For mothers who have experienced abuse in intimate relationships and their children ages 5-18

The program focuses on the relationship between mothers and their children, recognizing that when a mother experiences intense times in her life, it is difficult to heal and also tune into their children’s needs. The group provides children and youth with the opportunity to move beyond what happened in their family in a safe and therapeutic way. By supporting mothers and helping them understand the trauma through their children’s eyes, they are better able to provide the ongoing emotional support their children need. Meals will be provided from 5:30-6:00pm. To participate, it is a requirement that mothers are living apart from the person who abused them.

In-person: KW Counselling, 480 Charles St. E. Kitchener

Children ages 9-11 and their caregivers, in Waterloo Region

Join us to increase understanding of anxiety and learn strategies to help manage the challenging thoughts and feelings often associated with anxiety. Caregivers and children will learn how to use mindfulness-based tools to manage stress, develop emotional regulation skills, and build self-awareness in this activity-based group.

In-person: Kinbridge, 200 Christopher Dr. Cambridge (youth room)

Dads or male identified caregivers of children prenatal to 6 years

This program will help you to:
– Relate better to and connect with your child
– Commit more quality time with your child
– Teach your children about important topics like emotions, health, and communication

*Participants do not have to be 18+.

Virtual.

Male-Identified people or Female-Identified people

This is a skills-based group to learn about where our anger comes from and how to express and manage our emotions in healthier ways.

In person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener.

Parents with children aged 0-2 years in need of post-partum mental health support.

There is no training for becoming a parent. Although exciting, the transition to having a new baby at home can also be challenging. Transitioning to Parenthood is an 8-week series where you can talk with others who have a new baby, or a child up to age 2, and be connected to community resources and information by our EarlyON and Carizon (CPNP) team including a clinician (MSW). Topics include: Exploring the role of new parents; Coping with parenting stressors and the impact of COVID-19; What is post-partum depression?; Circles of support; Attachment theory; And community supports. *Participants do not have to be 18+.

Virtual.

Adults with experiences of chronic pain

This is a support group for people who are looking to gain and receive support around the challenges of living with chronic pain. Open group: participants can register at any time.

Virtual.

Women with experiences of any form of abuse

This group provides education and support for women who have experienced any form of abuse and are working towards setting better boundaries in their lives. Group sessions include opportunities for discussion, reflection, and making personal connections.

Virtual.

First time parents and their support persons. Families with more than one child are also welcome whom may want a refresher. Content is geared towards caring for children 0-6 months in age.

The First Time Parents Group is a 10-week, parenting support and educational program for first time parents and caregivers. Come together and build a community! Join us to talk about breastfeeding, introduction to solids, infant safety, sleep, and much more! *Participants do not have to be 18+.

Virtual.

Prenatal people and their support persons

Join our Program Coordinator, Registered Dietitian, other pregnant individuals, and their support people, to talk about your healthy pregnancy! We offer: Prenatal Vitamins, Vitamin D Drops, Grocery Gift Cards, Breast Feeding Support, Referrals to other community supports, Information about healthy eating during pregnancy, Tips on cooking healthy meals, budgeting for your family and much more! *Participants do not have to be 18+.

In-person: Early ON Cambridge.

Women who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships

This group provides education and support for women who have experienced emotional or physical abuse within their intimate relationships.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener or Virtual

Adults, Waterloo Region and surrounding area

An engaging, interactive, skills-based group for adults struggling with anxiety. Group members will learn how certain behaviours reinforce anxiety, develop tools to better tolerate and accept uncomfortable emotions, and practice new ways to move towards the things that matter in their lives.

Virtual.

Adults, Waterloo Region and surrounding area

Would you like to feel more confident about managing your money? Does thinking about money make you feel stressed and worried? This 6-week group is for you! Facilitators are experienced in the emotional piece that goes along with thinking about finances.

Virtual.

Newcomer Parents in Waterloo Region who currently have refugee/protected person status

Do you find parenting in a new culture stressful? Are you looking for ways to connect with your child? Join us to Talk it Through with parents just like you where you can learn and share strategies.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener (Sehl Room)

Newcomer adults in Waterloo Region who are experiencing trauma symptoms and who currently  have refugee/protected person status

A supportive space for members with similar experiences to identify what triggers their trauma reactions and practice the skills necessary to cope and feel grounded. Discussion includes effect of trauma on brain and body; self-care; mindfulness; emotion regulation; connecting thoughts and feelings; decision making a coping; planning for the future.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener, (Sehl Room)

Adults in Waterloo Region who have refugee or protected person status

Looking for a way to connect? Come join our Newcomer Mental Health and Well-being program’s free women’s group that supports and promotes holistic well-being and belonging in the community. Participants will learn and discuss topics that impact participants lives, learn about resources and activities in the community, and have an opportunity to connect with other women in a relaxing environment.

In-person: Forest Heights Community Centre, 1700 Queen’s Blvd, Kitchener

Parents/caregivers of children from birth to age 11 and expecting parents.

Multiple Sessions (8-weeks):

1. Birth to Age 11: April 19- June 7, Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30pm (Virtual)
2. Birth to Age 11: April 11-May 30, Tuesdays, 1:00-2:30pm (Virtual)
3. Prenatal to 6 years: April 19-June 7, Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30am (In-person)

The Circle of Security® Parenting™ program is based on decades of research about how secure parent-child relationships can be supported and strengthened. This group looks at children’s behaviour and parent responses to behaviour using an attachment-based model. Participants will increase their understanding of their child’s emotional world and learn how to support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions.

Session 3 – In-person: Carizon, 645 Westmount Rd. E. Kitchener (Community Room)

Women with experiences with emotional or physical abuse

A group for women who have experienced emotional or physical abuse, focusing on safety, building self-esteem, ending the cycle of violence, and learning how to be healthy in relationships. Understanding Me is a pre-requisite for this group.

In person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener.

Adults, Waterloo Region and surrounding area

Join other survivors of intimate partner violence and abuse for peer support, tools of empowerment, and mindfulness practices. VoicesWR humbly offers the community of Waterloo Region an in-person support group that was uniquely built for survivors, by survivors.

In-person: Carizon, 400 Queen St. S. Kitchener. There is also a new virtual drop-in group, click here to register!