Young Carers Resource List
If you are a young person who is affected by or cares for a family member or friend who has a chronic illness, disability, mental health or substance use issue and/or problems related to old age, or if you care about someone who is a young carer, these resources are for you!
Not seeing what you need? Try our Children and Youth, Student, or Caregiving-related issues resource lists.
AMI-Quebec helps families cope with mental health problems and illnesses in a loved one. Sign up here to receive updates on our young carer programs. Note that to access some supports, you may need a referral from a professional.
To learn more about young carers visit our Young Carers page, or visit our collection of toolkits and guides for young carers.
Click on the links below to explore our resources.
Supports available to all caregivers
Psychosocial help for youth dealing with mental illness in a loved one
Psychosocial Help by Condition or Community (outside mental illness)
Help for youth facing family issues
Help for school issues due to a family member’s illness or mental health
All the listed resources are FREE or charge on a sliding scale. The few exceptions are marked with a dollar sign: $.
[E] indicates service in English and [F] indicates service in French.
If you have any questions, please give us a call at 514-486-1448 (1-877-303-0264 outside Montreal) or email us at youngcarers@amiquebec.org.
Please note that we provide this information as guidance only and that these are just some of the organizations that can help you. See our terms of use for details.
Supports available to all caregivers
These organizations specialize in helping the family and friends supporting a person struggling with a health or mental health condition, or particularly are just for young carers. If you’re looking for information, you may also like to look at the Caregiving-related issues resource list.
| ORGANIZATION (website) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| L'Appui | 1-855-852-7784 | Quebec resource directory for finding support, and Caregiver Support Helpline / Info-Aidant [E/F] | Quebec |
| Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence | 416-322-5928 | Events, information, and advocacy for family caregivers, with a national directory of support organizations and wellness programming. [E/F] | Canada |
| Diary of a Young Caregiver | Website | Facebook group for young caregivers under 25 with ill or disabled family members, including those with addictions and mental health illnesses. It also includes those who provide support when parents are absent or have language barriers. | Canada (online) |
| Maisons Gilles-Carle | 514-738-5151 | Respite activities and guidance for family caregivers in Quebec. Visit their site to view locations. [E/F] | Quebec |
| Mindfulness for Family Caregivers | 416-322-5928 | A six-week program for caregivers. Partnership between the Centre for Caregiving Excellence and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health [E] | Canada (online) |
| Proche Aidance Quebec | 514-524-1959 | Information and advocacy for family caregivers in Quebec. Services dependent on members. Visit their members directory to find an organization near you. [Primarily F] | Quebec |
| RAANM | 514 374-1056 | Support Groups, Workshops, Information for caregivers in Montreal. Information for young carers [F] | Montreal |
| Siblings Canada | 416-322-5928 | Events, information, workshops and mentorship programs for adult siblings of people with disabilities or mental illness. [Primarily E] | Canada (online) |
| Upopolis | Website | Online community for 10-18 year olds who are navigating chronic or critical illness, medical condition, or disability themselves, or in a sibling or parent. Provides community, trusted information, and support programming. (Referral by professional needed) | North America (online) |
| Young Caregivers Association | 905-397-4201 Email to register: maggied@youngcaregivers.ca | For youth under 25 with a family member with a disability, mental illness, or chronic illness. Online Powerhouse Virtual Workshops for ages 5-12, 12-17, and 17-25 [E] | Niagara Region (and online) |
| Young Carers Project - Hospice Toronto | 416-559-7849 | Recreational, social, educational, and skill development activities for young carers. [E] | Toronto |
| YWCA Montreal | 514-866-9941 x226 | Personalized individual counseling, listening and referral, group support, and relaxation and wellness activities for caregivers. Youth mental health program and some young carer events. [E/F] | Montreal |
Support for youth dealing with mental illness in a loved one
Mental health comes with particular stigma and challenges. These organizations can provide counselling and peer-based groups, or help you navigate the mental health care system and practice skills you need to understand your family member’s condition.
| ORGANIZATION (WEBSITE) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMI-Quebec | 514-486-1448 1-877-303-0264 | Support groups, workshops, and individual counselling for English-speaking caregivers (18+) with a loved one living with a mental illness. Frequently, we partner with other organizations to support the mental health of all young carers, regardless of their loved one's condition, especially teens and children (5-18) [E] | Montreal (Centre West) and across Quebec |
| ALPABEM | 450-688-0541 1-888-688-0541 | Information, respite, and psychosocial support for families affected by mental illness. Ateliers d'Anna workshops and activities for children (6-13) who have a loved one living with mental illness [F] | Montreal (Laval) |
| Arborescence | 514-524-7131 x108 | Individual counselling, support groups and workshops for youth (12-29) supporting a loved one with a mental illness. Information and training for organizations. [E/F] | Montreal (East, North and Centre-South) |
| Association de parents pour la santé mentale de Saint-Laurent-Bordeaux-Cartierville | 514-744-5218 | Support for families affected by mental illness through support groups, training, workshops and psychosocial support. [Primarily F] | Saint-Laurent, Bordeaux, Cartierville |
| CAP Santé Mentale | 1-855-272-7837 | Visit their site for psychosocial support, and information for people supporting a loved one with a mental illness at a member organization near you. Several are developing special supports for young carers! [Primarily F] | Quebec |
| Friends for Mental Health | 514-636-6885 | Individual counselling, support groups, art and drama therapy, family sessions, and workshops for people supporting a loved one with a mental illness. Youth programming based on art therapy and individual counselling (6-25). [E/F] | Montreal (West Island) |
| Groupe des Aidants du Sud-Ouest | 514-564-3061 | Support for families affected by mental illness, through support groups, training, workshops and psychosocial support. One in-person support group in english (LaSalle), two online support groups in french. [Primarily F] | Montreal (South West) |
| Jewish General Hospital First Episode Psychosis | 514-340-8222 x24213 | Treats patients 16-30 experiencing their first psychotic episode, and helps families through support groups and counselling [E/F] | Montreal |
| La Parentrie | 514-385-6786 | Support for families affected by mental illness, through: respite, support groups, psychosocial support, legal help, family activities, all available to youth as well (14-29) [F] | Montreal (North) |
| Parents et amis du bien-être mental du Sud-Ouest de Montréal (PABEMSOM) | 514-368-4824 | Information, respite, and psychosocial support for families affected by mental illness, with a youth program (12-25) with art drama and art therapy and individual support [EN/FR] | Montreal (South West, Verdun) |
| Répit Une Heure pour Moi | 514-640-6030 | Respite services and support group for parents of children with a mental illness. Respite childcare for parents of children with a mental illness: $3,25 hourly for child with mental health concern, plus $0.50 per hour per sibling. Support groups for parents, and for 6-12 year old siblings [F] | Montreal |
| Société Québécoise de la Schizophrénie | 514-251-4125 | Support for loved ones. For caregivers: psychosocial support, family peer support, support groups, training, helpline. New youth program for ages 12-29. [F] | Quebec |
Support by condition or community (outside mental illness)
These services address the needs of youth who support a loved one based on the condition their loved one struggles with, their identity, or their relationship with their loved one. Many primarily serve people with certain conditions, but are noted here because they also provide support to family and friend caregivers. Check our Special Populations resource list for more.
| CONTEXT | ORGANIZATION (WEBSITE) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Find a Caregiver Service in Quebec | Appui | 1-855-852-7784 | Resource directory for finding support, and Caregiver Support Helpline / Info-Aidant [E/F] | Quebec |
| Find a Caregiver Service in Canada | Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence | 416-322-5928 | Events, information, and advocacy for family caregivers. [E/F] | Canada |
| Find a Caregiver Service in Quebec | Proche Aidance Quebec | 514-524-1959 | Information and advocacy for family caregivers. Services dependent on members. Visit their members directory to find an organization near you. [Primarily F] | Quebec |
| 2SLGBTQIA+ Caregivers | Fondation Emergence - Famille Choisi | 438-384-1058 | Support groups, workshops, and information for 2SLGBTQIA+ caregivers. Online Facebook group [Primarily F/E] | Montreal |
| 2SLGBTQIA+ | LGBTQ Hotline | 1-866-488-7386 | 24/7 suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth [E] | USA |
| Addiction | Chabad Lifeline | 514-738-7700 | Support for loved ones struggling with addiction and their family, including children. For caregivers: individual psychosocial support, support groups and family workshops. [E] | Montreal |
| Alcohol | Ala-Teen | Find local branch via website | Peer support group for teens who are struggling with the effects of someone else’s problem drinking. Many Alateen groups meet at the same time and location as an Al-Anon group, online meetings for 13-18 year olds. [E/F] | Worldwide |
| ALS | ALS Quebec | 514-725-2653 | Social, financial, and peer support for families supporting someone with ALS. Care training for young carers being piloted in 2024 [Primarily F/E] | Quebec |
| Alzheimers | Federation of Quebec Alzheimer Societies | 1-888-636-6473 | Services for your loved one. For caregivers: Guidance, respite, support groups, art therapy, counselling, and intake/referrals. Visit their site for your local chapter. [E/F] | Quebec |
| Autism or intellectual disabilities | Miriam Foundation | 514-345-1300 1-855-365-1300 | Programs and services for kids and adults living with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum, including residential and respite services. (referral from the CLSC). [E/F] | Montreal (Côte-des-Neiges-NDG) |
| Autism / Neurodivergence | Aide Canada | Online | Directory of support services, information, and events. Some tools and services are for caregivers. [E/F & Other] | Canada |
| Autism, physical or intellectual disability | Centre of Dreams and Hopes | 514-327-6667 | Therapeutic and recreational programs in support of children and adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, including respite. Some family programming, and awareness of young carers. [E/F] | Montreal |
| Brain Trauma | Connexion TCC.QC | 514-543-4800 | Services for your loved one. Supports for caregivers/family: respite, individual support, support groups, workshops, and activities. Visit their site to find your nearest association [F] | Montreal |
| Cancer | Organisme de soutien aux proches aidants en oncologie du Québec (OSPAOQ) | 438-379-4131 | Support, grief support groups, individual counselling for families affected by cancer, with emergent awareness and programming for young carers of people with cancer [Primarily F] | Quebec |
| Cancer | Quebec Cancer Foundation | 1-800-363-0063 | upport for loved one and accommodations [$]. For caregivers: Free telephone support line and peer matching, activities, support groups and art therapy. Referral to youth services. [E/F] | Quebec |
| Cancer | West Island Cancer Wellness Center | 514-695-9355 1-833-274-9355 | Support for families affected by cancer, with emergent awareness and programming for young carers of people with cancer. For young carers, ask to speak with a nurse. Parent resources for communicating with children. [Primarily E/F] | Canada (based in Montreal) |
| Cancer (Pediatric) | Leucan | 514-731-3696 1-800-361-9643 | Support for children with cancer and their families. Support group for siblings aged 12-17, individual and family support. Playrooms in hospitals near outpatient clinics. [E/F] | Quebec |
| Cancer (Pediatric) | Campfire Circle | 1-888-464-6624 | Community, in-hospital and overnight camp programs for families at any stage of a childhood cancer journey. [E] | Ontario |
| Dementia | Young Caregiver Community - McGill | Complete the form on their site or send an email to dementia@mcgill.ca | Monthly online meetings for caregivers who have a parent, a spouse or a sibling with young-onset major neurocognitive disorders. (Currently ages 20+, but contact them for 13-19) [E/F] | Montreal (online) |
| Grieving | Caregiver Grief Connexion | 514-399-9082 | Caregiver-specific grieving support and information [E/F] | Canada |
| Grieving | Deuil Jeunesse | 1-855-889-3666 | Tools, crisis appointments, individual support, parental support, couples support, family support, and support groups (7-11, 12-17, and adults). [Primarily F, E in Montreal] | Quebec |
| Grieving | Myra's Foundation | 438-346-7989 | Free 3-day summer grief camp for youth (6-17), various online events for families, support groups, and tools [E] | Montreal |
| Immigrants | ACCESSS | 514-287-1106 | For family caregivers: support groups for adults, accompaniment, and referral. Direct support for immigrants. [E/F/Other] | Quebec |
| Indigenous | Hope for Wellness Helpline | 1-855-242-3310 | 24/7 hotline and online chat for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples seeking emotional support, crisis intervention, or referrals to community-based services. [E/F/Cree/Ojibway/Inuktitut] | Canada |
| Multiple Sclerosis | MS Society Canada | 1-844-859-6789 | Support for families affected by multiple sclerosis. Online communities such as a Discord server and Facebook group - some books/resources for teens and children. [E/F] | Canada |
| Neurodegenerative Disabilities / Cognitive Disorders | Le Temps d’une Pause | 514-373-9851 | Respite, psychosocial support, training, and workshops for caregivers of those with cognitive disorders, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Frontotemporal or vascular disease [F] | Montreal |
| Pediatric Illness | MAB Mackay Sibshops at Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre | 514-268-5929 or email JenniferGrier01@ssss.gouv.qc.ca | Workshops for siblings aged 7-12 of children with chronic and/or life limiting illnesses currently served at Lethbridge-Layton-Mackay Rehabilitation Centre [E/F] | Montreal area |
| Pediatric Palliative Care | Le Phare Enfants et Familles | 1-866-954-4848 | Individual, couple, family, and group follow-up for those affected by pediatric palliative care (0-18 years). Bereavement follow-up following the loss of a child. [E/F] | Montreal |
| Women | YWCA Montreal | 514-866-9941 x226 | Personalized individual counseling, listening and referral, group support, and relaxation and wellness activities for women providing care to an elderly loved one. [E/F] | Montreal |
Help for youth facing family issues
Is your family facing difficult times, or are you having trouble communicating with family members? These organizations can help
| ORGANIZATION (website) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas - Centre de Pédiatrie Sociale en Communauté | (514) 341-2220 | Community social pediatrics organization, with services to children (ages 0 to 17) in the Côte-des-Neiges borough whose development is affected by difficult living conditions. Educational, family, therapeutic and legal help. [E/F] | Montreal (Côte des Neiges) |
| Baobab Familiale | 514-734-4097 | Family programs and supports, including home respite care, parent workshops, teen programming through the school year ($), community dinners and cafes, and outings. [E/F] | Montreal (West-Central) |
| CAFE Program | 811 (you must ask for CAFE program by name) | The CAFE (Crise-Ado-Famille-Enfance) Program was developed for children aged 0 to 17 and their family who are experiencing a major family crisis. Family approach, with intensive to short-term follow-up, home visits [E/F/Other with interpreter] | Quebec |
| Famille Nouvelle | 514-525-0063 | Psychosocial support, family therapy and family mediation, therapy for children and adolescents, couples therapy [E/F/Other] | Montreal |
| Premiere Ressource | 514-525-2573 1-866-329-4223 | Free counselling line for parents & children concerning family issues [E/F] | Quebec |
Help for school issues due to a family member’s situation
For other schools, contact your student advocacy, academic success, or student wellness offices (visit our Student Resource List). The young carer services listed above may help you advocate as well.
| ORGANIZATION (website) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beat the Odds Concordia | beattheodds@concordia.ca | Concordia students from equity-deserving groups apply for a paid internship (full-time or part-time), with mentorship, workshops and networking. Young carers are eligible! [E] | Montreal |
| CIUSSS Centre-Ouest - School Services | Call 811 | Psychosocial follow-up as well as individual and family intervention for students experiencing situations that interfere with learning [E/F] | Montreal (West-Central) |
| McGill Student Caregivers | Student Wellness Hub 514-398-6017 | Information and support for young carers and students who are parents. Academic accommodations, wellness events, and a support group are available for young carers [E] | Montreal |
| UQAM Young Caregivers | proche-aidance@uqam.ca | UQAM is the first Montreal university to recognize young carers in policy. Visit their site to read what rights and accomodations UQAM can provide [F] | Montreal |
Help for legal and social issues
If you’re struggling with a difficult situation, every bit of support helps. Here you’ll find organizations that can help if you believe you may benefit from legal assistance or advice. Head and Hands or your local CLSC are great places to start.
| ORGANIZATION (website) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head and Hands | 514-481-0277 | Counselling for youth 12-25, health, legal, & social services, activities. [E/F] | Montreal (Côte-des-Neiges) |
| Batshaw Youth Protection | 514-935-6196 | Addresses the needs of children and youths whose security or development may be endangered. The role of the DYP is to put an end to the situation and prevent recurrence by working with families [E/F] | Montreal (Westmount) |
| CAVAC | 1-866 532-2822 | Caseworkers provide help to mitigate impacts on witnesses or victims of a crime (reported, or not). Counselling is available for children. [E/F] | Quebec |
| The health and social services network complaint examination system | 1-844-630-5125 (CIUSSS Centre-Ouest de Montreal) | Report an unsafe or disrespectful situation or file a complaint about health and social services [E/F] | Quebec |
| Legal Aid Youth | 514-864-9833 | Free legal aid for youth, services for youth protection & justice system [E/F] | Montreal |
| SOS Violence Conjugale | 1-800-363-9010 | Assistance and referral to ensure safety of victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) and that of their children. Free and bilingual. Available 24/7. [E/F] | Quebec |
Practical help
Practical services to help with everyday needs like food, income, and recreation.
| ORGANIZATION (website) | PHONE | DESCRIPTION | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistance Measure | Caregivers of legal age can register as an “assistant”. This gives you the right to access information from third parties (ie hospital, banks, revenue Canada) and communicate on your loved one’s behalf [E/F] | Online | Quebec |
| Cleaning for a Reason | Provides free home cleaning to patients battling cancer. | Online | Canada & USA |
| Income Tax Clinics for Low-Income Households | Free assistance to file simple tax returns, including medical expenses and applying for benefits. Criteria must be met. [E/F] | Visit site for local number | Canada |
| iRespite Agency Navigator | Respite services directory for Quebec [E/F] | Online | Quebec |
| KidSport Canada | Support for children in order to remove financial barriers that prevent them from playing organized sports [E/F] | 1-888-914-5437 | Canada |
| Meals on Wheels/Santropol Roulant | Meal delivery 5 days a week in certain areas of Montreal for individuals living with loss of autonomy. Meal cost is $6. [E/F] | 514-284-9335 | Montreal |
| Répit Une Heure pour Moi | Respite services and support group for parents of children with a mental illness. Respite childcare for parents of children with a mental illness: $3,25 hourly for child with mental health concern, plus $0.50 per hour per sibling. Support groups for parents, and for 6-12 year old siblings [F] | 514-640-6030 | Montreal |
| Sun Youth Recreation | Activities for youth, camps, sports, volunteering, food, clothing, assistance [E/F] | 514-842-6822 | Montreal (Plateau) |
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