RESOURCES FOR Parents and CAREGIVERS

Support for caregivers, blogs, resources, 24 hour help line (free and you don’t need to give your name, even. Just get support!)

Online support group:

https://ontariocaregiver.ca/for-caregivers/peer-support-for-caregivers/online-caregiver-support-group/

Peer support (speak with someone who has been there):

https://ontariocaregiver.ca/peersupport/about/

OPACC helps families through free programs and support services including in-hospital and virtual peer support, financial support, and community support.

Access online or:

https://www.opacc.org/parentliaison

Providing free, peer-to-peer, psychosocial,in-hospital and virtual support to Ontario childhood cancer families

Our primary focus in helping families is through our Parent Liaison program - the only one of its kind in Ontario - which is currently operating at The Hospital for Sick Children ("SickKids") in Toronto and at Credit Valley Hospital (CVH) in Mississauga. Parent Liaisons are professionals and parents who have already undertaken a childhood cancer journey and understand the impact a diagnosis has on the entire family. They help parents from a non-medical point of view and can help direct them through the myriad of services and opportunities that exist for families both in and out of the hospital. This program is offered at no cost to families!

Our Parent Liaisons meet with parents and families at Sick Kids and CVH and help to address fears or concerns that they may have. They are available for informal chats and visits wherever families might be in the hospital. Program services offered include: 

• Information on hospital services, community-based parent support groups, events and resources from other organizations, and more!

• Weekly drop-ins where parents have an opportunity to get support materials and sit and chat with other parents in a comfortable setting

• One-on-one support through private visits and chats wherever parents may be in the hospital

• Peer connections with other parents of children with cancer

• Hospital parking pass reimbursement and distribution of gift cards and SickKids hospital meal vouchersto newly diagnosed families for necessities such as gas, groceries, and in-hospital dining.

• Distribution of free items such as health record binders, tote bags, detergent pods for doing laundry at the hospital, toiletries and personal care items, educational books and resources, therapeutic toys, special treats, and more (item availability varies weekly)!