Aphasia Centre of Ottawa
Aphasia is an acquired communication disorder. A person with aphasia may find it difficult to speak, understand spoken words, read, and/or write.
The Aphasia Centre of Ottawa is a community-based centre providing unique services dedicated to long-term speech-language therapy, counselling, advocacy and empowerment for people with aphasia and their families.
Aphasia can happen at any age. Aphasia is often invisible. People with aphasia are intelligent and capable and need to be heard. See the website for information on their programs and services.
Community Exercise Classes
*NEW in-person classes begin in Ottawa in November 2024! Virtual classes continue as well. This free program includes aerobic exercise, balance, strengthening and stretching components. Exercises can be modified for sitting or standing. All fitness levels welcome! This is a collaborative effort by Family Physiotherapy, Heart Wise Exercise at the Ottawa Heart Institute and the Champlain Regional Stroke Network, funded through Ontario Health at Home. See the flyer for more information on how to join or watch our introductory video.
Champlain Community Support Network
Champlain Community Support Network is a bilingual network of non-profit agencies that offer support to older adults and adults with disabilities, enabling them to live safely and independently at home. CCSN’s online platform offers a simple way to access local community support services. Refer yourself or a loved one, or work with your health care provider to connect with the services you need. Many of the services offered are appropriate for stroke survivors and their loved ones who provide care. Visit communityhomesupport.ca to learn more about community support services available and to get connected with the agency nearest you.
City of Ottawa - Acquired Brain Injury/Post-Stroke Program
The City of Ottawa Acquired Brain Injury/Post-Stroke Program has developed a therapeutic recreation and life skills day program. Participants have an opportunity to work on meaningful goals through social, physical, and cognitive activities. Programs run from August through to June on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. The cost is pro-rated when you join. See the flyer for more information
Cornwall Brain Injury/Post-Stroke Day Program
The Vista Centre Day Program (VCDP) in Cornwall Ontario is a social leisure program where participants spend the day in a safe environment, under staff’s guidance, participants develop leisure lifestyle skills, find activities in the community, improve self-esteem, and develop social relationships. Programs run Monday through Thursday from 9:30am - 2:30pm.
Connected Canadians
Connected Canadians is a national non-profit organization connecting older adults with technology training and support. Volunteers with a high comfort level in technology are paired with senior clients. Working side-by-side, either one-on-one or in group workshops, they tackle clients’ various technology challenges, frequently learning together in real time. Learn how to access this free support to help you navigate an increasingly virtual world.
March of Dimes - After Stroke Program
After Stroke is a personalized stroke recovery program that helps survivors and their families navigate the path forward after a stroke. If you’re impacted by stroke, we’re here to help. Call the After Stroke Program Stroke Support line at 1-888-540-6666 and your call will be returned within 3 business days or connect with the After Stroke program online
The After Stroke program also offers regular online activities to connect you with other stroke survivors. See the list of programs available.
March of Dimes - Hospital Peer Connections
In Fall 2024, March of Dimes Canada is partnering with the Ottawa Hospital, Bruyere Continuing Care, Pembroke Regional Hospital, and Cornwall Community Hospital to launch its Hospital Peer Connections program. This program is for stroke survivors recovering in hospital. We are seeking volunteers who are stroke survivors or caregivers of someone who has had a stroke. Click here for more information.
Mental Health Support - AccessMHA
AccessMHA makes it easier to help find mental health and/or substance use health support, services, and care in Eastern Ontario. After reaching out to them, you will be paired with a trained mental health professional who will connect you to the services you need from a network of partner organizations. Connect with AccessMHA now or read more about other mental health resources
Mental Health Support - Counselling Connect
Counselling Connect provides free access to a same-day or next-day phone or video-counseling session. This service is for children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Click here to book a session
Mental Health Support - Mind Beacon
MindBeacon provides guided Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with a dedicated therapist. Find out more
Mental Health Support - Ottawa Public Health
Ottawa Public Health can help connect individuals to mental health, addictions, and substance use health support and services. Click here for a listing of some of the Mental Health Resources available to you.
Seniors' Centre Without Walls
Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (SCWW) is a free interactive telephone-based program that connects seniors 55+, as well as adults 18+ with disabilities. Using group telephone calls, SCWW provides a rich line-up of health-related information from professionals in the community, later-life learning opportunities, participation in brain-stimulating activities, and most of all, the space to create meaningful friendships and community for those who may feel isolated. It is a seniors’ centre from the comfort of home! See the schedule of events for September - December, 2024
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC)
Approximately 1/3 of stroke survivors will have some loss of vision or loss of part of what they see when their eyes are in one position (e.g. looking straight ahead). If you or someone you love has experienced blindness or vision loss, VLRC can help you accomplish daily living activities safely and with confidence. Find out more.
(Vision Loss Rehabilitation does not provide rehabilitation services in the province of Quebec at this time)
Peer Support Groups
Peer support groups provide the opportunity to share ideas, information, and coping methods with others dealing with the experience of stroke. Both stroke survivors and their care partners can benefit from these groups.
The Alexandria Area Life After Stroke Support Group meets at Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (Alexandria). The cost of parking is covered. For more information telephone 613-935-4382, see the Alexandria Area Life After Stroke Support Group flyer.
The Eastern Ontario Stroke Survivor Support Group is located in Cornwall, Ontario. In-person meetings have resumed! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. The location is the Benson Centre, 800 Seventh St. West, Cornwall in the MacEwen Room. This facility is wheelchair accessible, has an elevator, and Cornwall Handi-Transit will drop people off. Contact Deena Dufresne at 613-936-8784 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.
Stroke Survivors Support Ottawa is not actively meeting at this time but offers a Stroke Support Line at 613-604-2409. Leave a message to receive a callback. You can also see their active Facebook page.
Support Group for Younger Stroke Survivors is a new support group for people under 65 who have had a stroke. They meet virtually by Zoom every second Tuesday from 10:00-11:30 am. They are based out of Belleville but Champlain residents are welcome. Call 613-969-0130 for more information or see the attached flyer.
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada's Community of Survivors is made up of two Facebook groups: one for those who are living with the effects of heart disease or stroke and the other for their care supporters. These are members-only groups that provide people with a safe and respectful place to share experiences and to support one another. Find out more at the Power of Community webpage.
March of Dimes Canada has several online peer support groups including 'Stroke Community Conversation' and 'Young Stroke Survivor groups'. Registration is required. Find out more on the March of Dimes website.
If you support someone in need and feel anxious and overwhelmed with your caregiving responsibilities, you’re not alone. The Ontario Caregiver Organization (OCO) exists to support Ontario’s 4 million caregivers; ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour. We support caregivers by being their one point of access to information, so they have what they need to be successful in their role. Visit our website to learn about our programs and services.
EnableME, created by the Stroke Foundation of Australia, is a website dedicated to stroke recovery and support. See tips, tricks, and tools that have been shared by other stroke survivors. There is also a Community Forum for discussion. Visit the Stroke Foundation website to learn more.