University of Toronto Family Care Office

Groups & Lunch Series

Learning Disabilities Parent Support Group

Dates: Thursdays, April 19
Time: 12:00 to 2:00 pm (you are welcome to attend all or part of the meeting)
Location: 214 College Street, Room 313

This open and non-facilitated support group is for parents of children with learning disabilities including dyslexia, ADHD and Asperger Syndrome and autism. Parents will meet once a month to discuss issues such as parenting, schools and options, navigating the system and where to find resources. Occasional guest speakers may also attend.

All University of Toronto students, staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows are welcome to attend.

Lunchtime Series For Students with Family Responsibilities

Date: TBA
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 pm
Location: Grad Room, 66 Harbord St.

This lunchtime series consists of brief interactive sessions customized for students and postdoctoral fellows with family responsibilities. Participants will have an opportunity to learn, share, and find support by exchanging ideas and stories in a supportive and inclusive environment.

A vegetarian lunch is provided, so please let us know any food allergies or accessibility concerns!

Please register early, space is limited. University of Toronto students and postdoctoral fellows with family responsibilities are welcome to attend individual sessions or the series.

Brown Bag Lunch Series for Dads

Date: TBA
Time: 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Location: 15 King's College Circle, Room 183, Croft Chapter House

Nobody gives you training to be a father and kids certainly don't come with a user's guide or an owner's manual. Meet other fathers at U of T to discuss parenting issues, find support, share experiences and ideas.

Expectant & New Moms' Group

Dates: TBA
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 pm
Location: CIE, 33 St. George St., Cumberland Room (last session at 214 College, Rm 313)

Are you pregnant or have recently given birth? Do you feel like there are many things you would like to learn about your body, your baby, and what comes next? Learn more about pregnancy and life with a new baby with guest speakers, other moms-to-be and new moms. Ask questions, relax and chat about what is important for you now.

Come to:

Gain insight into various aspects of pregnancy including nutrition, emotional and physical changes, labour and delivery, and post-partum issues such as feeding your baby and taking care of yourself.
Find support and access resources.
Meet guest speakers, exchange ideas and experiences with other women regarding various aspects of pregnancy and life with baby.

Pregnant & postnatal students, staff, faculty, postdoctoral fellows and their babies are welcome to attend, partners/spouses at our discretion. Registration desired, but drop-ins are welcome too. Winter sessions of the Expectant and New Moms' Group are a collaborative initiative of the Family Care Office and the City of Toronto Dept. of Public Health.

Please note that some of the sessions are subjected to change or cancellation in event of a strike at the City of Toronto.

UTM Parenting Discussion Group

Date: TBA
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Location: South Building, Room 3131,Mississauga Campus

Share, learn, and discuss parenting strategies in a supportive and inclusive environment.

This parenting group, open to students, faculty and staff offers an inclusive environment where discussions surrounding parenting issues, support care, and experiences and strategies will be facilitated once a month. Parents are invited to participate as much or as little as they wish. Participants will gain new parenting tips and insights; find support by offering their own experiences as a guide for others; and exchange ideas and stories regarding all aspects of parenting.

Bullying Prevention and Intervention - March 21

Find out how you and your child can help in the prevention and intervention of bullying. Together we CAN make a Difference! Find out: What is bullying and what are the different types of bullying The importance of breaking the silence Empowering children to make a difference The importance of parental involvement in the school community Roles and responsibilities of staff, students and parents.

Facilitator: Peel District School Board

Separation & Divorce Support Group – (CLOSED)

Dates: TBA
Time: 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Location: 214 College St., Lobster Room in Room 307

An educational group series designed to help people deal positively with separation and divorce. Topics are driven by the need of its participants. They might include:

Grief and letting go (being realistic of self and others)
Coping with kids and co-parenting
Anger and resentment
Resources for surviving the separation
Resources for moving on
Strengthening support systems (loneliness)
Exploring what is ahead

Facilitator: Stewart Smith, M.S.W. is a counsellor with Family Services Employee Assistance Programs (FSEAP). He works with individuals but has a specialty in running groups.

Please register early, space is limited! All University of Toronto students, staff, faculty and postdoctoral fellows are welcome.

Parents' Group at U of T Student Family Housing (for residents only)

Date: Every Thursday
Location: Drop-in Centre, 30 Charles St., 3rd Floor
Time: 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.

A self-directed group for pregnant and new moms who live at the UofT Student Family Housing. Participants have an opportunity to meet other women with similar experiences and who they can relate with. Group members develop a support network within the Student Family Housing buildings, learn about resources on pregnancy and how to care for a baby. Children are welcome!

Other Groups

Students with Ailing Families (S.A.F.)

Contact: saf@utoronto.ca

Students with Ailing Families (S.A.F.) is a student-led group created to support students coping with ailing family members or close loved ones. The S.A.F. hosts peer-led, ongoing, open-group meetings to share common experiences in coping and grief. It also offers informal advice from the student's perspective, on dealings with the University and academic life. This group is not a professional health service and does not provide professional counselling or psychological services. This group is open to all students who wish to attend and will also provide information about health offices on campus and in the community.

Single Parents Group

Dates: Wednesdays, March 28
Time: 12:00 to 2:00 pm
Location: Woodsworth College Staff Lounge (it back on to the Second Cup), 119 St. George St.
Contact: j.straker@utoronto.ca

The Woodsworth College Single Parent group meets every other Wednesday for lunch throughout the winter and summer sessions. The group's aim is to assist single parents in gaining the skills to balance the challenges at school and at home. There are special workshops, information about the university, financial management, sharing of experiences and mutual support.

Lunch provided.

Mature Students Association

Contact: MatSA@MatSA.ca

The Mature Students Association understands the unique experience of being a mature student at the University of Toronto. Their goal is to provide social and academic support to all mature students and to address issues that are relevant to mature students at U of T.