A Sneak Peek at Our New Autism Services

We’re so excited to soon be offering Ontario Autism Program (OAP)-approved core clinical services for children, youth and families in Brant County, Haldimand/Norfolk, Six Nations of the Grand River and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

Our new website with full program details and enrolment information will launch shortly — but for now, here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come:

OAP-Approved Core Clinical Services

• Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Therapy: One-on-one and group-based skill-building in communication, independence and daily living.

• Therapeutic Day Programs: Half-day, full-day and after-school options the blend academics, social skills and emotional regulation.

• Counselling and Psychotherapy: Mental health supports to build resilience, coping skills and well-being.

• Group Programs: Social skills groups, special interest clubs and executive function bootcamps.

• Family and Caregiver Support: Coaching, behaviour consultation and OAP navigation.

Why Choose Willowbridge?

At Willowbridge, we know every child’s journey is unique. That’s why our OAP-approved services are:

• Family-Led & Individualized — Plans are co-created with families so support truly fits your child’s needs.

• Strength-Based & Real-Life Focused — We build on each child’s abilities with strategies they can use at home, school and in the community.

• Compassionate & Trauma-Informed — Care is delivered by qualified professionals who value safety, relationships and emotional well-being.

• Flexible & Inclusive — From early years to adolescence and transition to adulthood, services grow with your family.

Together, these values shape programs that empower children and families while making sure care fits real life.

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks, we’ll launch our website with full program details, fees and funding information and enrolment instructions. Stay tuned to our newsletter to be the first to learn more about the program and when to enrol.

Our autism services will officially launch in January 2026.

While you wait to hear more about our autism services, be sure to stay connected with the greater Willowbridge community. Join our Beneath the Willow: Autism Services newsletter mailing list to stay up to date on news, resources and upcoming events. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn to keep connected in real time.

Community Support Month: How Willowbridge Brings Positive Change to Life

At Willowbridge, we’re proud to support our community. Every day, our team walks alongside children, adults and families by providing, developmental services, respite care and coordination that help people thrive.

This Community Support Month, we’re celebrating the impact of these services and the generosity that makes them possible.

 

The impact in numbers

In 2024–2025, Willowbridge supported 2,821 community members across Brantford, Brant County, Hamilton and beyond. Together, our teams delivered:

•  1,795 counselling sessions for individuals, couples and families

•  430 service coordination supports through EnCompass, helping families access housing, medical, government and community services

•  93 respite opportunities through Routes Respite, creating space for independence, learning and connection

•  39 autism supports through the Ontario Autism Program’s Urgent Response Service, with expanded services launching soon

Behind every number is a story of someone gaining strength, skills and support when they needed it most.

Programs that make a difference

Donor generosity and grant funding fuel programs that change lives. Over the past year, we:

•  Opened Java Junction, an in-house café where Routes participants practice baking, money handling and customer service

•  Launched the Art of Identity program, helping individuals explore identity through creativity

•  Expanded low-cost counselling services with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, making care more accessible to families with low incomes

•  Introduced the Extensive Needs Service, a partnership providing trauma-informed wraparound care for children and youth with complex needs

These programs show how Willowbridge adapts to meet evolving community needs—always with compassion, inclusion and dignity at the heart of our work.

Looking ahead

Willowbridge’s future is about growth, accessibility and innovation.

We’re preparing to launch in 2026, closing long-standing gaps in care for children and youth with autism. At the same time, we’re laying the groundwork for the Riverside Hub—a one-stop space where individuals and families can access multiple services under one roof.

We’re also leading the Safe Relationships and Your Rights Project, a province-wide initiative to prevent gender-based violence and create safer futures for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And as we grow, we’re exploring artificial intelligence to enhance services, reduce administrative burdens and better meet community needs.

With your support, these initiatives will expand what’s possible for thousands of children, youth, adults and families who rely on Willowbridge every day. To stay up to date on what’s happening at Willowbridge, be sure to sign up for our Beneath the Willow and Beneath the Willow: Autism Services newsletters.

Why your support matters

As one participant shared: “I don’t know where we would be without the services provided through Willowbridge. They have and still provide invaluable help and resources!”

Your support ensures Willowbridge can continue to be that vital community support for children, youth, adults and families.

This Community Support Month, there are many ways you can help Willowbridge continue bringing positive change to life. You can make a gift to support children, adults and families in our community, refer our services to someone who may benefit, or follow and engage with us on social media to help spread the word.

To see even more of the impact your support makes, explore our 2024-2025 Annual Report for highlights, stories and a closer look at how Willowbridge is setting the stage for growth.

Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Suicide Prevention Month: How to Spot the Signs and Support Someone in Crisis

In Canada, about 4,500 people die by suicide each year, and more than one million others struggle with self-harm, suicide attempts, suicide plans or serious thoughts of ending their life. These figures are concerning, and they remind us how important it is to strengthen support and prevention efforts.

September is Suicide Prevention Month—an important reminder of the public health crisis affecting our communities and the vital role each of us can play. Whether or not you know someone who’s struggling, the information below can help you recognize the signs, offer support and connect someone to life-saving help.

Spot the signs of someone who may be struggling

Recognizing the warning signs is a vital way to potentially save a life. Recognizing the warning signs is a vital way to potentially save a life. These indicators are commonly remembered using the acronym IS PATH WARM, which highlights 10 possible signs that someone may be at risk of suicide:

I – Ideation: Talking or writing about suicide or wanting to die
S – Substance abuse: Heavily drinking or using drugs
P – Purposelessness: Expressing that life has no meaning or purpose
A – Anxiety: Severe anxiety, agitation or inability to cope
T – Trapped: Feeling there is no way out of a situation
H – Hopelessness/helplessness: Believing things will never get better
W – Withdrawal: Avoiding friends, family or usual activities
A – Anger: Rage, irritability or inability to control anger
R – Recklessness: Engaging in risky or dangerous behaviours
M – Mood changes: Sudden shifts in mood, from extreme sadness to sudden calm

If you recognize these signs, it’s an opportunity to check-in and intervene.

What you can do if you believe someone may be thinking about suicide

An important step you can take is talking—and most importantly, listening—to someone with compassion and without judgment. The Suicide Crisis Hotline notes that talking about suicide does not increase risk. In fact, asking directly can reduce distress and feelings of isolation.

Here’s what you can do:

•  Ask directly: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
•  Actively listen: Let them share without interruption or judgment.
•  Keep them safe: Stay with them if there’s immediate risk; remove objects that could cause harm.
•  Offer resources: Suggest crisis lines, a doctor’s appointment or reaching out to supportive friends/family.
•  Make a plan: Help create a short-term safety plan and encourage long-term supports such as counselling.
•  Call 9-1-1: If there is immediate danger, call emergency services right away.

Remember: you cannot “fix” someone’s problems. What you can do is listen, validate their feelings and connect them with professional help.

Who’s most at risk?

Suicide can affect anyone. But some groups face higher risk. The Government of Canada reports that middle-aged men are at the highest risk of dying by suicide, while young women aged 10 to 19 experience the highest rates of hospitalization for self-harm.

Research also shows that individuals under the age of 65 with lower levels of education and who have never been married face higher risk. The Government of Canada has also found that people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts compared to heterosexual and cisgender individuals.

Crisis support resources

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 9-1-1. If there isn’t immediate danger, here are professional resources that can help:

•  Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8, or visit 988.ca
•  ConnexOntario: Call 1-866-531-2600, or visit connexontario.ca
•  Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
•  SOAR Community Services (Brantford): Call 519.759.7188
•  COAST (Hamilton): Call 905.972.8338

You are not alone

You can’t solve someone’s struggles for them—but you can show empathy, listen without judgment and encourage them to connect with professional help.

At Willowbridge Community Services, we believe everyone deserves safe, inclusive and affirming counselling. We offer counselling services for children, youth, adults, couples and families. If you or someone you love is struggling, we’re here to help. Learn more at willowbridge.ca/counselling-services.

 

Sources
World Health Organization. Suicide. who.int/health-topics/suicide. Accessed August 2025.
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. Research and statistics. https://suicideprevention.ca/im-concerned-about-someone/. Accessed August 2025.
Government of Canada. Key statistics: Suicide, self-harm, and suicide-related behaviours in Canada. https://health-infobase.canada.ca/mental-health/suicide-self-harm/. Accessed August 2025.
Government of Canada. Suicide in Canada: Key statistics. canada.ca. Accessed August 2025.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Hotline. Facts about suicide. https://988.ca/understanding-suicide/facts-about-suicide. Accessed August 2025.

8 Tips to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety in Children

The back-to-school season can be both exciting and challenging for families. While some kids look forward to meeting new friends and participating in activities, others struggle with back-to-school anxiety—a mix of nervousness, worry and uncertainty about the school year ahead. 

Often, these feelings surface during milestone years, such as starting kindergarten, transitioning into Grade 12, or entering post-secondary education or the workforce.  

The good news? With the right strategies, parents can make the transition smoother and help their children feel more confident. Here are eight practical tips for helping kids with back-to-school anxiety while setting the stage for a positive school year ahead.  

 

1. Re-establish structure and routine 

Summer schedules are often flexible, but kids often thrive on structure and predictability. To help your children get back into the swing of things, gradually return to your family’s preferred school-year schedule, including morning wake-up, bedtime and meals. 

Displaying a visual family calendar can also help children know what’s coming each day. Be sure to mark school days, after-school activities and downtime to make the week more predictable. 

 

2. Make preparation part of the fun 

School supply shopping doesn’t have to be a chore. Involve your child in choosing their backpack, lunchbox or favourite pens. Giving them some control over these choices can make them feel more excited and prepared for the year ahead. 

 

3. Keep communication open and judgment-free 

One of the best ways to reduce back-to-school anxiety in children is to make sure they feel heard. Encourage them to share their worries, and validate their feelings with phrases like, “It’s normal to feel nervous about a new class. I’m here to support you.” 

When children know they’re being heard and their emotions are understood, they’re more likely to open up again in the future. 

 

4. Keep screen time in check

During the school year, it’s easy for kids to unwind with TV, gaming or social media, but too much screen time can make it harder to focus, sleep and manage stress. Set consistent boundaries, especially before bedtime, and encourage activities that help them relax, like reading, drawing or spending time outside. 

 

5. Partner with teachers and school staff 

Teachers play an important role in supporting your child’s well-being. Reach out early to share concerns, ask for progress updates and work together to address challenges. 

If your child struggles with a particular subject, explore whether the school can provide extra support or consider outside help such as tutoring to build confidence. 

 

6. Model healthy habits 

Kids notice what their parents do. Show them the value of self-care by: 

– Offering balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, protein and plenty of water 

– Encouraging daily physical activity—even short walks can boost mood 

– Participating in healthy hobbies that help reduce stress, such as knitting, reading or colouring 

These habits not only support physical health but can also help lower back to school anxiety in children. 

 

7. Manage your own stress 

Children often absorb their parents’ moods. If you’re stressed, they might feel it too. Try stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness or simply spending time outside. Even better: practice mindfulness-promoting activities with your child! 

When you’re calm and grounded, you’ll create a sense of stability for your child, helping to reduce their stress and anxiety. 

 

8. Recognize when to seek help 

For some families, the first few weeks of school are the hardest. If your child’s anxiety doesn’t ease, or if it worsens, consider reaching out for professional support.  

At Willowbridge Community Services, our counselling services help children, teens and families build coping skills, manage anxiety and develop resilience. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. 

 

Willowbridge is here to help 

Back to school anxiety in children doesn’t have to overshadow the excitement of a new school year. With patience, open communication and the right support, families can make the transition smoother. If your child is struggling, our team is here to help. 

Learn more about our counselling services and discover how Willowbridge can help your family start the school year with confidence, calm and peace of mind. 

How Trauma-Informed Training Can Support Frontline Teams 

The prevalence of trauma is more common than we often realize, and no one is immune. Whether it stems from a single distressing event, ongoing situation or lasting effects from childhood experiences, trauma leaves lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical well-being.

Understanding trauma is essential for anyone working in human services, health care, developmental services or community care. That’s why Willowbridge Community Services (WCS) created Beneath the Surface: Understanding Trauma & Attachment, a trauma-informed training program designed to help frontline professionals better support individuals impacted by trauma.

 

What Is Trauma-Informed Training?

Trauma-informed training teaches staff how trauma affects the brain, body and behaviour. It helps participants recognize trauma responses, avoid re-traumatization and build safe, compassionate relationships with the people they support.

For organizations, this approach isn’t just about improving outcomes for clients—it also strengthens teams, reduces burnout and fosters a culture of empathy and dignity.

 

A Two-Part Learning Experience

Launched in 2025, Beneath the Surface is a two-part training led by WCS’s Counselling Services team. It includes:

1. Understanding the Implications  of Trauma and its impacts on current functioning/behaviours.
Participants explore what trauma is, how it develops, and how it shapes a person’s thoughts, behaviours, emotional regulation, and their working model of the world and relationships. The training covers the neurobiology of trauma and introduces key concepts like the Window of Tolerance and the 3Rs of regulation.

2. Real-Life Application
The second half focuses on real-world examples and practical strategies. Staff learn how to co-regulate with clients, recognize signs of dysregulation and respond in ways that build trust and emotional safety.

 

Delivered by Trauma-Informed Specialists

The training is developed and delivered by Vicki Hartman MA, RSW, WCS’s Manager of Counselling Services, alongside her team of registered, master’s-level psychotherapists. Their extensive background in trauma and attachment-informed care allows them to tailor the training to each organization’s needs.

“Trauma-informed care is part of our DNA here at WCS,” says Hartman. “We’ve seen firsthand how this approach transforms the way teams connect with the people they serve.”

 

Real Impact for Frontline Teams

After participating in the training, teams reported immediate shifts in mindset and language, such as replacing “What’s wrong with you?” with “What happened to you?” Staff also gained confidence in recognizing trauma responses and applying strategies like co-regulation and the Hand Model of the Brain with clients to help them manage distress or dysregulation.

Many were surprised to learn they already had some of the tools they needed and that the training helped them use those tools more effectively and intentionally.

 

Flexible, Customizable Format

Beneath the Surface is currently delivered as two 2-hour in-person sessions (with a short break), but can be adapted to suit different formats or levels of experience.

 

Why Trauma-Informed Training Matters

Organizations that take a trauma-informed approach are better equipped to support both their clients and staff. When frontline workers feel empowered and supported, they’re able to create more meaningful, healing connections with the people they serve.

“Anyone working in social, human, or developmental service fields—such as community-based mental health, acute care or developmental services— would benefit from this training,” says Hartman.

 

Equip your team with trauma-informed training

Interested in bringing Beneath the Surface: Understanding Trauma & Attachment to your organization? Willowbridge Community Services is proud to offer trauma-informed training that empowers frontline teams and fosters safer, more supportive communities.

To learn more or book a session, contact Vicki Hartman at [email protected].