News

Hands has recently been the victim of a cyber incident. Upon learning of the incident, we immediately took steps to isolate systems and contain the threat. We also engaged leading third-party cybersecurity experts to assist with containment, remediation and to conduct a forensic investigation. Our IT and leading third-party cybersecurity experts were able to return our systems to support operations. As a result, the impact on client services was

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is hosting a party to launch Mental Health Week and everyone is invited to join in the fun on May 4, 2024, with events in North Bay from noon to 2pm, and in Sundridge from 2 to 4 pm. Mental Health Week runs from May 6 – 10 in Canada.  This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association is positioning the celebrations around A Call to be Kind, because compassion connects us all. Hands is inviting the community to sha

World Autism Awareness Day is on Tuesday, April 2, and Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is ready to celebrate with our communities with events at four different sites. Everyone is welcome to visit a Hands site to enjoy some games, activities and refreshments.  There will also be resources available to help support families on their autism journey. Celebrations run from 3:30 – 6:30 pm at the following Hands locations: Timmins: 100 Wilson Ave. Nor

Hands wishes everyone peace and joy this holiday season and for all of 2024. Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is here to help our clients and families during the holidays. Please be reminded of the following services, available throughout the holiday season and year-round: The Mental Health Crisis Line — 1-844-287-9072 — is open with staff available to help with any Child and Youth Mental Health urgent/crisis concerns 24/7. Autism Services is s

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is providing sensory-friendly Halloween fun for all young ghouls, goblins, princesses, pirates and more at four locations on Saturday, October 28, from 1 – 3 pm. Children will be able to practice trick-or-treating and enjoy fun activities and games, and more! All are welcome to attend this free family-centered event, organized by Hands’ team of Autism professionals to help ensure everyone can enjoy Halloween trad

October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada, a perfect opportunity to think about why awareness is important.    What is Autism? Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental disability characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.  About 1 in every 50 Canadian children and adolescents has been diagnosed with autism, according to the Public Health Agency of Cana

We’re here to help. You can call Hands for assistance at 1-800-668-8555 and a member of our team will be happy to help. Our offices will be closed on Wednesday, September 13 to allow employees to attend an all employee gathering, but you can still reach us by phone at the number above. If you are experiencing a crisis and need help right away: For children and youth, please call the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-844-287-9072 For adults,

Are you familiar with the mental health crisis line in your area or interested in making mental health crisis services better for children and youth in the Nipissing, Muskoka, and Parry Sound Districts? Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork and Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions are seeking the input of local children, youth, and parents to look for ways to improve mental health crisis services. You can help by joining a 1-hour virtual interview or focus grou

Heading back to school can be scary and uncertain for some kids and families, especially when there’s an Autism diagnosis in the mix. It doesn’t have to be.  Experts at Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca are sharing some helpful tips to make that transition from summer to school easier. Hands Autism Services is offering two 90-minute online seminars on Tuesday, August 29, to help parents and caregivers with children with Autism who are starting s

We’re here to help. You can call Hands for assistance at 1-800-668-8555 and a member of our team will be happy to help. Our offices will be closed on Friday, June 16 to allow employees to attend our annual gathering, but you can still reach us by phone at the number above.   If you are experiencing a crisis and need help right away:    For children and youth, please call the 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-844-287-9072   For adults,

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca, in partnership with Nipissing University, has been awarded an Ontario Youth Mental Health, Substance Use and Addictions Grant from Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) and the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions. The $100,000 grant will be used to build community capacity for trauma informed and addiction approaches for youth in Northern Ontario. Lead Investigators include Dr. Tina Be

Due to the storm hitting our region today and the current and expected road conditions, Hands’ offices in the following areas are closed today, April 5, 2023: North Bay Sundridge Pembroke Timmins Bracebridge Parry Sound Sturgeon Falls Mattawa Powassan Please stay safe out there, and if you have to travel, take your time driving or walking today. For more information, please call us at 1-800-668-8555. If you need help right away, the Mental H

Each year, Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca recognizes April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day as declared by the United Nations (UN). This year’s theme focuses on celebrating the contributions of people with autism at home, at work, in the arts, and in policy making. There are many ways you can get involved in World Autism Awareness Day: Join an event Kirkland Lake’s annual Autism Awareness Walk – April 2 United Nations virtual event – T

Is my teen showing warning signs for addiction? Is it okay for my child to play video games this much? How do I know if there is a problem?  How can I talk to my kids about addiction? These are all common questions and concerns for parents.  Help is on the way with a free webinar for parents to better understand addiction in children and youth offered by Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca in partnership with Parents for Children’s Mental Healt

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca has a fantastic opportunity for leaders looking to build connections with peers in Northern Ontario while actively helping their communities: Now is your chance to join the Hands Board of Directors.   Hands is looking for leaders who are passionate about Hands’ vision: Working together to create a better day today and tomorrow, and who share our values: Respect, Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, and Quality.

Hands’ team of experts is hosting a series of free webinars to share information on key topics of interest with parents/caregivers. The first session runs on February 22, focusing on Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These virtual sessions are open to all parents/caregivers. Registration is required. A copy of the slides will be sent to all registered participants after the presentation. Sessions include: Understanding ADHD

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is hosting a free Autism Community Clinic in New Liskeard on Thursday, February 23 and Friday, February 24, 2023. The in-person community clinic will feature training sessions and provide attendees with access to resources. Caregivers and families with a child or youth with Autism will also be able to engage in one-on-one meetings with a Family Service Coordinator and other experts. Visit the website or follow us on

Local Bell Let’s Talk grant recipients take centre ice at upcoming Battalion game CMHA and Hands earn grants, offer public chance to win tickets, support our community’s mental health North Bay Battalion fans can win tickets to the January 19 home game and cheer on two local mental health organizations that earned 2022 Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund grants. Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca and the Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay

Due to the winter storm hitting our region, the following Hands offices will be closed today, December 23, 2022: Bracebridge Parry Sound Pembroke Sundridge Timmins Our Sturgeon Falls location as well as our North Bay – Oak Street and North Bay – Lakeshore Drive locations will remain open until noon. If you need help right away, the Mental Health Crisis Line remains open 24/7 at 1-844-287-9072. Please stay safe out there, and if you

Hands wishes everyone a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season and looks forward to a healthy and happy New Year.   Hands is here to help our clients and families during the holidays.  Please be reminded of the following services, available throughout the holiday season and year-round:  The Mental Health Crisis Line — 1-844-287-9072 — is open with staff available to help with any Child and Youth Mental Health urgent/crisis issues 24/

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is wrapping up Autism Awareness Month by inviting the Timmins community to an Open House on Saturday, October 29, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the Agency’s Autism Centre located at 100 Wilson Avenue in Timmins. The Open House features games, activities and prizes for kids, as well as tours of the site and refreshments.  Hands Autism experts will also be available to help people learn more about the services Hands provides

MEDIA RELEASE For Immediate Release: October 7, 2022 October is Autism Awareness Month in Canada and Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is here to help foster awareness and understanding and to celebrate the uniqueness of each and every person with autism. Hands has packed the month of October with a range of events and opportunities aimed at learning and engagement, from seminars and support groups to book reviews, tips, contests and Community Clinic

We’re celebrating Autism Awareness Month with a giveaway! You can WIN a PRIZE PACK, which includes a copy of our 4 favourite books, some Hands swag, and an Indigo gift card of $50 so you can grow your library. Official Contest Rules and Regulations: Only two (2) entries per person can be submitted Prize: One (1) prize pack will be awarded by random draw, which includes four (4) books, Hands swag, and an Indigo gift card of $50. Prize pack valu

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It also calls on Canadians to remember the history of Residential Schools, and the ongoing impacts of its legacy on Indigenous Peoples. September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. Hands will be open on Friday, September 30, 2022. Employees will honour the

The annual Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign is back on September 19 through September 25, 2022. When you buy a Smile Cookie from Tim Hortons in  Burk’s Falls, 100% of the proceeds go to support Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca. All proceeds will directly support children, families and clients in the Almaguin area with new games, toys, resources and enhancements to Hands’ Sundridge site and its Autism centre. To purchase your Smile Cook

Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is here to help our clients, families and communities. Our offices are open and our services are available with safety measures in place to keep everyone safe and to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We know the past two years have been very hard for people and we are here to support you. Virtual and In-Person Services The health and safety of our clients, families, employees and communities is our top priority and t

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is hosting a free one-day Autism Community Clinic in Pembroke on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11, 2022. The in-person community clinics will feature training sessions and provide attendees with access to resources. Caregivers and families will also be able to engage in one-on-one meetings with a Family Service Coordinator and other experts. Visit the website for more information. The Clinics will take place at

Mental Health Week is May 2-8, 2022 Mental Health Week and Children’s Mental Health Week are May 2 to 8, 2022. In recognition of the week, Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca will be offering activities to educate and engage children, youth and families in mental health awareness. Here’s what’s happening at Hands: Self-Care Workshop Free online workshop for caregivers Tuesday, May 3, 2022 11 am to 12 pm Learn about: Stress-reduction techniques a

Hands has earned a $150,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund.  The successful grant was announced on April 20, 2022, at Hands’ Oak Street site by Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. Fedeli announced funding for 11 local organizations with $921,300 to help them offset the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic so they can deliver the best service possible for the people of Nipissing and create a stronger Ontario. �

Learn about internet usage and its effects on your child’s development and mental health at our free webinar on April 6. Hands is pleased to be partnering with Parents for Children’s Mental Health to bring this presentation to families in Muskoka, Nipissing, Parry Sound and Simcoe. Register online. Internet Usage and Your Child Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 6:00 pm Learn about: Internet usage and children’s mental health Positive and neg

A shared statement from Health Service Providers Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is honoured to share this important statement from our partners in health-care.  The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for many people and communities, and it is not over. At Hands, we are experiencing far higher numbers of employees becoming ill and/or needing to isolate, or care for ill family members due to COVID-19, than at any other time in the pandemic. Th

We know the pandemic has been tough on our children and youth. Research from Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO) shows that almost 60% of parents have noticed recent behavioural changes in their child. To help families cope, Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork and Parents for Children’s Mental Health are hosting a free webinar for caregivers on Wednesday, March 9 at 6:00 pm. Supporting your Anxious Child March 9, 2022 at 6:00 pm  Caregivers

Looking for family-friendly activities to do this weekend? Look no further, we have you covered! Ontario Free Family Ice Fishing Almaguin Family Fun Day – Township of Machar Virtual Kids Fishing Derby Mattawa Nature’s Harmony Trail Muskoka Gravenhurst Winter Carnival Eclipse Light Walk Snow Village – River Mill Park, Huntsville Ice skating: Dorset Community Park and Dwight Bay Road in Lake of Bays. The Muskoka Wharf in Graven

Photo Contest – Win $100 gift card! Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork is working to promote family wellness for Family Day 2022 with a Photo Contest, and you can win a $100 gift card to a local restaurant of your choice. To enter, simply upload a photo of your favorite family activity to the Hands Facebook page and use the hashtag #HandsFamilyPhotos.  All correct entries will be entered into a draw for a $100 gift certificate to a local resta

Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is here to help our clients, families and communities. We continue to provide services and our offices are open with more safety measures in place to help keep everyone safe. We know how stressful the pandemic has been. The recent Ontario government announcement is hard for many people, and the move to remote learning will be tough for some children, youth and families. Virtual and In-Person Services Hands continues

Hands is helping families celebrate Halloween this year with a free Drive-in Movie for families on Saturday, October 23. In partnership with Community Living North Bay and One Kids Place, Hands is hosting a screening of the classic animated movie The Addams Family at Northgate Shopping Centre in North Bay. We know the pandemic has been a hard and challenging time for our clients and families and we wanted to provide a fun and safe activity for ev

In June 2021, the Government of Canada announced September 30 as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day calls on all Canadians to remember the history of Residential Schools, and the ongoing impacts of its legacy on Indigenous Peoples. It also honours the lost children and Survivors, their families, and communities. September 30 is also Orange Shirt Day. Hands will be open on September 30, 2021. Employees will honour the National

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Procedure Hands is committed to providing a safe place for our clients, employees, volunteers and other visitors. To help keep everyone safe, we have a new COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Procedure as an added measure of protection against COVID-19. Under the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Procedure, all Hands employees, volunteers, students on placement and contractors are required to be fully vaccinated or regul

Goodbye Summer. Hello School. It’s back to school season and Hands’ Autism and Behavioural Services Team is here to help your family adjust to the new routine and support you throughout the year. Hands’ team is excited to share new Fall Foundational Service offerings with you. We have clinics, seminars, support groups and learning events to help children, youth and caregivers. To access these for free, all you need is your OAP registration

Hands, Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions and Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing are looking to make positive change possible in the lives of children, youth and families.   What? We want children, youth and families to help us improve the systems that provide child and youth mental health services and supports in Nipissing, Muskoka and Parry Sound.   Why? We value accessibility, collaboration and engagement in children, youth and

Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork, with our friends at One Kids Place, is helping the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit distribute a survey about young people accessing the COVID-19 vaccine. This brief survey should take 1 to 2 minutes to complete. It is meant to identify any supports needed to help get the COVID-19 vaccine to our clients between the age of 12-17. You can access the survey at: https://chkmkt.com/OKPHANDSYouthVaccine In the surv

Hands Golf Tournament is back! We are excited to share that Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork’s annual Golf Tournament, hosted in partnership with Life Long Planning Group, is making a triumphant return to the North Bay Golf & Country Club on July 26, 2021. Your participation supports Hands in helping children, youth and families who are facing and working through social, emotional, behavioural, developmental and mental health challenges. Registra

Our Summer Autism Services line-up is here. Our team of experts continue to deliver services to support you and your family throughout the summer months. We are excited to provide the following summer services for children, youth, caregivers and families.   What services are available? Our summer Autism Services, include: Seminars Clinics Family Support Groups “How-To…” Learning Series “How to…” Learning MINI Series   Ongo

Interactive webinars for youth and families Hands is hosting a series of interactive webinars, presented by Dr. Sachiko Nagasawa of Bay Psychology. Radical Acceptance for Tough Times Wednesday, May 26, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm Learn how to survive overwhelming situations. We’ll explore the science behind mindfulness and self-compassion and how to practice radical acceptance during times of uncertainty. CONTACT US TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE:

Hands is hosting a Spring Art Contest Spring has sprung, Mental Health week is arriving May 3-9, and Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is encouraging everyone to enjoy some fun and creativity, as well as a chance to win a $50 gift card, with Hands’ Spring Art Contest. How do I enter the contest? To enter, simply create a picture that represents the Spring season, snap a photo of it, and post it to the Hands Facebook page using the hashtag #HandsSpr

Hands is here for you Hands services are available, our doors are open and we have important protections in place to keep everyone — clients, families, and employees — safe. The health and safety of our clients, families, employees, and communities remains our priority. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hands has been there to offer help for our clients and families.  We are proud to be an essential service and we are here to help during Ont

In May 2021, you will be asked to participate in the Ontario Perception of Care (OPOC) questionnaire. We Value Your Feedback or Your Voice Matters. We appreciate hearing from you about the counselling and therapy services you have received with us. The information you provide will be anonymous, confidential and is part of a province-wide collection designed to help enhance mental health and addiction services. Your name or any personal identifica

(February 10, 2021) Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork is working to encourage healthy family activities for Family Day 2021 with a Family Day Photo Contest, and you can win a $25 gift card. To enter, simply upload a photo of your favorite family activity to the Hands Facebook page and use the hashtag #HandsFamilyPhotos. You’ll also need to answer this skill testing question: 3+3=? All correct entries will be entered into a draw for a $25 gift certific

January 2021: Hands is open with protections in place to continue helping clients and families during Ontario’s state of emergency and the ongoing pandemic. As an essential service, Hands is able to continue helping clients and families during this difficult time. Our services are operating. Our doors are open and we have taken steps to help keep everyone safe. Virtual Service Hands continues to promote virtual service wherever possible. This f

Hands is here to help during the lockdown The Child and Youth Mental Health Crisis Line is always open at 1-844-287-9072. The Intensive Support and Supervision Program continue to provide services over the holidays with pre-booked appointments. Hands’ Live in Treatment Services continue to operate, with no change to the Community Homes operations, and the Treatment Centre offering mainly virtual supports. Immediately following the holidays, a

Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is pleased that the Government of Ontario, Minister of Health, Christine Elliott and Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Michael Tibollo, are recognizing and prioritizing the mental health of children, youth and their families with the commitment of $147 million to address the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the mental health of Ontario’s families. This one-time funding which was req

The Holiday season has arrived, and it is certain to be like no other. The Holidays can be a stressful time for many families, add in a pandemic and a series of measures to help control the spread of the virus, and it’s a potentially difficult mix, especially for families who might already be managing anxiety or mental health issues. To assist, Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork is providing some holiday-based tips for any families who might benefit. �

The holiday season has arrived, and Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork wants to help families celebrate and enjoy the holidays.  For families with children and youth on the Autism spectrum, the holiday season can be a wonderful time and one which can present some specific challenges.  With the COVID-19 pandemic potentially altering many family traditions this year, it could prove more challenging for an individual with Autism. To assist, Hands theFamil

Thank you to the Rotary Club of Nipissing for donating a box of 50 face shields to Hands. We appreciate your generosity and dedication to helping our community.

Virtual Costume Contest at Hands (Northern Ontario) With trick-or-treating and Halloween parties not happening for many families this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork.ca is stepping up to help ensure kids get the chance to celebrate and show off their spooky and/or super-cute costumes with a Virtual Costume Contest. Hosted by Hands Autism Services, the Virtual Costume Contest is open now. To enter, simply submit a pic

An update on services during the pandemic Hands is well prepared to continue to meet the needs of our clients and families. The health and safety of our clients, families and employees remains our priority, informing every decision we make about our services.  Our clients have benefitted from our ability to offer virtual services throughout the pandemic. With the COVID-19 pandemic still very much present, Hands is continuing to prioritize virtua

Hands, theFamilyHelpNetwork welcomes the August 4, 2020,  announcement from the honourable Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, regarding the launch of the first phase of Foundational Services for families in the Ontario Autism Program and is ready to help. “We are proud to be recognized as a leading agency in providing Foundational and Core services to families with children on the Autism spectrum,” said Dr. Kar

Northern Ontario/North Bay — July 9, 2020 — Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca (Hands; the Agency) has continued to successfully help clients and families by providing online and telephone-based services throughout the current pandemic. As Ontario’s economy reopens and Hands plans for a safe return to in-person visits and community work, the Agency will continue to support clients and families with virtual service. This combination of in-person

Northern Ontario/North Bay — Autism services at Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork have excelled at meeting the needs of the children and families they work with during COVID-19 and are excited to announce a new series of online learning opportunities for children, youth, families, caregivers and service providers. “We are pleased to say that all of the families we work with have successfully transitioned to virtual service and we have added new clie

May 27, 2020 – The winning photos in the Family in Harmony photo contest have been selected. Erin Graham-Mitchell earned first place and a $500 gift card at a local business for her photo depicting her family band, taking the Family in Harmony theme to heart Second place, and a $300 gift card at a local business went to Lisa Johnston for her photo of her family enjoying some outside adventure at the lake. Third place, and a $200 gift card at a

On Thursday, May 14, the Ontario government announced that health and community service providers will be permitted to open or expand their services beginning Tuesday, May 19, 2020, provided that the general trend on health indicators continues to improve. This is part of the first stage of the government’s reopening framework.  You can read the announcement here. Hands demonstrated a consistent presence and commitment to client care and o

Mental health is vitally important during the COVID-19 pandemic with widespread feelings of anxiety, fear and isolation. Youth may need to talk more about how they’re feeling and coping with the pandemic and local child and youth mental health providers are making it easier for youth to reach out. Starting on Friday, April 24, youth in Muskoka and across the Parry Sound and Nipissing districts will have access to SafeSpot.ca, a new online webch

North Bay, ON, April 1, 2020 – Hands theFamilyHelpNetwork is Lighting it Up Blue for World Autism Day this Thursday, April 2. This year’s Light It Up Blue celebrations will be a little different, as the need to maintain physical distancing to stem the spread of COVID-19 means the usual festivities are put on hold.  That isn’t stopping Hands from celebrating, however. The agency will be bathing its physical buildings in blue light to sh

North Bay, ON, March 26, 2020 – Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca (Hands) is here to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In response to the current pandemic, the agency has changed the way it serves clients, moving the majority of its services to online and telephone support, and is reassuring families and clients that Hands remains ‘open’. “The safety of our clients, our employees and the public is our top priority and we are happy to r

On December 17, 2019, the honorable Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), presented new information regarding the framework for a new sustainable, needs-based Ontario Autism Program. You can watch the announcement on the Government’s YouTube channel here. Hands is committed to our vision to improve the well-being of families and our communities. Over the past few months, in the lead up to this announcement, Ha

Great Beginnings Volunteers Needed in Muskoka and Parry Sound Great Beginnings is a community based program for pregnant women and parents of young children.  Volunteers are needed to provide support for children’s activities, to assist with cooking and/or grocery shopping, and to provide general program support. We are looking for individuals with: Strong interpersonal skills A non-judgmental approach Cultural sensitivity Professionalism

Youth Survey Seeks Feedback on Mental Health Awareness Talk to us! We want to hear from youth about the best ways to bring awareness to local mental health supports! Answer our 4 question survey now to have your say! Youth Mental Health Survey

Office Closures Please note that the following sites will be closed on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 as we attend our annual all employee gathering: 2 May Street, Parry Sound 37 Main Street, Sundridge 23 Ball’s Drive, Bracebridge 125 Lisgar Street, Sturgeon Falls To reach us, please call Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca at 1-800-668-8555 and a member of our team will be happy to help. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the

Holiday Hours and Closures 2019/2020 During the holidays, Hands’ offices will be closed on the following dates: Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Thursday, December 26, 2019 Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Walk-In Counselling Clinics Hands’ Walk-In Counselling Clinics gives children, youth and families the opportunity to meet with a Child and Family Therapist for a free therapy session, to address a mental health concern. Hands’ weekly Walk-In

Sensitive Santa 2019 Sensitive Santa is a special time to visit with Santa for children with Autism. Bring your child for a ‘sensory friendly’ visit with Santa and enjoy holiday crafts! Families also receive 50% off photo packages. Thank you to our partners: Northgate Shopping Centre and Autism Ontario. Dates: Sunday, November 24, 2019 8:30 am to 10:30 am Sunday, December 1, 2019 8:30 am to 10:30 am Location: Northgate Shopping Cent

Ontario Autism Program Advisory Panel’s Recommendations Welcomed by Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca On Wednesday, October 30, 2019, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) released the Ontario Autism Program Advisory Panel (Advisory Panel) Report, providing recommendations for a sustainable, needs-based Ontario Autism Program. At Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca (Hands) we have always believed strongly in providing services t

Hands’ 2018-2019 Annual Report   View Hands’ 2018-2019 Annual Report

Realizing the Potential: Strengthening the Ontario Mental Health System for Children, Youth and their Families NOTE FROM THE CHILD AND YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH LEAD AGENCY CONSORTIUM PROVINCIAL PRIORITIES STANDING COMMITTEE The Child and Youth Mental Health Lead Agency Consortium is committed to the goal of continually improving child and youth mental health services in Ontario so children and youth and their families receive the right services for th

Sensory Sensitive Halloween Celebrations for Children with Autism Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca (Hands) is hosting free Sensory Sensitive Halloween Celebrations for children and youth with Autism, and their families, across Northeastern Ontario. Sensory Sensitive events provide children with Autism the opportunity to practice trick-or-treating and other activities associated with Halloween in a safe and inclusive environment. “Halloween can be

Halloween Tips for Families with a Child with Autism Halloween can be a fun time for children and their families, but it can also come with some challenging moments. Ensuring an enjoyable Halloween with your child may require some advanced planning. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing ideas and suggestions to help you and your child prepare for this SPOOKY holiday. Also, look for information on Hands’ upcoming Halloween celebrations! Hall

Hands’ Autism Services recognizes the impact of a potential CUPE strike for our clients receiving services in schools. If you have concerns regarding your Behavioural Services, please reach out to your clinical team to discuss options. Call 1.800.668.8555

Please join Hands and our community partners for ‘BREAKFASD’ – Events to support Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness in our communities! Event locations and details: BreakFASD – Parry Sound – September 9, 2019 BreakFASD – Burk’s Falls – September 11, 2019 BreakFASD – Huntsville September 12, 2019 BreakFASD – Bracebridge – September 13, 2019

Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca Announces Appointment of New CEO Cheryl Sutton, Chair of the Board of Directors of Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca, is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrea Roberts to the position of Chief Executive Officer of Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca (Hands; the Agency), effective December 2, 2019. Ms. Roberts’ appointment is a result of an extensive national search initiated earlier this year by the Agency’s Board o

One-of-a-Kind Donation Brings Therapy Room to Life (August 22, 2019) Hands TheFamilyHelpNetwork.ca (Hands) recently received a one-of-a-kind gift of artwork from the Ontario Hooking Craft Guild (OHCG), whose members across Northern and Western Ontario completed a large design of many ‘hands’ in celebration of the Guild’s 50th anniversary. The OHCG chose to create this piece as it symbolizes the many people who contributed to the art, as wel

Little Bookworms: Back-to-School Readiness Clinic (ages 4-6) Only 2 spots left! We understand the stress that comes with summer ending and children preparing for back-to-school. We’re here to help! With only 2 SPOTS LEFT, we’re offering a 4-day end of summer back-to-school clinic to help your child get an early start on their classroom routines. This clinic will include a small group of similar aged peers working on routines such as circle ti