A Message from all of us at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel
It seems every day brings new changes to our existence as we know it. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peel remains focused on the health and well-being of our children, youth, families, and the network of dedicated staff and volunteers who support them. Our role in our community remains vitally important and we intend to do everything we can to support those in need.
We have implemented remote-work strategies so that we minimize workflow interruption and are supporting our staff as they develop their own virtual offices. We remain committed to maintaining our high level of commitment and action throughout our community. As always, the health, safety and well being of our children and youth remain our top priority. We are here for you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email or by phone and we will be happy to get back to you.
Wishing you all the best of health! We are stronger together!
Below we have added some information and links to resources you may find helpful:
Links from the Ontario Government:
- Visit Ontario’s website to take the online COVID-19 assessment or to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.
- Call your local office if you need to apply for social assistance or apply online.
- To find a local office, use the office locator.
- Find your local service manager.
- Sign up to MyBenefits to report changes or get information about your Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program case.
The Ministry of Education is providing financial support to parents to assist with the costs of educational resources during school and child care closures. For more information please visit Ontario.ca/SupportForFamilies
LINKS TO 211 CENTRAL FOR UP-TO-DATE RESOURCES ACROSS THE GTA
Link from the Region of Peel for Food Support Programs:
https://peelregion.ca/planning-maps/foodprograms/foodprograms.html
Peel Hunger Relief Network:
Mississauga Food Bank:
LINKS FOR RETURN TO SCHOOL INFORMATION:
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board – Return to School Information
https://www3.dpcdsb.org/news/news-archives/dpcdsb-school-reopening
Peel District School Board – Reopening Plan
https://www.peelschools.org/schools/reopening/Pages/default.aspx
Link from the City of Brampton for food and shelter:
The Social Support Task Force has just launched a webpage to help residents during this time. The webpage includes the following:
- Online form for residents looking for access to shelter and food (including special requests like delivery) NOTE: privacy and confidentiality disclaimer included to protect data
- List of immediate donation needs from: Regeneration and Knights Table
- Peel Food Map
- List and details related to Shelters and Mental Health Services
You can find it here: https://www.brampton.ca/EN/residents/emergency-management/Pages/COVID-19-Social-Support-Task-Force.aspx.
LINK TO THE CITY OF BRAMPTON YOUTH TASK FORCE
LINK TO CITY OF MISSISSAUGA COVID-19 SUPPORT
https://web.mississauga.ca/city-of-mississauga-news/covid-19/
LINKS TO TOWN OF CALEDON COVID-19 SUPPORT!
https://www.caledon.ca/en/townhall/coronavirus.asp. Or for more information call 905.584.2272 ext. 7750 or email COVID@Caledon.ca
Caledon Community Services – Operating food pickup services at The Exchange at 55 Healey Road in Bolton. Call 905.584.2300 ext. 276 to make an appointment for Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Peel Dufferin) – Crisis, information and referral, assessment to community and mental health supports. Crisis Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1.888.811.2222 or General Inquiries/Support 519.941.0465, Toll Free: 1.877.451.2123 Monday-Friday 8:30–4:30 pm.
Family Transition Place – Individuals and families struggling with gender-based violence; emergency shelter available located in Orangeville. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 519.941.HELP ext. 4357 or 905.584.HELP ext. 4357.
LINK TO REGION OF PEEL MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL BEING SUPPORTS:
https://www.peelregion.ca/coronavirus/community-response-table/pdf/mental-health-supports.pdf
Tips from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health:
CAMH has a few tips on how you can practice self-care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some ideas:
Stay Connected
Social distancing is just about physical distance—you can still stay connected to your family, friends and colleagues through phone, video calls and text messaging. Spend time talking to people who are a positive influence when you’re feeling stressed.
Get Active
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood and overall health. There are plenty of ways you can exercise in your home—find videos on YouTube or dance to your favourite song!
Eat Healthily
Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and drinking lots of water can make you feel better.
These strategies can take some time to work. Practice them regularly and in different situations. It’s okay if you don’t feel better right away. And it’s also okay to reach out to a health care professional if you need professional support. Be kind to yourself and others, and we will be able to get through this together.
For tips on talking to kids about COVID-19
For tips on coping with stress and anxiety