creates opportunities for everyone to discover their full potential by fostering literacy, inspiring learning and building community. We believe that a diverse and pluralistic society is central to our community’s identity and that libraries have a responsibility to contribute to a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion. We are dedicated to working with our community partners to provide welcoming services and safer spaces for all, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. See our Diversity and Inclusion Policy for more information, and visit our Calendar of Events to find out about programs such as the Pride Book Club.
CMHA Dufferin-Peel champions good mental health for everyone and supports the full participation of those with mental illness and addictions in the life of the community. In addition to providing a variety of mental health services, we are committed to community development, mental health awareness and addressing the stigma surrounding mental illness.
We offer:
• Services that are inclusive of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including people experiencing challenges with addictions and mental health, those in crisis, those navigating the court systems, people who are homeless or facing imminent homelessness, and family and caregivers.
Queer Minds – Queer Minds is a social space for individuals that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, two-spirit, trans, asexual, questioning, etc. aged 16+. Queer Minds is a group for individuals to connect with community and gain knowledge and support on various LGBTQ+ topics/issues. This group is a community collaboration between CMHA Peel Dufferin and MOYO Community Services. Options are available for both virtual and call in. Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm.
East Mississauga Community Health Centre offers a set of support services for, but not limited to, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, intersex, queer, questioning and Two-Spirit (LGBTTIQQ2S+) people in Peel Region. Our services aim to promote healthy, safe, and proud LGBTTIQQ2S+ communities by providing support and resources, reducing social exclusion and improving access to health and social services.
Some services are:
• Support and social drop-ins
• One-to-one support and referral sessions
• Confidential phone, email and Facebook contact
• Queer and Trans primary health care and trans-specific health care
• Advocacy around queer and trans issues
• Referral to queer and trans positive services including counselling
• Consultations with service providers, allies and families of queer and trans folks
• Collaboration with community organizations on joint initiatives including education and trainings
• Trans-Activate – a drop-in program that takes place on a weekly basis each Wednesday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – snacks and drinks are provided
• QX – a drop-in program that takes place on a weekly basis each Thursday evening from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. – snacks and drinks are provided
Embrave: Agency to End Violence (formerly known as Interim Place) is an anti-violence organization providing shelter, counselling and advocacy supports for women, Two-Spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary folks experiencing any form of violence in the Region of Peel and beyond. People with or without children can access our services.
We understand Gender Based Violence (GBV) impacts women and trans folks disproportionally. We understand that survivors experience of violence are compounded by intersecting forms of racism and oppression.
Embrave: Agency to End Violence is a low barrier organization that is committed to ending GBV by acknowledging and addressing the multitude of barriers facing folks who have experienced violence and by providing crisis intervention and a range of supports and services.
Embrave: Agency to End Violence’s definition of gender based violence includes; intimate partner violence; sexual assault; sexual harassment; cyber violence; physical, emotional and financial violence; stalking; structural and systemic violence such as racism, colonialism, classism, transphobia, homophobia, sanism, islamophobia, nationalism and ableism.
Embrave: Agency to End Violence works within a feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, disability justice and harm reduction framework.
All of our programs encompass Sex Workers Rights approach.
Our programs include:
• 24-Hour Emergency Shelters
• 24-Hour Crisis Support Lines
• Community Support and Outreach Program supports survivors living in the community who have or are experiencing violence
• Central Intake Line provides coordinated access to Transitional Housing Supports in Peel Region
• Sexual Violence Counselling Support Program
• Public Education Program
• Lead Agency for the Peel Committee Against Women Abuse
Family Services of Peel was established in 1971 as a non-profit, registered charitable organization to provide family and community support services for the people of Peel. As a multi-service agency, we provide professional counselling, educational programs, employment support services, support for people with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as support for victims of violence and abuse. Sensitive to cultural and social diversity, Family Services of Peel is a community-based agency that works to strengthen families, couples and individuals through guidance, coaching, mentoring, education and support.
We offer services and support for:
• Human trafficking
• Trauma-specific services
• Counselling
• Families and schools
• Employment
• Men’s Programs
• Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Indus Community Services is an accredited, not-for-profit community benefit organization that has served local communities for 35 years. The agency is a registered charity supported by its donors and by all three levels of government. Indus, through its professional staff of 140+ personnel, are leaders in providing culturally appropriate services to newcomers, families, women and seniors.
They offer:
• Family Services program provides crisis intervention, counselling, family court support, mediation, case conferencing and day-to-day support to youth and adults.
• Staff members trained in Risk Assessment and Holistic Crisis Intervention and Planning.
• Intersections program provides a safe space for newcomers to receive responsive personalized counselling support and information regarding settlement with a 2SLGTBQ+ lens, strengthening social networks, and decreasing isolation.
• Private and confidential 1 on 1 settlement support.
• Linkages to external services such as income tax clinics, legal aid, and other relevant community services.
• Workshops, presentations, & information sessions; Resource library, movie nights, arts and crafts, and fun activities.
Mississauga Library offers books, ebooks, audiobooks, movies and TV, music, newspaper and magazines. View their current programming here.
For over two decades, Moyo Health & Community Services (previously known as Peel HIV/AIDS Network) has provided a growing array of health promotion, education, social and support services for people living with, affected by, and at systemic risk of HIV. Through collaborative efforts and effective service delivery, Moyo has become the leading HIV/AIDS service provider for Peel’s communities of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon.
We offer:
• Gender Journeys, explores gender identity and roles
• HIV counselling, systems navigation, support
• Totally Outright, 2SLGBTQ+ Leadership Project
• Queer Minds, weekly mental health group for 2SLGBTQ+ community members
• Gay men’s sexual health promotion
• PrEP and PEP education & supportFee for service 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion Training & Capacity Building
• All services are 2SLGBTQ+ inclusive
Our Place Peel offers services that are inclusive of the 2SLGBTQ+ Community. Our Place Peel understands the impacts of homelessness and various intersectionality’s youth are faced with.
Shelter Services
Emergency Youth Shelter (ages 16-24)
The shelters provide support for youth, aged 16-24, in Peel who are experiencing homelessness. Youth residing at our shelter have access to basic needs, goal planning and emotional support, as well as connections to resources and programming. We provide a supportive environment where youth can be themselves and develop goals to work towards family or natural support connections and housing.
Referral Process: Call Peel’s Central intake line at 905-450-1996
Outreach Services
Family & Natural Supports Program
Refresh Your Network – Mediation and counselling services for youth who are currently homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The goal is to help youth and their networks develop and maintain healthy, supportive relationships, and where possible, prevent youth from entering or remaining in the shelter system.
H.Y.P.E. Program (Helping Youth Prepare Effectively)
H.Y.P.E. offers housing, rehousing and sustainability support. The primary focus is to help youth obtain appropriate housing, while transitioning from homelessness to independent housing. This includes having our staff liaise with the landlord and/or property management to maintain a positive relationship between them and the youth. The housing team also provides ongoing support for youth living independently in the community, ensuring that they are building on their life skills and remaining on-track with their personal goals
Outreach Services Referral Process: Community partners, youth and caregivers can contact our Outreach Services to make a referral or ask questions by speaking with the Program Manager E: outreachreferrals@ourplacepeel.org P: 647-654-6746
Peel Children’s Aid Society strives to ensure the safety and well-being of the community’s most vulnerable with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. Through culturally competent services, with the support of our Peel community, we help parents and caregivers build healthy families and provide a safe environment for children and youth.
They offer services for:
• Fostering and adoption
• Parenting resources
• Protecting children
• Youth information
The PrEP Clinic is a sexual health clinic that provide services in Toronto, Brampton and Ottawa. Most patients pay $0.
They offer:
• Free testing (on-site lab tests)
• STI treatment
• Vaccines
• Start/continue PrEP
(Their Brampton location is open Mondays 6-9pm at 7700 Hurontario St, Unit 601. Walk ins welcome)
Punjabi Community Health Services began in July 1990 as a community development project. It is now a not-for profit, charitable, accredited and a Health Service Provider organization. Their mission is to improve the well-being of the individuals, families and communities using an anti-racism and anti-oppression framework.
They offer:
• Services for seniors, families, youth, and individuals/families looking for help in the areas of settlement, mental health and addictions related issues. (All services provided are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community.)
Queen Square Family Health Team provides accessible, equitable, patient-centred primary care to its local community. A talented, interdisciplinary team works collaboratively with Queen Square Doctors, and together, we serve 35,000 patients annually.
Transgender and non-binary clients are a priority at Queen Square Family Health Team (QSFHT). QSFHT provides individuals with safe, supportive, and gender-affirming health and counselling services.
They offer:
• Education and information
• Support for social, medical, and legal transition
• Surgical assessments
• Sexual health and screening
• Provide clients with access to medically supervised transition and psychosocial transition support in a culturally safe environment
• Supervised transition (hormonal therapy and/or surgery)
• Culturally safe clinic space
• Services are open to anyone seeking Gender Affirming services
For referrals:
• Patients can call 905-453-1453 and ask to self-refer to the gender program
• Service providers or practitioners can send a referral letter by fax to 905-453-7498
• Patients and service providers can also refer via the referral portal online. Visit it here.
Services & Housing in the Province (SHIP) has championed the fundamental right of housing for nearly 30 years. As a respected health service and housing support provider, we promote Healthy Housing™ by forming lasting relationships with landlords and developers. We advocate mental and physical health services through in-house service teams and partnerships with community-based agencies. SHIP is known for our history of identifying gaps in available service provision and directly addressing those needs. Many of our programs and service models have gained national attention within the healthcare field.
They offer:
• Health service and housing support provider
• Mental and physical health services through in-house service teams and partnerships with community-based agencies
• SHIP provides services inclusive of all equity deserving communities. Our organization has staff, supports and housing specifically representative of the 2SLGBTQ+ and gender diverse communities.
WellFort Community Health Services is a community health centre. We provide health services to individuals and families across the Region of Peel depending on their unique needs. We strongly believe in the strengths of our clients and communities we serve, and the services we provide. As a not-for-profit, values-based organization, our services include:
• Primary healthcare given by your doctor, nurse practitioner and nurse
• Dental Care
• Health Promotion and Education Programs
• Diabetes, HIV & Hepatitis C Education Programs
• Working with local residents and partner agencies to build community health
Volunteer MBC strives to connect the community, improve lives through volunteerism, and fuel purposeful connections between people to respond to the most pressing social issues. Click here if you’re interested in volunteering.
