Call 911 for immediate help for life-threatening medical, fire, or police emergencies.

______________________________________________________________

24/7 Crisis & Mental Health Support

SOAR Community Services - Crisis Phone Line
📞 (519) 759-7188 | 1-866-811-7188
24/7 support for mental health or situational crises.

988 Suicide Crisis Helpline

📞 Call or text 988
24/7 confidential support across Canada.

Kids Help Phone

📞 1-800-668-6868 | Text CONNECT to 686868

24/7 support for children, youth, and young adults. 

_____________________________________________________

In-Person Crisis Support

SOAR Mental Health Walk-In Clinic
📍 133 Elgin Street
🕑 Mon & Wed, 2–7 PM
No appointment needed.

Brantford General Hospital – Emergency Department
📍 200 Terrace Hill Street
Emergency medical and mental health care.
_____________________________________________________

Violence & Abuse Support

Nova Vita Crisis & Support Line

📞 (519) 752-HELP

24/7 support, safety planning, phone/text/chat.

Victim Services of Brant

Provides immediate, confidential support to individuals affected by crime or tragic circumstances. Victim Services offers crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and help navigating community and justice-related services in Brantford and Brant County.
Victim Services of Brant – Making People Feel Safe and Secure 

_____________________________________________________

 
Medical Advice & Health Support (24/7) 

📞 Call 8-1-1 | Online chat available 

Free, confidential access to registered nurses and health professionals who can help you decide whether to seek urgent care, visit an emergency department, or manage symptoms at home. 

Home - Health811

_____________________________________________________

Provincial & Specialized Helplines

If you're looking for support tailored to your identity, situation, or caregiving role, these services are available across Ontario and Canada.

One Stop Talk (Ontario)

📞 1-855-416-8255

Immediate access to a free professional therapist for children, youth, and families across Ontario.

Good2Talk (Ontario)

📞 1-866-925-5454

💬 Text GOOD2TALKON to 686868

Free, confidential mental health support for post-secondary students in Ontario.

Hope for Wellness (Canada)

📞 1-855-242-3310

💬 Online chat available

Immediate mental health counselling and crisis support for Indigenous peoples across Canada, available in multiple Indigenous languages as well as English and French.

Black Youth Helpline (Canada)

📞 1-833-294-8650

Support and referrals for Black youth, families, and communities. Services available in French and other languages upon request.

Talk4Healing (Ontario)

📞 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)

Culturally grounded support for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, available in many Indigenous languages as well as English and French.

Ontario Caregiver Helpline

📞 1-833-416-2273

Information and support for caregivers navigating programs, services, and resources across Ontario.

Trans Lifeline (Canada)

📞 1-877-330-6366

Peer support run by and for trans and questioning people. Confidential and non-judgmental.

LGBT YouthLine (Ontario)

📞 1-800-268-9688

💬 Text 647-694-4275

Peer support, resources, and referrals for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and young adults (29 and under) across Ontario. 

Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health (CMHO Family Care Centre)
A mental health support hub with trusted information, peer support, and practical guides for parents and caregivers navigating children's mental health challenges.
Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health | PCMH 

Canadian Mental Health Association
Local mental health services offering supports like community programs, peer support, activity groups, housing help, and family support.
https://bhn.cmha.ca/cmha-programs-and-services/ 

Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services
Local programs providing mental health and autism supports for children, youth, families, and caregivers.
Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services | Inspiring Hope 

Sexual Assault Centre of Brant (SAC Brant)

Provides free, confidential, trauma-informed support for survivors of sexual violence. SAC Brant offers counselling, advocacy, and education services to cis women and people of marginalized genders, including trans women, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals. They also work to create social change through community education and collaboration.

Sexual Assault Centre of Brant 

Margot's Place
Inclusive support programs for young parents (29 yrs & under) offering peer support, weekly groups, drop-ins, parenting activities, parent education, and help connecting with local services.
Margot's Place: Supportive Programs For Young Moms

The Parachute Program
A free, drop-in peer support group for parents with babies (0-12 months), offering a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, and find encouragement during the early months of parenthood.
The Parachute Program - Kids Can Fly

Hope Pregnancy & Family Support Centre
A local faith-based support center offering free, confidential support for individuals and families during pregnancy and early parenting, including education, practical help, and one-on-one support.  They do not provide or refer for abortion care.
Hope | Home 

EarlyON Child and Family Centres
Free drop-in programs for parents, caregivers, and children (birth to 6 yrs) offering play-based activities, early development support, and opportunities to connect with other families.
Event Details - City of Brantford  

Launchpad (Kids Can Fly)
A free early learning and support program for preschool-aged children and their caregivers, offering play-based activities, early development support, and opportunities to build routines, confidence, and connection before school entry.
The Launch Pad: Frequently Asked Questions - Kids Can Fly 

Child and Family Services of Grand Erie

This agency works with families to support the safety, health, and well-being of children and youth. They can also help families connect with community services and supports when additional assistance is needed.

Home - Child and Family Services of Grand Erie 

Taylor’s Rights

Taylor’s Rights provides education, resources, and information to help families and community members better understand child welfare processes and navigate related systems. 

Taylor the Turtle - Taylor's Rights 

La Leche League Canada – Brantford

A free peer support group for parents who are breastfeeding, chestfeeding, or planning to feed their babies human milk. Meetings offer a welcoming space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with other parents. Support from trained Leaders is also available between meetings if needed.

Brantford | La Leche League Canada 

Contact Brant- Family Support and Service Navigation
The first place to contact for families needing help navigating community supports for children and youth with behavioural, developmental, and special needs, including autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Resources for Parents - Contact Brant - Children's Services Brantford  

Lansdowne Children’s Centre

Provides assessment, therapy, and specialized support services for children and youth with physical, developmental, and communication needs in Brantford and surrounding communities. Lansdowne works with families to help children reach their fullest potential through coordinated and family-centred care. 

Lansdowne Children's Centre for child development 

Why Not Youth Centre
A free, welcoming drop-in space for local youth to hang out, access support, activities, life skills coaching, and links to other community services in a safe, supervised environment.
Why Not Youth Centre | Why Not City Missions

Woodview in the Square
A safe, youth-friendly hub offering drop-in activities, games and optional drop-in counselling for ages 12-18.
Woodview in the Square | Youth Hub and Drop In

Brantford Public Library
A safe, welcoming space for children, youth and teens to spend time after school, access books and technology, attend free programs, and connect in a supervised, inclusive environment.
Brantford Public Library

City of Brantford – Youth Programs
A variety of supervised programs and recreational opportunities for youth ages 11–17, including drop-in spaces, activities, and community engagement programs such as the W Lounge. Many programs are low-cost, with some requiring only a $5 annual registration. Please visit the link for current program details, schedules, and registration information.
Youth Programs - City of Brantford 

Brantford Food & Meal Calendar (Monthly Schedule)
A regularly updated calendar showing where free meals, food bank services, and community food supports are offered throughout Brantford and area each month.
Event Details - City of Brantford 

City of Brantford – Find Affordable Housing

Information about affordable housing options in Brantford, including how to apply for rent-geared-to-income housing, housing waitlists, eligibility requirements, and available programs. This page connects individuals and families to local housing supports and application processes. 

Find Housing - City of Brantford 

211 Ontario

A free, confidential service that connects people to local community and social services across Ontario. Available 24/7 by phone, text, or chat, 211 helps individuals and families find support for housing, food, mental health, financial assistance, and more. 

211 Ontario 

Brantford-Brant Norfolk Ontario Health Team (BBNOHT)
A regional partnership that connects individuals and families to coordinated health and community services across Brantford, Brant County, Haldimand, and Norfolk. BBNOHT helps improve access to care and supports navigation within the local healthcare system.
Brantford-Brant Norfolk Ontario Health Team
Services :: Brantford Brant Norfolk Ontario Health Team 

Parents and Caregivers for Mental Health
A welcoming peer support group in Brantford where parents and caregivers can share experiences, feel less alone, and connect with others navigating children's mental
https://woodview.ca/brantford-mental-health/pcmh-groups/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

HOPE Brant
A local peer-run organization offering connection, group activities, and drop-in support for adults facing mental health challenges.
Helping Ourselves through Peer Support & Employment

Brantford Public Library
A community hub offering free programs, events, resources, and spaces for families of all ages, including story times, youth programs, technology access, and community connection.
Brantford Public Library 

The Messiness of Parenting Podcast
A local parenting podcast featuring parents and specialists from Brantford and area. Through honest conversations, practical tips, and real-life stories, this podcast explores the ups, downs, and everyday moments of raising children.

The Messiness of Parenting | Podcast on Spotify 

Before attending any event, please click the link provided for full details, including location information and registration requirements. Some events require advance registration.

Ongoing (17-week program)

Caring Dads Group Program

Caring Dads is a 17-week group program for fathers and male caregivers who want to build safer, healthier, and more positive relationships with their children and their children’s mother. Participants reflect on their parenting, understand the impact of their actions, and develop practical skills to strengthen trust, emotional safety, and connection within their families.

Learn more or register:

519-750-3195 | info@novavita.org

The Brantford Poppy Project Workshops
Community members of all ages and skill levels are invited to take part in free drop-in poppy-making workshops across Brantford. Participants can learn to create handmade poppies while connecting with others and contributing to a large community remembrance art installation honouring veterans and military families. Supplies, guidance, and beginner-friendly support are provided at each session.
Workshop Dates:
• May 28 @ 5:30–8:00pm – Myrtleville House Museum
• June 2 @ 6:30–8:30pm – Holmedale NA, Dufferin Park
• June 5 @ 10:00am–4:00pm – Myrtleville House Museum
• June 23 @ 6:00–7:30pm – St. Paul Library Backyard
• June 30 @ 6:30–8:30pm – Holmedale NA, Dufferin Park
• July 14 @ 5:30–8:00pm – Myrtleville House Museum
• July 16 @ 2:00–3:30pm – Brantford Public Library Main Branch
• August 6 @ 5:30–8:00pm – Myrtleville House Museum
• August 15 @ 10:00–11:30am – Brantford Public Library Main Branch
• September 15 @ 5:30–8:00pm – Brant Museum & Archives
Learn more or get involved:
Brantford Poppy Project  | brantfordpoppyproject@gmail.com

May 24 @ 10:00am–1:00pm

Wheels on the Pavement

Families are invited to see, touch, and explore the public works, emergency services, and specialty vehicles that help keep the community running during this free family-friendly event at Mohawk Park. Guests can enjoy interactive activities, live performances, food vendors, face painting, balloon artists, photo opportunities, and demonstrations including a 72,000-pound tow truck pull. Community organizations and local businesses will also be on site sharing resources and information.

Learn more:

Wheels on the Pavement to return at Mohawk Park | BrantBeacon 

May 30 @ 10:00am–2:00pm

Branlyn Family Fun Day

Families are invited to enjoy a free afternoon of community fun at the Branlyn Community Centre. Guests can take part in games, crafts, activities, gardening experiences, a bouncy castle, and Jungle James Reptile Show, along with opportunities to explore a touch-a-truck experience. Free hotdogs, popcorn, and freezies will also be available throughout the event.

Learn more:

Family Fun Day - Branlyn Neighbourhood Association 

May 30 @ 2:00–5:00pm

Rainbow Art Party in the Garden

The Neurodivergent Artist Collective and Sidewalk Joy are inviting community members of all ages, abilities, and skill levels to enjoy an afternoon of colourful creativity at the Woodman Park Community Garden. Participants can create rainbow-themed artwork to donate to Sidewalk Joy’s Free Little Art Gallery and Mobile Art Cart for June displays. Art supplies will be provided, though guests are also welcome to bring their own materials. This is a drop-in, pay-what-you-may event supporting participating community organizations.

Learn more:

ndartistcollective@gmail.com | Woodman Park Community Garden, 491 Grey St. Brantford 

June 2 @ 4:00pm

Brantford Pride Flag Raising

Community members are invited to gather at Harmony Square for Brantford Pride’s annual Pride flag raising ceremony. This welcoming event celebrates inclusion, visibility, and community while recognizing and uplifting 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies across Brantford and Brant County. Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate together.

June 5 @ 1:30–2:30pm

Afternoon Grandfriend Tea Party

Grandfriends and grandchildren are invited to enjoy a special afternoon tea party celebrating connection across generations. Families will gather to share tea, sweet treats, and simple activities designed to spark conversation, laughter, and shared memories. This event takes place at 30 Bell Lane and all ages are welcome.

Learn more or register:

registration@eycbrant.ca 

June 5 @ 2:00–4:15pm

PA Day Buttons and Family Flick: A Gen Connect Event

Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of creativity and connection at the Brantford Public Library as part of the City of Brantford’s Gen Connect series. Participants can create custom buttons together before settling in for a family-friendly movie screening with popcorn provided. This intergenerational event is designed to bring children and older adults together through shared experiences, conversation, and fun. The event takes place at the Brantford Public Library Main Branch, 173 Colborne St. 

PA Day Buttons and Family Flick: A Gen Connect Event 

June 10 @ 10:00–11:00am

Parent and Baby Yoga with Catherine

Caregivers and babies ages birth to 12 months are invited to breathe and move together through a gentle yoga sequence designed to support bonding while improving strength and flexibility. Participants will learn baby-safe yoga movements that help create calm connection and support nervous system regulation for both caregiver and child. This program takes place at 30 Bell Lane.

Register:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=gXdReJ0hPkyo4RcbdDksaYTd8Sa1yLlFsRTitmcPXKhUNTdJTUQ0MDJJTkY2VEc1NVdIVFc1TDRSTS4u&route=shorturl 

June 19 @ 10:00–11:00am

Canada Day Bash

Celebrate the beauty, kindness, and diversity that make Canada such a wonderful place to call home. Children ages 18 months to 6 years are invited to join this festive birthday celebration for Canada. Wear your favourite Canadian outfit. This program takes place at 30 Bell Lane.

Register:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=gXdReJ0hPkyo4RcbdDksaYTd8Sa1yLlFsRTitmcPXKhUNTdJTUQ0MDJJTkY2VEc1NVdIVFc1TDRSTS4u&route=shorturl 

June 20 @ 12:00–5:00pm

Pride in the Park

Families, friends, and community members are invited to celebrate Pride Month together at Mohawk Park during this inclusive afternoon of connection and entertainment. Guests can enjoy drag performances, local musicians, BBQ, vendors, and community activities in a welcoming environment focused on celebration, visibility, and belonging for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and allies.

Learn more:

Events — Brantford Pride 

June 22 @ 10:30–11:30am

Rags’ Birthday Party

Families with children ages 0–6 are invited to celebrate Rags the Library Dog’s birthday at the Brantford Public Library Main Branch. Guests can enjoy stories, songs, games, crafts, and birthday-themed activities while helping celebrate one of the library’s favourite furry friends. This family-friendly event encourages early literacy, connection, and community fun for young children and caregivers. 

Rags' Birthday Party! 

July 11–12

DuckFest 2026

DuckFest is a two-day, family-friendly festival in Downtown Brantford supporting Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services. Families can enjoy games, live music, prizes, activities, and plenty of duck-themed fun throughout the weekend. Events include the third annual Catch-A-Ducky activities at Harmony Square and a rubber duck race along the Grand River at Brants Crossing Park.

Learn more or adopt a duck:

Home | Duckfest  

July 18 @ 1:00–4:00pm

Friends 4 Kindness Unbirthday Party

Families and individuals of all abilities are invited to this free, inclusive community celebration focused on friendship, belonging, and connection. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, games, activities, sweet treats, loot bags, and opportunities to build meaningful friendships in a welcoming environment. The event takes place at Mohawk Park in Brantford and is designed to ensure everyone feels celebrated and included.

Learn more or register:

Unbirthday Party Invitation | Join the Celebration Today — Friends 4 Kindness