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Group Support
Free groups for individuals, couples, and families navigating similar life experiences.
Each group is facilitated by trained professionals or peers and offered in a supportive, identity-affirming space. Some groups are drop-in, others require registration. Groups are currently offered at various partner agencies and/or online. Details vary by group.
You may relate to more than one experience listed below, and that’s okay. Explore the options and choose the group for you, based on what you’re navigating right now.
What Type of Support Are You Looking For?
Explore our current group offerings below.
2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow - Transcend Youth Group - Family Services Ottawa
A free, weekly art and discussion drop-in group with gender diverse facilitators for trans, non-binary and questioning youth ages 11-17.
Meet people, have discussions, make art & have fun!
Drop-in Schedule
Date: Mondays – Weekly online, once a month in-person
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Family Services Ottawa
312 Parkdale Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5
For more information connect with our client care team:
613-725-3601 ext. 105
https://familyservicesottawa.org/services-and-programs/around-the-rainbow-trans-youth-group/
2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow - Parent & Caregiver Peer Support Group - Family Services Ottawa
Free, monthly drop-in group for parents and caregivers of transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse children, youth and young adults.
In partnership with CHEO.
Parents and caregivers meet to support one another and share their experiences and knowledge as they raise their gender diverse children.
Participants share information and resources.
Location: Family Services Ottawa
312 Parkdale Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5
For more information:
https://familyservicesottawa.org/services-and-programs/caregiver-group/
2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow - Art and Play Drop In Group - Family Services Ottawa
This is a free, monthly drop-in art & playgroup for 2SLGBTQI+ families with young children and families with young gender creative children (ages 0-6).
Participants will visit with other parents while your little ones play and make art together in a wonderful childcare space.
Date: First Saturday of every month.
Exceptions: This group is not running in July and August to allow time for other family events.
For the long weekends in September and October we will be running the group on the next Saturday.
Time: 1-4 PM
Location: Contact aroundtherainbow@familyservicesottawa.org for location information
For more information:
https://familyservicesottawa.org/services-and-programs/art-and-play-drop-in-group/
African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Mental Health Peer Support Group
Sometimes the most powerful support comes from connecting with people who understand. The African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Mental Health Peer Support Group provides a safe, welcoming, and culturally affirming space where ACB adults can connect, share experiences, and support one another through life's challenges.
Created specifically for African, Caribbean and Black adults, this identity-specific peer support group recognizes the unique experiences, strengths, and realities that can impact mental health and wellbeing within ACB communities. To help maintain the integrity of the space and support meaningful peer connection, participation is reserved for individuals who identify as African, Caribbean, or Black. Participants are expected to respect the purpose and eligibility requirements of the group.
BIPOC Peer Support Self-Care Oasis Group
Life can be demanding, and many BIPOC women and femmes spend so much time caring for others that they rarely have space to care for themselves. The BIPOC Peer Support Self-Care Oasis Group was created as a dedicated space to pause, reflect, recharge, and connect with others who understand the unique realities of navigating life, wellness, and mental health as BIPOC women and femmes.
Together, participants explore topics related to self-care, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, boundaries, resilience, relationships, identity, and healing while building meaningful connections with others in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
SMART Recovery for Families and Caregivers - Parent's Lifeline of Eastern Ontario
Being close to someone who is struggling with addiction can be frustrating, painful and sometimes feel like a lonely journey. We want to offer support so that you do not lose yourself on this journey. These meetings will offer an opportunity to learn how you can develop skills to then help you cope and help your loved one choose recovery and most importantly, to meet with others who are walking/have walked similar journeys.
This meeting is co-facilitated with PLEO (Parent's Lifeline of Eastern Ontario), a family peer support organization www.pleo.on.ca.
Join us once, every week, or whenever you feel the need to connect.
It's A Vibe! Youth Peer Support Group
Looking for a space where you can be yourself, connect with others, and build community? It's A Vibe! is a peer-led gathering created for BIPOC women and femmes ages 18–35 who are looking for authentic connection, meaningful conversations, and a sense of belonging.
Whether you're navigating school, work, relationships, family responsibilities, life transitions, or simply looking to meet other BIPOC women and femmes, this space was designed with you in mind. Each session offers opportunities to connect, reflect, share experiences, exchange ideas, and engage in creative and engaging conversations with peers who may share similar lived experiences.
Acu-Detox Group - Centretown Community Health Centre
Acu-Detox auricular acupuncture is used to support mental health and substance use recovery.
Disposable needles are inserted into five acupuncture points on the ears while participants sit silently in a circle.
This practice is intended to create a peaceful quiet space for healing.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls
Free telephone group activities for seniors 55+ and adults with disabilities living in Ottawa & rural areas
To register, call 613-236-0428 ext. 2323 or send an email to scww@thegoodcompanions.ca
https://thegoodcompanions.ca/programs-services/seniors-centre-without-walls/
SMART Self-Management and Recovery Group for 50+
Are you over 50 and concerned about your alcohol or drug use and want a safe space to talk?
SMART Self-Management and Recovery Training is a mutual-support group offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
This group is open to adults 50+.
SMART is an approach to help people quit drugs and alcohol and make positive changes in their lives.
To register, CLICK HERE to book an appointment through the SMART website
CLICK HERE to register for the Online Monday group
CLICK HERE to register for the Wednesday In-person Group at 670 Albert St (The Good Companions)
Contact information:
Send an email to smartrecovery@centretownchc.org
or call 613-233-4443 ext. 2109
2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow - Transcend Youth Group - Family Services Ottawa
A free, weekly art and discussion drop-in group with gender diverse facilitators for trans, non-binary and questioning youth ages 11-17.
Meet people, have discussions, make art & have fun!
Drop-in Schedule
Date: Mondays – Weekly online, once a month in-person
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: Family Services Ottawa
312 Parkdale Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5
For more information connect with our client care team:
613-725-3601 ext. 105
https://familyservicesottawa.org/services-and-programs/around-the-rainbow-trans-youth-group/
2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow - Parent & Caregiver Peer Support Group - Family Services Ottawa
Free, monthly drop-in group for parents and caregivers of transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse children, youth and young adults.
In partnership with CHEO.
Parents and caregivers meet to support one another and share their experiences and knowledge as they raise their gender diverse children.
Participants share information and resources.
Location: Family Services Ottawa
312 Parkdale Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4X5
For more information:
https://familyservicesottawa.org/services-and-programs/caregiver-group/
2SLGBTQI+ Around the Rainbow - Art and Play Drop In Group - Family Services Ottawa
This is a free, monthly drop-in art & playgroup for 2SLGBTQI+ families with young children and families with young gender creative children (ages 0-6).
Participants will visit with other parents while your little ones play and make art together in a wonderful childcare space.
Date: First Saturday of every month.
Exceptions: This group is not running in July and August to allow time for other family events.
For the long weekends in September and October we will be running the group on the next Saturday.
Time: 1-4 PM
Location: Contact aroundtherainbow@familyservicesottawa.org for location information
For more information:
https://familyservicesottawa.org/services-and-programs/art-and-play-drop-in-group/
African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Mental Health Peer Support Group
Sometimes the most powerful support comes from connecting with people who understand. The African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Mental Health Peer Support Group provides a safe, welcoming, and culturally affirming space where ACB adults can connect, share experiences, and support one another through life's challenges.
Created specifically for African, Caribbean and Black adults, this identity-specific peer support group recognizes the unique experiences, strengths, and realities that can impact mental health and wellbeing within ACB communities. To help maintain the integrity of the space and support meaningful peer connection, participation is reserved for individuals who identify as African, Caribbean, or Black. Participants are expected to respect the purpose and eligibility requirements of the group.
BIPOC Peer Support Self-Care Oasis Group
Life can be demanding, and many BIPOC women and femmes spend so much time caring for others that they rarely have space to care for themselves. The BIPOC Peer Support Self-Care Oasis Group was created as a dedicated space to pause, reflect, recharge, and connect with others who understand the unique realities of navigating life, wellness, and mental health as BIPOC women and femmes.
Together, participants explore topics related to self-care, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, boundaries, resilience, relationships, identity, and healing while building meaningful connections with others in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
SMART Recovery for Families and Caregivers - Parent's Lifeline of Eastern Ontario
Being close to someone who is struggling with addiction can be frustrating, painful and sometimes feel like a lonely journey. We want to offer support so that you do not lose yourself on this journey. These meetings will offer an opportunity to learn how you can develop skills to then help you cope and help your loved one choose recovery and most importantly, to meet with others who are walking/have walked similar journeys.
This meeting is co-facilitated with PLEO (Parent's Lifeline of Eastern Ontario), a family peer support organization www.pleo.on.ca.
Join us once, every week, or whenever you feel the need to connect.
It's A Vibe! Youth Peer Support Group
Looking for a space where you can be yourself, connect with others, and build community? It's A Vibe! is a peer-led gathering created for BIPOC women and femmes ages 18–35 who are looking for authentic connection, meaningful conversations, and a sense of belonging.
Whether you're navigating school, work, relationships, family responsibilities, life transitions, or simply looking to meet other BIPOC women and femmes, this space was designed with you in mind. Each session offers opportunities to connect, reflect, share experiences, exchange ideas, and engage in creative and engaging conversations with peers who may share similar lived experiences.
Acu-Detox Group - Centretown Community Health Centre
Acu-Detox auricular acupuncture is used to support mental health and substance use recovery.
Disposable needles are inserted into five acupuncture points on the ears while participants sit silently in a circle.
This practice is intended to create a peaceful quiet space for healing.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls
Free telephone group activities for seniors 55+ and adults with disabilities living in Ottawa & rural areas
To register, call 613-236-0428 ext. 2323 or send an email to scww@thegoodcompanions.ca
https://thegoodcompanions.ca/programs-services/seniors-centre-without-walls/
SMART Self-Management and Recovery Group for 50+
Are you over 50 and concerned about your alcohol or drug use and want a safe space to talk?
SMART Self-Management and Recovery Training is a mutual-support group offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.
This group is open to adults 50+.
SMART is an approach to help people quit drugs and alcohol and make positive changes in their lives.
To register, CLICK HERE to book an appointment through the SMART website
CLICK HERE to register for the Online Monday group
CLICK HERE to register for the Wednesday In-person Group at 670 Albert St (The Good Companions)
Contact information:
Send an email to smartrecovery@centretownchc.org
or call 613-233-4443 ext. 2109
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