Peggy Sattler MPP, London West

Government of Ontario
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COVID-19 Resources

If you need to find access to mental health support, food services, financial assistance or more, dial 2-1-1. Their community navigators are available any time day or night, and can provide help in more than 150 languages. To find support specific to COVID-19, you can also visit www.211covid19.ca.

The following local organizations have created resource pages to help businesses, non-profits, and charities navigate this situation:

  • London Business COVID-19 Portal - The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), London Chamber of Commerce, and London Small Business Centre have partnered to create this resource hub for London businesses, providing a one-stop shop for reliable and up-to-date resources and information about local, provincial, and federal government COVID-19 measures.   

  • The Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board has launched a message in response to COVID-19, which includes resources for job seekers, businesses, employees, and service providers.
     
  • The London Economic Development Corporation has posted a resource page and is asking for your innovative ideas to support local businesses during COVID-19.
     
  • The London Small Business Centre has compiled a list of essential resources for you and your business, from pandemic preparedness to financial supports
     
  • Pillar Nonprofit Network offers a resource page tailored to the needs of local non-profits, including important industry news.
     
  • TechAlliance has compiled resources that will help tech companies get support, make a plan for remote work, become part of the COVID-19 solution, and more. 

  • The Hyde Park BIA has developed a COVID-19 Action Plan to support local businesses survive the pandemic and prepare for post-COVID recovery. Many Hyde Park businesses have adjusted services and remain open, and are listed on the BIA website.  


Ontario Made - Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters has launched an Ontario Made program that will will promote and help consumers identify, access and purchase goods that are made across the province. The program includes a new Ontario Made logo that manufacturers can use to identify made-in-Ontario products, and a new website and digital newsletter to help consumers find products made in the province. Manufacturers can register their products now at SupportOntarioMade.ca to be included in the program. Consumers and retailers can sign up to receive updates at the program unfolds.

Building Mental Health into Operations During COVID-19 Toolkit - The Mental Health Commission of Canada has created this toolkit, which is a collection of guidelines, tip sheets, videos, conversation guides, and other resources to help employers and workers weave mental health into the fabric of their workplace.

Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business - The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has released the e-course Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business, to help organizations across Canada safely return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics covered in the course include how coronavirus spreads and its symptoms, employer and worker duties and responsibilities in a COVID-19 return to business plan, methods of control (including cleaning and disinfecting), how to manage the workplace and prepare workers for a safe return, and understanding the impacts of a pandemic on mental health.

Support for Caregivers - The Ontario Caregiving Organization has developed a new Caring Communities web portal that gives people who need help an easy way to find it in your community. This can include finding help with grocery or medication pick-up and delivery, friendly phone calls and mental health support.

Children's Resources - The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies has compiled a list of COVID-19 specific resources for children, youth, and families.

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by phone (1-800-668-6868) or text (text CONNECT to 686868) for youth struggling to cope

Keeping Children Safe - School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in children staying home and spending more time online.This resource for parents and caregivers examines potential increased risks for online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, and provides strategies for parents to keep children safe while they continue to use the Internet for positive uses.

Ontario Parent Survey - McMaster University researchers have launched a province-wide online survey to help understand what families with children are experiencing in the context of COVID-19, and what services families and caregivers may need. Parents and caregivers can participate in the survey by going to OntarioParentSurvey.ca.

City of London Supports for Basic Needs - Comprehensive list of community services and contact information for people who need help with basic needs 

LifeSpin Community Resources - LifeSpin is maintaining a list of resources and programs that are available to Londoners, especially those living in poverty, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CBC - Coronavirus London Updates - Local advisories and updates, as well as a listing of what's closed or cancelled, and what remains open in London.

Neighbours Helping Neighbours

Find help with daily needs

  • Caremongering London - Londoners are offering each other help and support through this Facebook group.

  • London Volunteer Task Force - Offering a matching service between requesting individuals and volunteers to organize non-contact drop-off grocery delivery. 

  • London Delivers - a Facebook group started in Oakridge to connect people who are self-isolating with small businesses that are delivering food. 

  • The Atrium Project -  a local initiative connecting volunteers to deliver groceries and/or supplies to people at high risk of illness from Covid-19.

  • Neighbourhood Pods - The Urban League of London is helping residents start neighbourhood pods, groups of 5-30 people who are working to support each other. They have guides and templates to help you get started.

Community Support for Healthcare Workers

  • Med Students for Healthcare Workers - Western Medical students offering to help healthcare workers with childcare, errands, and grocery shopping.

  • GroceryHero - a free delivery service to help our frontline medical professionals focus on fighting COVID-19.  Volunteers across the city are matched with a medical professional in their neighbourhood. They are put in touch directly to arrange *free* grocery delivery. The medical professional reimburses the shopper for the cost of groceries only.

Personal Protective Equipment

  • CommunitySOS.org helps those who need supplies get connected to those who have supplies, can make supplies, or are doing a PPE drive.

  • The London Mask Project was started by a group of three Londoners, working together with many other sewers. More than 1400 fabric masks have been donated to vulnerable Londoners at My Sister’s Place, London Food Bank, Food Network, Community Living London, London Cares, Men’s Mission, Rothholme, YOU and St. Joseph’s Hospitality Centre. They are currently working on providing both adult and children’s masks to Merry Mount and The Children’s Foundation. 

  • The London Health Sciences Foundation needs your help. If you have masks, gowns, goggles, gloves, face shields, or sanitizer, please donate them for use by health care workers. Even if you only have a few items, you can donate them.

  • #masksoflove - King's University College is inviting volunteers to sew face masks as a part of their #masksoflove initiative. Donations will help guests of St. Joseph’s Hospitality Centre stay safe and protected during the pandemic. 

Community-created Resources to Support Local Businesses

  • Local Delivery Map is a map of locally-owned businesses that are currently offering delivery in the area.

  • #ShopLdnOnt is a local hashtag used on Instagram and Facebook to learn about local businesses, and support them by liking and sharing.

  • Support London Businesses is a list of businesses that have had to close their physical locations and are operating online. 

  • #LdnOnt Takeout is a list and map of local food businesses that are open for take-out.

  • London Tourism has a list of businesses who are operating their businesses online, over the phone, or in other creative ways.

  • Connect with Local Businesses - The London Free Press is compiling a list of businesses that are staying open to serve our community.

 

TVDBS Learn at Home - A working list of online learning resources to support students and families, including links to external sites for all grades as well as a description of each resource.

STEM @ Home - Western Engineering has launched a new digital program that lines up with the elementary school curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math from kindergarten to grade 8 — all for free.

YCamp - YMCA Canada has launched this free virtual camp program for kids with fun and educational activities delivered by YMCA camp staff across the country, include arts and crafts, adventure and survival skills, character development and leadership, environmental education, and outdoor cooking. New programs start each week.

School Mental Health Ontario - A resource on how to support student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, including information and tools for parents.

Children's Resources - The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies has compiled a list of COVID-19 specific resources for children, youth, and families.

Junior Achievement Southwestern Ontario - JA SWO has launched a series of self-directed online programs available to local students.

The Forest City Youth Film Festival - is hosting free online seminars featuring industry experts. Students and educators can tune to learn more about tech, storytelling, arts and film. Submissions are also open now for the 2020 Youth Film Festival, which will take place in October—online if necessary.

Western University Virtual Tutoring - Elementary and secondary school students who need help with their studies during the COVID-19 pandemic can register for virtual tutoring through the Western Faculty of Education. Parents or caregivers can request a tutor, and students will be matched with a teacher candidate who can help.

Keeping Children Safe - School closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted in children staying home and spending more time online.This resource for parents and caregivers examines potential increased risks for online sexual exploitation and abuse of children, and provides strategies for parents to keep children safe while they continue to use the Internet for positive uses.

Learn at Home with CMHR - The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has resources for learning at home, including stories about human rights defenders and events, virtual tours, an augmented reality experience, films, an online project with teacher guide, as well as virtual lessons about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Supreme Court of Canada.

YMCA at Home - is free for everyone and is a virtual YMCA connecting people to at-home workouts, children’s programs and physical activity, and personal wellness resources.

Ontario Parent Survey - McMaster University researchers have launched a province-wide online survey to help understand what families with children are experiencing in the context of COVID-19, and what services families and caregivers may need. Parents and caregivers can participate in the survey by going to OntarioParentSurvey.ca.

Canadian Cancer Society webinars on COVID-19 - for cancer patients provide expert input on some central issues affecting people living with cancer and their caregivers. More information can be found on the Cancer and COVID-19 webpage.

YMCA at Home - is free for everyone and is a virtual YMCA connecting people to at-home workouts, children’s programs and physical activity, and personal wellness resources.

If you are in crisis or need help today

ReachOut - If you require mental health support or are in crisis, you can contact Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023 or online at www.reachout247.ca.


Help with feelings of worry, stress, anxiety, or depression

ReachOut - If you require mental health support or are in crisis, you can contact Reach Out 24/7 at 519-433-2023 or online at www.reachout247.ca.

ReachOut Supportive Listening Line - The Supportive Listening Line is available 24/7 at 519-601-8055 for those individuals who may be feeling stressed, isolated or just need someone to talk to.

BounceBack - The Canadian Mental Health Association’s BounceBack is a free, guided self-help program for those aged 15 and up who may be dealing with mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, or may be feeling low, stressed, worried, irritable or angry. Participants receive telephone coaching, skill-building workbooks and online videos to help them overcome these symptoms and gain new skills to regain positive mental health.

Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) - The province has partnered with MindBeacon and Morneau Shepell to make their Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programs available with no out-of-pocket costs to Ontarians.

Wellness Together Portal - provides tools and resources to help Canadians get back on track while dealing with challenges due to isolation, financial and employment uncertainty and disruptions to daily life. The site include modules for addressing low mood, worry, substance use, social isolation and relationship issues.

ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 provides mental health, addictions and problem gambling support for those over 18.

Mental Health Commission of Canada Resource Hub - Info on how to manage your mental health, work from home, and deal with social isolation during COVID-19.

Mental Health Fact Sheet - MHCC has also partnered with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to provide a fact sheet with tips and resources to help Canadians cope with stress, anxiety and substance use during COVID-19. 

Canada COVID-19 mobile app - This app features a symptom tracker, a self-assessment tool, and information on mental health and substance use support. It is free and available on Canada.ca/coronavirus and through the Apple App Store and Google Play.

YMCA at Home - is free for everyone and is a virtual YMCA connecting people to at-home workouts, children’s programs and physical activity, and personal wellness resources.

 

Coping with Isolation

Chatting to Wellness - To help combat the isolation that many seniors are feeling during COVID-19, Chatting to Wellness is pairing young volunteers with seniors to chat by phone every weekday night.

Friendly Callers - an outreach program that matches volunteers with seniors for a weekly check-in. If you, your parents, your neighbours, or any senior you know would like to participate in this program, call the Canadian Mental Health Association at 519-434-9191 ext. 2223 or email [email protected] Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

ReachOut - The Supportive Listening Line is available 24/7 at 519-601-8055 for those individuals who may be feeling stressed, isolated or just need someone to talk to.

Mental Health Commission of Canada Resource Hub - Info on how to manage your mental health, work from home, and deal with social isolation during COVID-19.

 

Dealing with Addiction and Substance Use

Addiction Services Thames Valley - ADSTV has launched a selection ofSupportive Information Sessions online at adstv.ca. These recorded sessions and downloadable tools are based on ones previously offered nearly every weekday at their facility. ADSTV is also preparing to provide services in a face-to-face setting.Visit their website for updates. 

ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 provides mental health, addictions and problem gambling support for those over 18.

Mental Health Fact Sheet - MHCC has also partnered with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction to provide a fact sheet with tips and resources to help Canadians cope with stress, anxiety and substance use during COVID-19. 

Health Impacts of Substance Use - With a marked increase in alcohol and cannabis use since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction has developed a COVID-19 resource section with accurate and trusted information on the health impacts of COVID-19 and substance use.

 

Services Specifically for Children, Youth, and Students

*** Young people may also access most of the services listed above. ***

Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by phone (1-800-668-6868) or text (text CONNECT to 686868) for youth struggling to cope.

School Mental Health Ontario - A resource on how to support student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, including information and tools for parents.

Good2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service for postsecondary students with 24/7 professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being 

Ontario Community Support Association - Helping isolated, low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario get meals, groceries, medicine and other essentials to stay safe at home during COVID-19

Long-Term Care Investigation - The Patent Ombudsman is asking staff, family members, caregivers and residents to disclose situations where they feel the safety of long-term care home residents and staff may be in significant jeopardy. Reported safety concerns in long-term care homes have included

  • Severe staffing shortages;
  • Inadequate infection control and prevention measures;
  • Inability to meet the basic care needs for some residents; and
  • Poor or no communication.

Anyone with relevant information about COVID-19 issues in Ontario’s long-term care homes is encouraged to make a complaint online or call 1-888-321-0339.

COVID-19 Long-Term Care Tracking Map - The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) has created this interactive map enabling Ontarians to find information about COVID-19 cases at facilities in the broader long-term care sector, including retirement homes.

For young people who need to reach out, Kids Help Phone is available 24/7 by phone (1-800-668-6868) or text (text CONNECT to 686868)

London Children's Aid Society remains open to respond to concerns about children or youth in need of protection.  

If you are in crisis:

ANOVA’s 24-hour support line 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576

Assaulted Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511 or TTY 1-866-863-7868

Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

If you require emergency assistance, call 911 or the London Police at 519-661-5670.

Shelter and Other Supports: 

ANOVA 

London Abused Women's Centre 

Both of these organizations continue to offer support to women facing violence while taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Other Resources

Resources on Gender-Based Violence - The Western Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children has created a centralized hub for resources related to gender-based violence and the COVID-19 pandemic. It features the work of organizations across Canada, as well as key international research.

Sexual Violence and COVID-19 - This infographic shares some of the ways that COVID-19 has an impact on sexual violence. If you are experiencing abuse and require emergency assistance, call 9-1-1. For crisis counselling, call the 24-Hour Crisis & Support Line at 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576.

Being in an Abusive Home During COVID-19 - The Mental Health Commission of Canada has provided a downloadable sheet of tips and resources to protect your physcial and psychological well-being if you are isolated with an abuser.

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