We are a non-profit family peer support organization for parents whose children to age 25 are facing mental health challenges. We are parents who have supported our own children with these challenges – we’ve been there, we get it, and we can help.
We provide Family Peer Support for parents through our:
Parents’ Helpline for support and guidance navigating the mental health system, finding resources in your community, and for when you just need someone to talk to.
Parent Support Groups for parents to share information and learn from one another, and come together as a community.
Mobile One-on-One Support for more intensive support and guidance through particularly challenging times, in-person and in your community.
How we can help
- Understanding your child’s concerning symptoms or diagnosis
- Finding resources and support for your child and family
- Navigating services for your child at home, in the community, and at school
- Providing support and strategies for coping with life’s stressors
- Sharing skills to effectively advocate for your child and family’s needs
- Providing non-judgemental, understanding support for you as a parent
Call now to speak with a Family Peer Supporter
613.321.3211
855.775.7005
Parents who have used our services report being better able to access the services they need, better able to support their child, and better able to cope with the challenges they face. They also report feeling less anxious, stressed, and isolated.
As a mental health professional working with children, youth and families, I am grateful for Pleo and the support it provides children/youth and their families. As a parent-led organization, it fills the gap that professional mental health services do not provide. If Pleo did not exist I simply don’t know what I would recommend in its place.
All of Pleo’s services are free to join and funded by our funders, donors and sponsors
To see this month’s calendar of events, please click View Calendar
PLEO Events
If you would like to join and/or participate in any of our free events listed below, please follow the links or contact us if you have any further questions.
Virtual Support Group for Parents & Caregivers of children (ages 13-25) facing mental health or addiction challenges
This free weekly drop-in virtual parent support group, Drop-In Virtual Parent Support Group 13-25, is for parents and caregivers of youths, teens, and young adults ages 13-25 facing mental health or addiction challenges. It’s held every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 8pm on Zoom and hosted and facilitated by Pleo Family Peer Supporters. On the fourth Wednesday of the month, this support group is bilingual. Find support, learn from other parents’ experiences, share information and resources, and build your sense of community in a safe, confidential space.
Pleo offers a free virtual parent support group for parents of children ages 0-12 facing mental health or addiction challenges, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. For more information and to join, click here.
The Art of Support: Pleo’s Gala for Mental Health on October 10, 6-9pm at Ottawa Art Gallery
On Thursday, October 10, you’re invited to join us for an inspiring and artistic World Mental Health Day event. Proceeds from this very special fundraiser for Pleo will help families with children facing mental health challenges find hope and support. Pleo has partnered with the Ottawa Art Gallery’s Creative Space program for this special event, and have invited participants to submit pieces to Art of Support. All artists will receive a generous portion of the funds raised through the sales of their artwork.
This evening will also feature:
-Live Music performed by Maeven Climie, accompanied by Event Emcee Jock Climie
-Interactive painting by artist Allan André, and bid on the finished piece and other specially curated pieces in the silent auction
-The unique opportunity to purchase featured art from OAG’s Creative Space Art and Wellness Program, and support the artists themselves
-Enjoy an exceptional multi-chef cocktail party experience
Discover how caring support can change the lives of families touched by mental health challenges. Join the dialogue about mental wellness on October 10th and be inspired by stories of resilience.
Follow us @pleo4families
Enjoy an inspiring and uplifting evening of art, community, live music and cocktail style food and beverages, while making a contribution that helps foster strong, resilient families in our communities. Buy tickets and donate today at supportpleo.ca! #ArtofSupport
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Participez à une soirée inspirante et enrichissante, où se mêlent art, communauté, musique en direct et savoureux cocktails et mets gastronomiques. En participant, vous aidez à bâtir des familles fortes et résilientes au sein de nos communautés. Achetez vos billets et faites un don dès maintenant sur supportpleo.ca ! #L'ArtduSoutien
#ArtofSupport is just 3 days away!
Help make an impact for families of children facing mental health challenges. Buy tickets and donate today at supportpleo.ca. Thank you for your support.
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#L'ArtduSoutien arrive dans 3 jours !
Aidez à transformer la vie des familles d'enfants confrontés à des défis en santé mentale. Achetez des billets et faites un don aujourd'hui sur supportpleo.ca. Merci pour votre soutien.
This #NationalFamilyWeek and every day, Pleo celebrates #families.
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En cette #semainenationaledelafamille et chaque jour, Pleo célèbre les #Familles.
Please note: this inbox is not monitored 24/7. If you are in distress or crisis, please call: Youth and Family Crisis Line under 16 yrs (Ottawa area: 613 260 2360, Outside Ottawa: 1 877 377 7775). If you are over 16 yrs (Ottawa: 613 722 6914, Outside Ottawa: 1 866 996 0991). If you are in need of support, or just someone to talk to, call our free Parents’ Helpline open Mon-Fri 9 am-7pm EST to talk with a Family Peer Supporter, by calling us toll free at 1.855.755.7005 or local at 613.321.3211. Questions submitted by parents may be used in our Dear Pleo newsletter and all submissions are confidential and anonymous.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from Pleo, free upcoming events, parent resources and Pleo fundraising initiatives. Occasionally, we will send appeals for donations, testimonials and surveys, to help us serve you better. We are committed to protecting your personal information and privacy, and we will not use, share, or disclose your email for any other purposes. By clicking “Subscribe,” I am giving permission for Pleo to contact me by email. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time.
Where to find Pleo in your community
We are here to help, in communities across Eastern Ontario. Click the link below to find your local Pleo Parent Support Group, or to find a Pleo Family Peer Supporter available at your community mental health agency.