Please note that JDRF Canada is not currently delivering mental health programming or direct support, but the goal of our Mental Health Strategy is to create such resources in the coming years. In the meantime, please see options for support below.

Thank you, JDRF Canada.

For ways to connect with others living with T1D, please take a look at JDRF and external programs below:

JDRF Canada’s Talk T1D Program – Peer Support for Adults Living with T1D and Parents (Adults)
One on one support for people 18+ who are impacted by T1D from trained volunteers who have been there.

JDRF Canada Ambassador program (Youth)
If you are between the ages of 4 and 18 and want to share your type 1 diabetes (T1D) story, we’d love to have you join our program. Learn new skills, share your story, participate in events and advocacy programs – and most importantly – make new friends.

JDRF Connection Series (Adult) 
Each month we host a virtual meetup for both adults living with T1D and parents living with or affected by T1D to form new connections and engage in conversations across province lines. Grow relationships with your peers who may share similar life experiences or treatment types, and understand the ever-changing demands of living with or being affected by type 1 diabetes.

JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Facebook Support Group (All ages)
The JDRF Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) support group is a moderated group that provides a safe space for the T1D community to connect with others affected by the disease. We have trained JDRF T1D Peer Support Volunteers who are here to moderate and to answer non-medical questions as needed. We know that peer support is important throughout many life changes – from diagnosis, starting university, starting your first full time job to planning for a family.

JDRF Funded Mental Health Research Participant Recruitment (All ages)
Opportunities to participate in mental health and T1D research studies as a participant will be posted.

T1D Huddle (All ages) 
English only. The T1D Huddle is a virtual peer support group for adults run by JDRF-funded researcher Dr. Tricia Tang.  T1D Huddle NextGen is also being developed for children aged 5-18 and their parents.

VPN – T1D (Virtual Patient Network) (Children, Teens and Young Adults)
VPN is a patient network for Canadians with Type 1 Diabetes age 14 – 24. This private Facebook group contains tools, information, videos, shared experiences of those with T1D and much more.

I Challenge Diabetes (All ages)
English only. Their mission is to connect, empower and support people living with diabetes through mentorship and challenging programs.

Connected in Motion (All ages) 
English only. Virtual and in person slipstreams which includes activities, camps, and educational events.

Diabetes Canada (Children and Youth)
English only. D-Camps, including summer camps, family camps and leadership programs, allow children to enjoy an authentic camp experience while having all their diabetes needs met by a team of skilled medical professionals.

Diabetes Hope Foundation (Youth)
English only. DHF specializes in developing unique and innovative programming for hard-to-reach teens and young adults living with diabetes. Mentorship and scholarship programs available.

For non-diabetes specific FREE mental health supports and resources Canada wide, please check out the following. All services are available in both English and French unless otherwise specified:

1. Bounce Back – BounceBack® is a free program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) that helps build skills to improve mental health. Different provinces or territories may have different programs available for specific age groups.
2. Wellness Together Canada – Free tools and resources on mental health and substance use for youth and adults. For immediate crisis support adults can text WELLNESS to 741741, youth can text WELLNESS to 686868
3. Canadian Mental Health Association – Find your local branch.   
4. National Eating Disorder Information Centre – English only. Provides information, resources, referrals and support to Canadians affected by eating disorders through the toll-free helpline (1-866-633-4220) and instant chat.
5. togetherall – A peer-to-peer platform that is a safe place to connect with others experiencing similar feelings, plus there are trained professionals on hand, 24/7. For post-secondary students across Canada through your institution, and in some regions 
6. Bridge the gapp – For adults and youth. A new way to connect with guidance and supports for mental health and addictions. From any device, you can instantly access content that can provide advice, inspiration, assurance, or direction for finding additional supports when you need it the most.
7. Well Central – A self-directed, web-based online channel with interactive courses that empower individuals to take control of their recovery and well-being.
8. e-MentalHealth.ca – Canada wide database to find mental health resources and tools.
9. Strongest Families Institute – Mental Health programs available for children/youth, adults, and their families. Referral may be needed by an agency in your community. NU and YT not serviced.
   Includes ICAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness) Program provides adults (18+ years) with life-skills to overcome anxiety, help with depression and how to cope with major life stressors). Self-referral available in PEI, MB, NL, NT, Northern SK and Military/Veteran here.
10. Suicide.ca – Thinking about suicide? Worried about someone? Grieving? Speak with a counsellor right away by text, chat, or phone.
11. 211 –This free and confidential helpline and website puts you in touch with community supports in your province.
12. 811 – Call this number to be connected to free and confidential health and mental health information and services in your province.

Free Provincial Specific Mental Health Resources, Programs and Counselling