Resources

If this is an emergency, call 911 or your emergency service for immediate assistance.

RAMQ: Québec’s Health Care Plan
Elder Abuse
Children
Daycare Services

Finding Childcare

  • Interligne - 24/7 Free helpline. Phone, text, chat for LGBTQ+ people seeking support and information. Call or text: 1-888-505-1010
  • LGBT YouthLine - Confidential and non-judgemental peer support through phone, text and chat. Call: 1-800-268-9688. Chat: 647-694-4275
  • Aide aux Trans du Québec (ATQ) - 24/7 Free helpline for trans individuals. Call: 1-855-909-9038 Option #1
  • Trans Lifeline - Trans peer support hotline. Family and friends hotline. Call: 877-330-6366

Please note that some of the websites below are French only, but services are bilingual.

International Women’s Day

Every year, Connexions joins the global chorus on International Women’s Day as we celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women! We can all help forge a gender equal world by celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias & taking action for equality. Let’s do our bit to ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe and rewarding by focusing our attention on areas requiring further action.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Every year, from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), Canadians observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. It is an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence.

Crisis & Non-Crisis Support Services
Info-Santé

A free service available 24/7 to answer any questions regarding your physical health or that of a family member. You will be connected to a nurse who will give you advice and who can direct you to the proper service. Dial 811 , Option #1

Info-Social

A free service available 24/7. You will be connected to a social worker who will evaluate the situation and direct you to the appropriate psychosocial service. Dial 811, Option #2

S.O.S. Conjugal Violence

1-800-363-9010

Abused Women’s Helpline (L’Entourelle)

819-683-2709
lentourelle@bellnet.ca

Conseil du Statut de la Femme

819-772-3022

Crime Victims Assistance Centre

Centre d’aide aux victimes d’actes criminels (CAVAC)
819-778-3555 or toll-free 1-800-331-2311
info@cavacoutaouais.ca.

Autre Chez-Soi

Gatineau (Aylmer), QC
819-685-0006

Haltes-Femmes Hautes-Gatineau

Maniwaki, QC
819-449-8520

L’Entour Elle

Fort-Coulonge, QC
819-683-2709

Maison d’Hébergement pour Elles des Deux Vallées

Gatineau (Buckingham), QC
819-683-2709

Maison Libère-Elles

Chelsea, QC
819-827-4044
admin@maisonlibere-elles.ca.

Maison Unies-Vers-Femmes

Gatineau, QC
819-568-4710

Le Centre Mechtilde

Gatineau (Hull), QC
819-777-2952

These groups offer a wide range of activities and may also offer some counselling.
Centre Actu-Elle

Gatineau (Buckingham), QC
819-986-9713

CALAS (24hrs) Sexual Abuse

Gatineau (Hull), QC
819-771-1773 or 819-771-6233
calas@naf.ca.

Clinique des Femmes de l’Outaouais

(Family planning and pregnancy counselling)
Gatineau (Hull), QC
819-778-2055

Espoir Rosalie (for young pregnant mothers)

Gatineau, QC
819-243-7663

Groupe Entre-Femmes de l’Outaouais

Gatineau (Hull)
819-776-3694

La Lèche (for breastfeeding mothers)
Table de Concertation sur la Faim et le Développement Social de l’Outaouais (Find a List of Collective Kitchens in the Outaouais)
Accompagnement des Femmes immigrantes de l’Outaouais (AFIO)

109, rue Wright, unité 9, Gatineau, Qc, J8X 2G7
819-776-6764
info@afio.ca.

Acceuil Parrainage Outaouais (APO)

124, rue Jeanne d’Arc, Gatineau, Qc, J8Y 2H7
819-777-2960
direction@apo-qc.org.

Financial Supports for People with Special Needs

Provincial Government

Federal Government

Daycare Services for Children with Disabilities

Supporting Mental Health in Black Communities

Black Canadians are less likely to use Mental Health resources than White Canadians. In a 2018 survey, nearly 99% of Black Canadians reporting significant psychological distress did not seek mental health services.

The barriers Black Canadians face include:

  • Systemic inequity;
  • Lack of representation;
  • Need for more mental health awareness;
  • Myths & misconceptions;
  • Stigma.

Creating spaces where Black communities can speak openly can help normalize reaching out for help.

Strong support systems & a sense of belonging help protect mental health.

Community education, mobilization and awareness are essential to better outcomes.

How to be an Ally

Racism and discrimination contributes to poor mental health outcomes for Black communities. Learning how to be an anti-racist ally can help build more inclusive & supportive communities. Here are some ways to start:

  • Stand up and speak up against racism (even when it makes you feel uncomfortable). 
  • Accept that you will make mistakes, and when you do, apologize and de-center yourself.
  • Commit to educating yourself to better understand the realities of the Black community. 

Resources, Helplines, Counselling Services

613-819 Black Hub

Regularly brings people of African descent in Ottawa-Gatineau together to coordinate volunteer-led efforts to address anti-Black racism.

African Canadian Association of Ottawa

ACB Mental Health awareness workshops, art therapy, money & mental health series, and more!

Black Ottawa Connect

BOC aims to provide a safe space for the Black communities in Ottawa and Gatineau to be able to come together, share resources, educate and empower one another.

Black Youth Helpline

Serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black Youth specific service. Available at 1-833-294-8650.

Counselling Connect (ACB Hub)

Quick access to a free counselling session & support groups.

Equal Chance

Food security, free counselors & psychologists, employment program, financial health & more!

First Nations, Métis & Inuit. Hope for Wellness Help Line | Canada-Wide.

If you’re experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, call the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line, available 24/7: 1-855-242-3310 or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca

National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line | Canada-Wide.

Available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience: 1-866-925-4419

Kids Help Phone | Canada-Wide.

Available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience: 686868 Indigenous Peoples can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by texting FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or METIS to:686868 for youth and 741741 for adults

Addiction

If you are experiencing an emergency, please go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or call 911.

If you are in crisis or have suicidal thoughts, please call:

  • Suicide prevention line at 1-866-APPELLE (277-3553).
  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24-Hour Crisis Line: Available 24/7, call & text at 9-8-8
  • Info-Social at 811, press option #2 to speak with a social worker 24/7.
  • Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region 24/7 at 613-238-3311.
  • Tel-Aide Outaouais at 819-775 – 3223 or toll-free: at 1-800-567-9699.
Help Lines

Non-Crisis Helplines

If you are experiencing an emergency, please go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or call 911.

Caregivers

Call L’Appui pour les proches aidants for caregiver support at 1-855-852-7784, Monday to Sunday, between 8 am and 8 pm

Parents

Farmers

Agricultural Listening Line (MRC Pontiac, Collines-de-l’Outaouais & Gatineau). Call: 873-455-5707

Youth

Veterans

  • Veterans experiencing distress should call the VAC Assistance Service at 1-800-268-7708 to speak to a mental health professional.  It’s free and available 24/7.
  • Veterans and their family can also access useful resources through the Veterans Affairs Canada PTSD Coach Canada app.  Additional mental health resources on the Veterans Affairs Canada Website.

LGBTQ2+

Indigenous Peoples

  • NWAC Elder Support Line | Canada-Wide.  Available Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST: 1-888-664-7808
  • First Nations, Métis & Inuit. Hope for Wellness Help Line | Canada-Wide. If you’re experiencing emotional distress and want to talk, call the First Nations, Métis & Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line, available 24/7:  1-855-242-3310 or the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca
  • National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line | Canada-Wide. Available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience: 1-866-925-4419
  • Kids Help Phone | Canada-Wide. Indigenous Peoples can connect with an Indigenous volunteer crisis responder, when available, by texting FIRST NATIONS, INUIT or METIS to:686868 for youth and 741741 for adults

All Ages

  • Ami-Quebec: Free bilingual services including one-on-one counselling for caregivers, tele-workshops and interactive session by teleconference.

    • Below is a list of legal information resources, including community organizations based in the Outaouais who offer free to low-cost services, support and information.

    If you require additional help, connect with us 819-557-0615 or info@centreconnexions.org

    Table régionale des organismes communautaires autonomes de l’Outaouais (TROCAO)

    The TROCAO has put together a Detailed List of Legal Resources for Individuals and Community-Based Organizations of the Outaouais Region.  A special thank you to TROCAO for gathering this information and providing a translation for our English-speaking community.

    Éducaloi

    Explains Quebec and Canadian law through articles and videos on legal topics such as health, housing, and consumer rights. The Website is divided into a Youth Zone, Adult Zone and Teacher Zone.

    Centre de Justice de proximité de l'Outaouais (CJPO)

    The CJPO provides free and confidential legal information, support and referral services.  You can contact them by calling 819-600-4600 or 1-844-606-4600.

    Info Justice

    Info Justice provides free and confidential legal information, support and referral services.  You can contact them by calling 819-600-4600 or 1-844-606-4600.

    Curateur public du Québec

    The Curateur public du Québec protects people who cannot care for themselves. It helps ensure they maintain their independence and that their rights are respected. The Curateur public also supports family members and people with a special interest to fulfill their duties. It offers services to people and their assistants under the assistance measure. You can contact them by calling 514-873-8728 or 1-844-532-8728

    Association professionnelle des Avocates et des Avocats du Québec

    The Association offers low-cost one-hour consultations with a lawyer that is voluntarily enrolled within the service.  Contact info@apaaq.ca for more information.

    Juris Référence

    Juris Référence offers an online tool to help you find a lawyer that is voluntarily enrolled within the service. The referral service is provided by lawyers from the Barreau du Québec with experience in a wide variety of fields

    Chambre des notaires du Québec

    The Chambre des notaires du Québec offer basic legal information through their info line. You can also find information on wills, protection mandates, power of attorney and more on their website. You can contact them by calling 1-800-263-1793.

    Pro Bono Québec

    Pro Bono Québec offers free legal services for refuges, public interest cases and family matters cases. You must apply and meet criteria to be eligible.

    FADOQ

    FADOQ supports adults 50 and older with understanding and accessing their legal rights. They provide information on government programs, pensions, healthcare, and housing, and help seniors navigate legal matters that affect their daily lives. Contact them at  819 777-5774 or by email admin@fadoqoutaouais.qc.ca.

    La Fabrique Juridique

    La Fabrique juridique is the Université du Québec en Outaouais’ university legal clinic. Services are offered free of charge by law students, under the supervision of a lawyer or notary, in a supportive and educational setting. The clinic aims to improve access to justice by accompanying individuals through their legal steps and helping them resolve issues as simply and quickly as possible. Services include housing law information and advice, as well as commissioning (oaths and affidavits). Contact fabriquejuridique@uqo.ca or call 819-595-2250 for more information.

    Clinique de droit notarial de l’Outaouais

    The Clinique provides Outaouais residents free legal information.  This notarial law information is provided by students at Ottawa University studying civil law who are supervised by qualified notaries in the region.

    Fédération des associations de familles monoparentales et recomposées du Québec

    The Fédération  (French only website but bilingual services) defends the rights and interests of single‑parent and blended families in Québec.

    Coalition des Familles LGBTQ+

    The Coalition is a community rights organization that advocates for the social and legal recognition of families that come under the umbrella of sexual and gender diversity.  They offer a wide range of workshops and training, as well as resources, including Legal Information for LGBT Families and Future Families

    Commission des services juridiques

    The Commission is the agency responsible for applying Québec’s Act respecting legal aid and the provision of certain other legal services and for ensuring that legal aid is provided to any eligible person who applies for it. The Commission also manages two programs that help parents ask for changes in child support and child custody without going to court: SARPA and HAS.

    Clinique interdisciplinaire en droit social de l'Outaouais

    Founded in 2020 by a multidisciplinary team of professors from the University of Ottawa and the Université du Québec en Outaouais, the Clinique was created in response to research findings showing an increase in the number of people experiencing mental health problems and/or homelessness.

    Legal Aid Offices

    Administration

    510, boul. Maloney Est 201 Gatineau Québec J8P 1E7
    819 669-2382 | bureauadministration@ccjo.qc.ca

    Gatineau, secteur Aylmer

    204, chemin Aylmer B-403 Gatineau, secteur Aylmer J9H 1A1
    819 684-0333 | bureauaylmer@ccjo.qc.ca

    Campbell’s Bay

    98, rue Front Campbell’s Bay Québec J0X 1K0
    819 648-2259 | bureaucampbellsbay@ccjo.qc.ca

    Gatineau (section – criminal)

    136, rue Wright Gatineau Québec J8X 2G9
    819 772-3084 | bureaucriminel@ccjo.qc.ca

    Gatineau (section – civil family)

    365, boul. Greber 202 Gatineau Québec J8T 5R3
    819 568-0990 | bureaugatineau@ccjo.qc.ca

    Gatineau, secteur Buckingham

    135, rue Joseph Gatineau, secteur Buckingham Québec J8L 1G1
    819 986-6733 | bureaubuckingham@ccjo.qc.ca

    Gatineau, secteur Hull (section civil, family and youth)

    768, boul. Saint-Joseph 210 Gatineau, secteur Hull Québec J8Y 4B8
    819 772-3011 | bureaucivil-famille@ccjo.qc.ca

    Maniwaki

    116, rue King “C” Maniwaki Québec J9E 2L3
    819 449-4800 | bureaumaniwaki@ccjo.qc.ca

    Carrefour jeunesse emploi de l'outaouais

    Support for 16-35 year olds with employment, business start-up, skill development, financial education, school and professional orientation. Services available in English / in individual formula (1) Entrepreneurship / Business start-up (2) Job search needs (Resume building, interview practice) (3) Back to school or career change with a guidance counselor Immigrant Services -- "Objectif intégration" program, must have completed francization. Offered up to the age of 40 and as long as they have newcomer status (max 5 years after their arrival in Canada)

    Promis

    Promis is an immigrant and refugee support organization, but they also help with employment placements, including to the regions.

    La Relance

    Offers job support for everyone + men over 35 years old, seniors, and people with disabilities.

    Réhabex

    Offers social rehabilitation, employment, return to school, and other supports for people with criminal records

    Free French classes for adults

    The Québec Government offers free French classes for adults.

    French as a Second Language Classes

    Heritage College is offering French as second-language classes: - All classes are given in-person, at the main office in Hull. - 40 hours course over a 8- week period (see schedule below) - Regular fees are 335$. However, it could cost you only 25$ if you fill out section 5 Beginner and intermediate level, English and French 40-hour CONVERSATION evening courses: Québec residents may be eligible for a subsidy from Emploi Québec. If, after review, you are eligible, your cost for the course will be $25.00, plus cost of course book. IMPORTANT: Full-time students and workers in government departments and agencies financed by public funds are excluded.

    Allocation-logement

    The shelter allowance program is for low-income individuals and families who spend too much of their budget on housing. It is open to homeowners, tenants and boarders. For the period from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, the program provides up to $170 in financial assistance per month.

    Habitations partagées de l'Outaouais

    L’organisme offre un service de cohabitation intergénérationnelle, qui s’adresse aux étudiants et aux aînés qui souhaitent partager un même toit.

    Coopératives d'habitations

    Find a housing coop to apply to in the Outaouais region. Website in French only.

    Le Gïte Ami (shelter)

    Logement d'urgence et de transition

    Logemen'occupe

    Advocacy for the right to housing and support for tenants dealing with eviction, legal questions about housing, etc.

    Office d'habitation de l'Outaouais (OHO)

    Previously OMH (Office municipal d'habitation) Subsidized, affordable and adapted housing in Outaouais.

    Logements de l'Outaouais

    Les Logements de l'Outaouais offers low-cost housing for seniors aged 55 and over. Located in Gatineau, Hull sector. Website in French only.

    QC Rent Supplement Program

    Rent supplements enable low-income households to live in housing that is part of the private rental market, or owned by housing cooperatives (coops) or non-profit organizations (NPOs), while paying a rent similar to what they would pay in a low-income housing unit. Tenants benefiting from a rent supplement pay rent equal to 25% of their income. Website in French only.

    Service d'accompagnement à la recherche de logement (SARL)

    *Gatineau seulement* Le Service d’aide à la recherche de logement (SARL) peut vous venir en aide dans votre recherche de logement. Ce service est gratuit et s’adresse à tous les citoyens de la Ville de Gatineau.

    Belvédère - Vallée Jeunesse

    Transitional housing for 16-21 year olds that offers support and meals.

    Héberge-Ados

    Emergency accommodation for teens ages 13-17. Website in French only.

    L'Appart Adojeune

    Welcomes young people aged 12 to 17 in crisis, who are homeless and/or at risk of homelessness, in need of respite and with family problems. Offers a 14-day stay, with the possibility of an extension of up to 21 days if needed. Website in French only.

    Les Œuvres Isidore Ostiguy

    Support for families to access housing. Website in French only.

    Aide alimentaire

    Links to organizations that offer food (including prepared meals)

    Banques alimentaires de l'Outaouais

    Map of food banks across the Outaouais, per municipality.

    Community Fridges

    Find a community fridge near you. Frigo-partage at l'Université du Québec en Outaouais, campus Taché

    Cuisines collectives (collective cooking)
    Distribution anti-gaspi 3R Québec

    Affordable food distribution, in Gatineau, by appointment only. Quote-part 20$: Mini distribution Quote-part de 50$: Distribution régulière Distribution sur place: Venez sur place pour choisir vos aliments et repartez avec votre commande. Mini distribution: Recevez l'essentiel pour la semaine, du pain, des fruits, des légumes et des produits laitiers. Distribution double: Vous repartez avec le double de la quantité des aliments, moyennant une quote-part équivalente au double d'une régulière (100$). Si vous avez besoin d’aide alimentaire et que vous n’avez pas les moyens de faire votre contribution, plusieurs options s’offrent à vous. (bénévolat, subvention)

    Meals on Wheels

    To find a Meals on Wheels program near you. Meals on Wheels delivers affordable and nutritious meals at home. Meals on wheels can be claimed as expense under the Tax Credit for Home-Support Services for Seniors (provincial tax return)

    Programme OLO (pregnant people)

    Le suivi Olo, souvent appelé « programme Olo » est offert aux femmes enceintes et aux familles ayant un enfant âgé de moins de 24 mois partout au Québec dans les CLSC et dans certains organismes communautaires. La démarche recommandée pour avoir accès au suivi Olo est de vous inscrire sur quebec.ca/magrossesse.

    Souper-partage à Espace DEP Sylvestre

    Pay what you can dinners on Tuesdays, 6PM.

    Coffee Chats at la Maison de la famille de Quyon

    Coffee chats, games and a meal is served every Thursday at la Maison de la famille de Quyon (1074 Rue de Clarendon, Quyon, QC J0X 2V0) from 1 to 3 PM. Registration is mandatory and there is a $5 fee. To register: 819-458-2808