Helping parents of children facing mental health challenges find their way forward. Find support near you 🤝
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.
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
Journaling as a Wellness Tool Virtual Group
Discover journaling as a tool for wellness and express yourself through journaling, in this fun and interactive group! No writing experience is needed. For parents and caregivers of children, youth, and young adults (ages 0-25) facing mental health or addiction challenges.Â
 Date: June 26th – August 21, 2025
 Time: 6:00PM – 7:30PM EST
 Register Now
Topics for Discussion: Make Connections, Emotional Vocabulary, Letter Writing and Lists, Gratitude and Intentions, Self-Esteem Journaling, Creative Journaling and Evaluation.Â
Pleo’s 2nd Annual Art of Support Gala at Ottawa Art Gallery, on Thursday October 9th from 6pm-9pm
On October 9th, we invite you to join us for an inspiring and artistic evening— where art, creativity, and community come together, to make a powerful impact.
Proceeds from this special gala fundraiser event, hosted by Pleo, will directly support our frontline family peer support services, helping provide parents and caregivers in our community with the hope, support and guidance they need, as they navigate mental health and addiction challenges for their children, youth, and young adults.
Early Bird tickets available now until July 7th! Grab your early bird tickets by July 7th and save $15 each off the regular ticket price—don’t miss your chance to secure your spot and save.
This year’s event is especially meaningful, as this year marks Pleo’s 25th anniversary. Let’s come together in celebrating 25 years of empowering families, and continue making a lasting impact in the lives of families.
Spread the word, bring family and friends, and be part of an unforgettable night, that changes lives.
All of Pleo’s services are free to join and funded by our funders, donors and sponsors.
Please note – In addition to our on-site mobile one-on-one support, we have bilingual Family Peer Supporters available by virtual appointment at:
Embrun – Valoris for Children and Adults of Prescott-Russell (8 Valoris Street, Embrun)
Rockland – Valoris for Children and Adults of Prescott-Russell (860 Caron Street, Unit #1, Rockland)
Cornwall and SDG Youth Wellness Hub (212 Pitt Street, Cornwall)
Rockland and PR Youth Wellness Hub (1517 Laurier Street, Rockland)
If you are interested in booking a virtual appointment at any of the above, please contact Chantal, Team Lead of Support Groups, at chantal@pleo.on.ca
Follow us @pleo4families
Did You Know?
Pleo offers free downloadable information brochures, available right on our website.
They’re written and developed by our team of Family Peer Supporters — parents who have supported their own children, youth, and young adults through mental health or addiction challenges. With lived experience and deep compassion, they’ve created these resources to provide practical guidance and meaningful support.
In collaboration with health, education, and social service providers, we’ve ensured that these brochures are comprehensive and tailored to the unique needs of families.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for additional resources, these brochures are here to help you feel more informed, empowered, and less alone.
Explore our brochures here: pleo.on.ca/information-brochures
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Le saviez-vous ?
Pleo offre des brochures d’information gratuites à télécharger, disponibles directement sur notre site web.
Elles sont rédigées et conçues par notre équipe d’Aidants et d’Aidantes par les pairs — des parents ayant accompagné leurs propres enfants, adolescents et adolescentes, ainsi que jeunes adultes, confrontés à des défis en santé mentale ou en dépendances. Forts et fortes de leur expérience vécue et d’une grande compassion, ils et elles ont créé ces ressources pour offrir des conseils pratiques et un soutien significatif.
Nous avons travaillé avec des experts en santé, éducation et services sociaux pour que ces brochures soient complètes et répondent bien aux besoins des familles.
Que vous commenciez tout juste votre parcours ou que vous cherchiez des ressources supplémentaires, ces brochures sont là pour vous aider à mieux comprendre, à gagner en confiance et à ne pas vous sentir seul(e).
DĂ©couvrez nos brochures ici : pleo.on.ca/fr/brochures-information
Our peer support is rooted in lived experience — offering parents and caregivers compassionate support, understanding, and guidance from someone who’s walked a similar path. We’ve been there, we get it, and we can help.
To the parent who shared this – thank you. Your journey helps remind others that they are not alone, and that they don’t have to navigate their journey alone. 💛
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Notre soutien par les pairs s’appuie sur l’expérience vécue — nous offrons aux parents ainsi qu’aux aidants et aidantes un soutien chaleureux, de la compréhension et des conseils de quelqu’un qui a vécu la même chose. Ils et elles savent ce que c’est, et sont là pour aider.
Merci à la personne qui a partagé son témoignage. Son histoire montre aux autres qu’ils et elles ne sont pas seuls et qu’ils et elles peuvent être accompagnés. 💛
You’re not alone in your questions.
As parents who’ve supported our own children, youth, and young adults through mental health and addiction challenges, we know how overwhelming it can be — and how difficult it can be to find clear, compassionate answers.
Many of the families we support ask the same questions we've asked ourselves. That’s why we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), answered by our Family Peer Supporters — who bring lived experience and deep compassion and understanding to every response.
Explore the FAQ here: pleo.on.ca/faq
Wherever you are in your journey, we hope this resource helps you feel more supported, more informed, and less alone.
#PeerSupport #FamilySupport
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Vous n’êtes pas seul(e) face à vos questions.
En tant que parents ayant accompagné nos propres enfants, adolescents et jeunes adultes à travers des défis de santé mentale et de dépendance, nous savons combien cela peut être éprouvant — et combien il est difficile de trouver des réponses claires, compatissantes et compréhensives.
De nombreuses familles que nous soutenons se posent les mêmes questions que nous nous sommes posées. C’est pourquoi nous avons compilé une liste de questions fréquemment posées (FAQ), auxquelles répondent nos aidants et aidantes par les pairs familiaux — qui apportent leur expérience vécue ainsi qu’une grande compassion et compréhension à chaque réponse.
DĂ©couvrez la FAQ ici : pleo.on.ca/fr/faq
Où que vous en soyez dans votre parcours, nous espérons que cette ressource vous aidera à vous sentir plus soutenu(e), mieux informé(e) et moins seul(e).
#SoutienParLesPairs #SoutienFamilial
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.
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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.