What’s Available for Families
Last updated: April 17, 2024
There are many services available in the Peterborough area for parents and caregivers of young children. See below for a list of these services.
Calling or texting the number 211 or searching the 211 website can also help to provide you with community and social services available in our area.
Find support for:
- Breastfeeding
- Accessing a Primary Health Care Provider
- Child Health and Development
- Parenting Support
- Children & Families Living with Disabilities
- Family Support
- Family Support for Indigenous Families
- Support for Newcomer Families
- Play Groups/Recreation
- Child Care
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding Help
Webpage has an up to date list of resources.
Breastfeeding Clinic (PRHC)
Book an appointment or speak to a Lactation Consultant on the phone 705-876-5059
Prenatal ‘Breastfeeding Basics’ Workshop
A one session class offering expectant parents an opportunity to learn basic information about breastfeeding prior to the birth of their baby. Offered by Peterborough Child and Family Centres (5x/year) 705-748-9144
Breastfeeding & Well Baby Drop-In Clinic
Drop-in or call to speak to a lactation consultant/community health nurse for breastfeeding help or to answer your questions about child health and development. Offered by Peterborough Child and Family Centres (201 Antrim Street, Peterborough). Call to confirm times 705-748-9144
Accessing a Primary Health Care Provider
List of care alternatives in the community for unattached patients available on PRHC website.
Health Care Connect
A place to register for a health care provider if you do not have one 1-800-445-1822
Health 811
Speak to a Registered Nurse. Available 24 hours 811
POP Clinic (Paediatric Outpatient Program, PRHC)
Sees children aged 0-18 years old. Call after 8am Mon-Fri for same-day appointments 705-740-8055
Peterborough Family Health Team
If you are a patient of a provider here, access their support or the support of members of their team 705-740-8020
PFHT Health Clinic
For Peterborough residents who do not have access to a family doctor, including specific appointments for children 0–17 years of age who do not have a family physician. Appointment required. 705-651-4866
Well Baby Clinic
Provides routine check-up care to babies aged 2-18 months who do not have a primary care provider. Appointment required. 705-313-1603
Child Health and Development
Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program
Connect with a Public Health Nurse or a Home Visitor for support during pregnancy or at any time from birth to when your child transitions to school-age 705-743-1003, ext. 282
Nurse-Family Partnership
A free home visiting program where public health nurses visit young, first-time parents during their pregnancy and the first two years of their child’s life. 705-743-1003, ext. 282
Infant and Child Development Program
A free home visiting program for children who are or may become delayed in development or are diagnosed with special needs. 705-743-1003, ext. 282
SmartStart Hub at Five Counties Children’s Centre
Start here! If you have concerns about your child/youth’s development, including speech and language development, to be connected directly to services and supports. Available for Ontario kids/youth up to age 19 (or age 21 if still in school).
Tri-Regional Infant Hearing Program
If your baby did not have a hearing screen when they were born, contact your local clinic to have this done before 2 months of age 1-888-703-5437 (Press 4 for Infant Hearing)
Allergy & Asthma Helpline
A team of Certified Respiratory Educators (CREs) can provide you with expert support and advice about asthma and respiratory allergies 1-866-787-4050
Poison Control Centre
Expert poison advice is available 24 hours a day by the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto 1-800-268-9017
Immunizations
Get information about immunizations, update your child’s immunization record, or book an appointment in our Routine Immunization Clinic 705-743-1000, ext. 331 or www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/immunizations
Parenting Support
Home Visiting Support
Public Health offers support to parents through the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program, the Nurse-Family Partnership Program and the Infant and Child Development Program. 705-743-1000
Indigenous Parent and Caregiver Support
A variety of support programs are available for families, including home visiting and group programs offered by
- Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabe-kwewag Services Circle 705-741-0900
- Hiawatha First Nation 705-295-4421
- Lovesick Lake Native Women’s Association 705-652-8787
Peterborough Child and Family Centres
Offers a variety of programs for families during pregnancy and the early years 705-748-9144
Free eBook: Positive Discipline in Everyday Parenting
An approach to parenting that teaches children and guides their behaviour, while respecting their rights to healthy development. Based in research on children’s healthy development and effective parenting, and founded on child rights principles.
Peterborough Public Library
You can borrow books about positive parenting at our local library in-person or listen to them online. 705-745-5382
Parentinginpeterborough.ca
A helpful list of resources for parents and caregivers of children in the early years, school-age and pre-teen and teenage groups.
Kinark
Provides access to online self-directed Triple P Positive Parenting course. Also offers SNAP (Stop Now and Plan) program to support parents and their children with problem behaviours within the home. 1-888-454-6275
John Howard Society
Caring Dads program. See website for eligibility. 705-933-4358
Elizabeth Fry Society
Connected Caregiving Online program. See website for eligibility. 705-749-6809
Children & Families Living with Disabilities
Children with Special Needs (Ontario.ca)
Get information about support for your child’s special needs related to their physical, intellectual, emotional, social, language or behavioural development 1-800-646-3209
Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (Ontario.ca)
Learn about financial support to help families with the costs of caring for a child with severe disabilities and find out how to apply 1-800-646-3209
Ontario Disability Support Program (Ontario.ca)
Find information about income support, benefits for health costs, and other disability supports 705-742-9292
Kinark Child & Family Services
Support for children and youth with complex needs (Includes autism and mental health support services) 705-742-3803
Ontario Autism Program
Learn about the Ontario Autism Program and support for children with autism. Find out how to register for the program and get information about funding and service options 1-888-444-4530
Autism Ontario
The province’s leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community 1-800-472-7789
Home and Community Care Support Services
Delivers in-home and community-based services to support health and well-being 705-743-2212
Canopy Support Services (Previously Tri-County Support Services)
Local agency serving the varied needs of adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families/caregivers, and the agencies supporting them. Some services include autism services, behavioural consultation services, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder 705-876-9245
Community Living Peterborough
Provides a range of services to people living with a developmental disability and their families 705-743-2411
Infant & Child Development Program
Provides support for families (such as home visits and consultations) for children who are delayed (or who may become delayed) in development or who are diagnosed with special needs such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida 705-743-1000
Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough
Offers support and a variety of programs for families and persons with Down syndrome 705-749-6695
Genetic Counselling (PRHC)
Genetic counselling and evaluation are available for adults and children who have characteristics of a genetic condition 705-876-5185
Easter Seals Ontario
Provides programs and services to create a more inclusive and accessible society where kids with physical disabilities are valued, respected, and given the opportunities they need to succeed (Includes funding for essential accessibility and mobility equipment and two fully accessible summer camps) 705-761-4159
Five Counties Children’s Centre
Offers a range of services and support for children with physical, communication, and developmental needs. Register with the SmartStart Hub to find out which services and supports are available to you 705-748-2337
Canadian Hearing Society
Offers a wide range of services, products, and information for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing 1-866-518-0000
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
Delivers innovative programs and advocates for people impacted by blindness or low vision 705-745-6918
Paediatric Diabetes Education Centre
Cares for children ages 18 years and under living with a diagnosis of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. The clinic operates 3.5 days per week within the Pediatric Outpatient (POP) Clinic located at PRHC 705-740-8055
Family Support
Food/Clothing
Need Food Now? Peterborough Food Calendar
Find where to go for free meals and food banks each day of the month in Peterborough 705-742-7777
Kawartha Food Share (Find a Food Bank)
Works to ensure that all members of the Peterborough County-City community have access to a reliable emergency food source 705-745-5377
Good Neighbours Care Centre
Provides free clothing, food, small kitchen items, and linens 705-742-9800
Salvation Army Community Family Services
Provides a wide variety of emergency needs by trained staff (includes food, medicine, and other household needs) 705-742-4391
St. Vincent de Paul “Vinnies”
Food Pantry and store with discounted items (tax free shopping) 705-874-3937
Showers & Laundry Service (360 Degree Clinic)
705-874-390
Come Cook With Us
Free cooking sessions for anyone interested in sharing new recipes, developing skills, learning about nutrition, and having fun 705-743-1000
Oral Health
Healthy Smiles Ontario
Provides free preventive, routine, and emergency dental services for children and youth 17 years old and under from low-income households 705-743-1000, ext. 265.
Canada Dental Benefit
Helps lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 per year. Parents and guardians may be eligible if they pay for dental care for a child under 12 years old who does not have access to a private dental insurance plan.
Community Dental Health Clinic
Peterborough Public Health offers dental hygiene and treatment services. Call to ask about eligibility 705-743-1000, ext. 265.
Mental Health
9-8-8
Is for anyone who is thinking about suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. Connect to a responder to get help without judgement. Call or text 9-8-8 toll-free, anytime for support in English or French.
Local Mental Health Supports
Webpage with resources for Children, Youth and Young Adults.
Talk Now (PRHC)
Call to be connected with a mental health and/or addictions professional 705-876-5826
Community Counselling & Resource Centre
Meet with professional counsellors to help explore your issue and develop a solution 705-743-2272
Perinatal Mental Health
Not What I Expected (In-Person Postpartum Support Group)
Talk about your experiences with challenges in the postpartum period, discuss coping strategies, and meet other Moms. Organized by Peterborough Child and Family Centres 705-740-8020, ext. 315
Online Postpartum Support Group
For individuals who are experiencing symptoms of postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, and/or or would like support with coping with a newborn. This group meets virtually using Microsoft Teams 416-756-6000
Mother Matters
An 8-week online support group run by the Mental Health Program at Women’s College Hospital for women with mood/adjustment challenges following the birth of their baby. Takes place on a confidential discussion board mothermatters@wchospital.ca
Lynx Early Psychosis Intervention Program
An early psychosis intervention program that helps people who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis get their lives back on track and stay well. Serves people between the ages of 14-35. 705-876-5071
Addictions Services
Fourcast
Provides help for people struggling with drugs, alcohol, and/or gambling. 705-876-1292
Smoker’s Helpline
Has proven, free and personalized tools to help you quit successfully. 1-877-513-5333
STOP on the Net
An online program to help you quit smoking cigarettes.
Sexual Health
Sexual Health Clinic
Offers pregnancy testing and birth control, emergency contraception (plan B or morning after pill), testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and help with decisions about sex. Located at Peterborough Public Health. 705-748-2021
Women’s Healthcare Centre (PRHC)
Offers information, support, counselling and treatment to help women prevent health problems and understand their choices when problems occur. 705-743-4132
Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
Offers crisis support, advocacy and accompaniment, individual counselling, group counselling, workshops, and prevention education for those affected by sexual violence and harm (Available 24 hours). 705-741-0260
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
Free, anonymous, and confidential telephone line for all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse. Provides crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information, and referrals (Available 24 hours). #SAFE (#7233) or 1-866-863-0511
Peterborough AIDS Resource Network (PARN)
Provides support and health promotion for people living with or affected by HIV and/or AIDS. 705-749-9110
Intimate Partner Violence
Peterborough Domestic Abuse Network
Dealing with intimate partner/domestic violence is difficult, and it can be complicated. Our network is here to help survivors move through whatever they are dealing with and work toward a better tomorrow. www.ccrc-ptbo.com/pdan/help-available/
YWCA START
Support Team for Abuse Response Today. START is a service hub, available for drop-ins on Mondays, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm, for women who have concerns about the safety of their relationship or who would like to find ways to move forward in their lives. 1-800-461-7656
Housing Assistance/Shelters
City of Peterborough
Housing and Shelter offers up-to-date information and contact information for emergency shelters, affordable housing, and homeowner help.
YWCA Crossroads Shelter
Provides 24 hour emergency shelter, meals and support for women, with and without children, experiencing abuse of any kind (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, stalking, etc.). Call 1-800-461-7656 or Text 705-991-0110
YES Shelter for Youth and Families
705-748-3851
Brock Mission/Cameron House
Men and Women’s Shelter 705-748-4766
Trinity Community Centre
Located at 360 Reid St. Peterborough operates programs for people experiencing homelessness. 705-991-5166
Housing Resource Centre
Provides housing support to anyone who is homeless or at risk of losing their housing. Also provides a set of Vacancy Listings from publicly available sources each week. 705-743-2272
Housing Access Peterborough
Help with finding affordable housing options in the City and County of Peterborough. 705-748-8830
Legal Services
Family Law Information Centres (Ontario.ca)
Learn about the services and resources offered at Family Law Information Centres and find one near you.705-876-6915
Peterborough Community Legal Centre
Free legal services for low income residents of Peterborough City and County 705-749-9355
Legal Aid Ontario
Apply for financial support to help with legal costs. 1-800-668-8258
Four Counties Family Court Mediation
A cooperative alternative to find solutions to family disputes. 705-760-9603
Government and Income Support Services
Ontario Works
Find information about financial assistance, benefits, and employment assistance. 1-888-789-4199
Ontario Disability Support Program
Find information about income support, benefits for health costs, and other disability supports. 705-742-9292
Benefits Finder
Online tool that can help you find benefits and services that you may be eligible to receive.
Free Tax Clinics
Find a free tax clinic where volunteers file tax returns for people with a modest income and a simple tax situation.
Service Ontario
Get your driver’s licence, licence plate, plate stickers, health cards, birth certificates, register a birth and more. 1-800-267-8097
Education Services
School for Young Moms at PACE at PCVS
Young students who are pregnant or have an infant under 18 months can access specialty parenting programs and supports, a nurturing and safe onsite licensed childcare, a daily breakfast and lunch and more all while working towards their high school completion. 705-742-4632
Learning, Earning, and Parenting Program
Available for single parents or couples under the age of 25 with children. 705-748-8830
Trent Valley Literacy Association
Offers one-to-one tutoring and small group learning to support adults to develop their reading, writing, and computer literacy skills for employment, education, apprenticeship, and independence. 705-749-0777
Children Support Services
Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society
Provides child protection services and family support programs. 705-743-9751
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Works to provide life changing mentoring experiences for children and youth. 705-743-6100
Service Coordination for Children & Youth
Provides leadership and support to local services to develop integrated service plans for children and youth, along with their families and caregivers, with needs that challenge the ability of the community to address. 705-748-9770
Peterborough Youth Services
Provides clinical counselling to youth between the ages of 10-18 as well as services for youth that are in conflict with the law. Click on ‘Peterborough Resource Guide’ for an up to date list of local resources. 705-743-1681
Family Support for Indigenous Families
Curve Lake Health and Family Services
A community health centre for individuals and families of Curve Lake First Nation. 705-657-2557
Hiawatha First Nation Health & Social Services
The L.I.F.E. (Lasting Individual Family Enrichment) Services Centre is home to health and social programs for Hiawatha First Nation. 705-295-4421
Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services
A multi-service Indigenous child well-being agency providing a stable foundation for children, youth, and families through wraparound services that are culturally-based and family-focused. 705-295-7135
Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle
Delivers counselling and healing services for Indigenous/ Aboriginal/ First Nations/ Metis/ Inuit women and their familie.s 705-741-0900
Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre
Provides a place of acceptance and well-being for urban Indigenous people through a wide range of community-based programs and services. 705-775-0387
Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services
Has a mandate to provide safe and affordable housing to urban and rural First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people living off-Reserve in Ontario. 1-844-391-1061
Support for Newcomer Families
New Canadian Centre
Provides free and confidential services to immigrants and refugees living in the Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton or Northumberland regions 705-743-0882
Growing Up in a New Land: A Guide for Newcomer Parents
PDF resource that provides information for newcomer parents with children under 6 years old.
Settlement.org
information and resources for newcomer families
New Youth
online support and information for youth who are refugees and newcomers.
Play Groups/Recreation
Peterborough Child and Family Centres
An EarlyON child and family centre with a variety of programs for families during pregnancy and the early years. 705-748-9144
The Old Millbrook School EarlyON Child and Family Centre
An EarlyON child and family centre with a variety of programs for families during pregnancy and the early years. 705-932-7088
Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre
Offers programs and activities for individuals and families to stay fit and have fun. 705-742-0050
YMCA
Offers programs and activities for individuals and families to stay fit and have fun. 705-748-9622
Recreation Department, City of Peterborough
Explore and register for recreation programs in Peterborough. Discounts are available based on income level. 705-742-7777
Child Care
Apply for Child Care (OneHSN)
Learn about licensed child care fees and add your child’s name to Peterborough’s centralized waitlist. 705-748-8830