SELF-HELP AND SUPPORT
Chronic Pain Self-Management
Program offered by the McGill University Health Centre for people living with chronic pain. Workshop are held once a week for 6 weeks starting Sept. 12 at the Pointe-Claire Library, 100 Douglas Shand Ave. Free of charge. Call 514-934-1934, Local 71585 or visit mytoolbox.mcgill.ca.
The Quebec Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association is a nonprofit organization that offers events,
awareness, education and information, such as product recalls and lists of gluten-free friendly restaurants. The organization relies on membership fees and donations. Email info@ celiacquebec.ca or visit celiacquebec.ca. You can also leave a message 514-893-9856. New Moms support group, offered by the West Island Women’s Centre, meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Columba-by-the-Lake Church, 11 Rodney Ave. in Pointe-Claire. Free of charge. Free child care available. To register, call 514-781-8529. Gamblers Anonymous offers help to anyone suffering from a gambling problem. Call 514-484-6666 or visit gamontreal.ca. DivorceCare, open to anyone struggling with the effects of separation or divorce, every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. until April 5 at St. George’s Anglican Church. Visit divorcecare. org or call 514-457-6934. The Family Resource Centre, a
non-profit organization designed to support children from 6 to 25, parents and professionals. They offer a variety of services to help youth who have social, academic and behavioural difficulties. They offer one-on-one social and study skills programs to help children develop necessary skills that will allow them to reach their full potential. Group formats offered every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. in Pierrefonds. For more information, call 514-685-5912.
SNAP (Stop Now and Plan), a new program offered to West Island families designed to teach children with serious behaviour issues, and their parents, how to make choices “in the moment.” Highly trained instructors provide a 13-week program that equips children and their parents with pro-social tools and strategies to address issues like bullying, aggression, defiance and rule-breaking behaviour. Free for families that meet the criteria. Call 514-675-7775. Literacy Unlimited, a community
organization dedicated to empowering adults through improved literacy, offers free, confidential, one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing and basic computer skills. Call 514-694-0007 or visit literacyunlimited.ca. TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
is a low-cost, non-profit organization that offers weight-loss support that promotes healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information. Meetings are held Wednesdays at Cedar Park Chalet in Pointe-Claire. Newcomers can attend the first meeting free. Chapters are available in the West Island and in many other regions of Quebec. Visit tops.org.
The Family Life Centre offers shortterm counselling to West Island and Off-Island residents on issues affecting families, couples and individuals. Free or by donation. Call 514-6307794 or email familylifecentre@gmail.com. The West Island Cancer Wellness
Centre (WICWC) is an organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people living with cancer by providing free programs and services created to address their emotional, physical and spiritual needs. They are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 489 Beaconsfield Blvd. Visit wicwc.org or call 514-695-9355. AWISH (Arthritis West Island Self
Help) offers support and exercise programs to help ease arthritis and chronic pain problems. Visit awishmontreal.org or call 514-631-3288. Lou Gehrig’s Disease — SLA/ALS
Family Caregiver Support Group meets the first Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. Offered by NOVA West Island. Call 514-695-8335, Local 204. Compassionate Friends, an international self-help, non-profit organization, offers friendship, understanding, grief education and hope for the future to all bereaved parents. The Montreal chapter meets the first Tuesday of each month. Visit TCFCanada. net or call 450-458-3164. LGBTQ Support Group for parents
of a child who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender or questioning their sexual identity. A discussion group meets on Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Beaconsfield United Church, 202 Woodside Rd. Share and discuss your concerns in a safe and confidential environment. Call 514-794-5428 or visit lgbtq.youthcentre.ca. Look Good, Feel Better. Free cosmetic and hair workshops for women living with cancer on the first Monday of the month at the Lakeshore General Hospital. To register, call 514-6302225, Local 1451.