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Parent & Caregiver Support

We offer a variety of opportunities for parents and caregivers to obtain the social, emotional, and informational support needed when caring for a child with a physical, developmental, or communicative disability.

Support opportunities are available to parents and caregivers of children and youth under 18 with diagnosed or identified physical, developmental, or communicative delays or disabilities. The child does not need to be receiving active Centre services.

All of our Parent and Caregiver Supports were co-designed by Centre families. By taking part in our support programs, parents and caregivers can connect with others with shared life experiences, discuss topics of mutual interest, share successes and challenges, and seek and provide support and practical information. 

Family Support Programs include:

Virtual Support

Online Parent/Primary Caregiver Support Group

Click here to join the Niagara Children's Centre Parent/Primary Caregiver Online Support Group.

Share experiences, gain insights, and find encouragement from people who understand your journey. This is a closed Facebook group moderated by a Support Parent who is employed by the Children’s Centre.

1:1 Supports

One-to-one support provides personalized guidance and emotional connection for parents and caregivers by offering the opportunity to talk with another parent who understands and shares a similar experience.

Family Mentor Program

The Family Mentor Program matches Centre parents and caregivers who would benefit from additional guidance and support with trained volunteer family mentors who are also Centre parents.

The goal of the program is to empower and strengthen parent and caregiver capacity to care for their child by providing them with additional resources and information on Centre services, events, and education/support opportunities. Evidence-based research shows that peer support reduces feelings of isolation and anxiety, and builds skills and confidence in parents with children who have multiple special needs.

Interested in being connected one-to-one with a fellow Centre Parent? You can self-refer by emailing familyengagement@niagarachildrenscentre.com or by asking your child’s clinician for a referral.

In some cases, families may require supports that go beyond what our Volunteer Family Mentors are able to offer. In this case, parents and caregivers will be referred to other programs for more support.

Group Supports

Group support offers parents and caregivers a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation by connecting them with others who share similar experiences. It also provides a safe space to share insights, exchange resources, and gain encouragement from those who truly understand the challenges and joys of raising a child with special needs.

Parent Talk
Our Parent Talk Support group is an informal group co-led by a Support Parent- a parent of a child with a physical, developmental, and/or communicative delay or disability and a Centre Social Worker. The group co-leaders encourage parents and primary caregivers to support one another and also provide attendees with direct support.

The group meets on the third Tuesday of the month, September to November and January to June, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Meetings may be in-person, virtual, or a combination of virtual and in-person. Parents/caregivers are welcome to attend as often or as infrequently as they would like. There is no commitment for regular attendance. Limited onsite childcare is available for meetings that take place in-person.

Monthly meetings can either be based around specific topics that have been suggested by Centre Families or organized social events/activities for the group to take part in. There is always time for informal discussion to talk about anything on your mind with other parents with similar experiences.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

Dad's Corner
A casual hangout just for dads and male-identifying caregivers to unwind and meet with others who just get it. This group is hosted by a Support Parent - a father of a child with a physical, developmental, and/or communicative delay or disability.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

Corner’s Run Crew
A fun, supportive, and seriously good-vibes-only group where the motto is Moderate Pace – Positive Space. No pressure, no pace goals – it’s about showing up. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking to move and mingle, all are welcome. Each run starts and ends at a local café. Come for the movement, stay for a latte. A Centre staff member will attend each run to welcome you and participate alongside you

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

Self-Care Walk & Talk
This group will provide you with the mental, emotional and physical benefits of walking plus the social opportunity to make connections with other Centre Parents and Caregivers. Meet us at the Children’s Centre for a gentle 30-minute walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome. After our walk, join us inside for a warm beverage and visit together.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

Coffee, Chat & Community
A relaxed meet-up for children and their parents/caregivers featuring light walks, great coffee, and meaningful conversation in an inclusive, family-friendly environment.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.

Family Social Networking Events

Each year, we plan informal, fun, free, and accessible events that provide opportunities for Centre families to make connections with other families with shared experiences. These events are typically designed by members of our Family Advisor Network in collaboration with Centre staff.

Please see our Events Calendar and look under Parent & Caregiver Support Groups for specific opportunities and registration processes.