Supporting the health of a school community is a collaborative effort. We encourage local schools to refer to the Ontario Ministry of Education and/or their School Board policies and procedures for supporting students with their individual health needs. The additional information and resources below are also available to help schools connect students and their families with health and community services.
If you require emergency support, contact 911 immediately.
To assist students experiencing a mental health crisis:
Call 911, or contact 24/7 mental health crisis services such as:
- 9-8-8: call or text for the suicide crisis help line.
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT (or PARLER for service in French) to 686868 or visit www.kidshelpphone.ca to access live chat counselling.
- Kids Help Phone also offers RiseUp support to Black youth across Canada by texting RISE to 686868.
Non-urgent health care and advice:
Schools can play an important role in helping students and their parents/caregivers connect to health-related services.
- For non-urgent medical advice, encourage students and/or their parents/caregivers to contact their primary health care provider.
- Health811 is also available. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 to provide health advice and help with finding health information and services. Call 811 or TTY 1-866-797-0007, or chat online with a Registered Nurse.
Health unit clinics:
We are available to help students and families access credible public health information and to reduce barriers to service. Read on to learn more about some of the clinics we offer, including:
Community resources and supports:
There are many community-based health and social services available throughout Simcoe Muskoka. We encourage schools to access the community directories below, for more information.
- 211 is a helpline that connects people to the social services, programs and community support they need. Call or Text 211.
- North Simcoe Muskoka Healthline: also has up-to-date information about health services across the North Simcoe Muskoka region.
Provincial and national resources and supports:
There are also several provincial and national resources available for school aged children, youth and their families. Some examples include:
- School Mental Health Ontario: offers a variety of resources available to help school leaders, educators, parents and families provide support to students.
- Children’s Mental Health Ontario - a resource hub for teachers and parents/caregivers to support students experiencing mental health challenges.
- Black Youth Helpline - a nationwide multicultural helpline & services for children, youth, families, school boards & other youth serving organizations.
- Indigenous Hope for Wellness Help Line: offers 24/7 access to experienced and culturally competent counsellors and is available to all Indigenous people across Canada. 1-855-242-3310.
- One Stop Talk - for children and youth aged 17 and under to instantly connect with an Ontario-based registered therapist.
- Needhelpnow.ca - a resource for someone who has been negatively impacted by the sharing of an intimate or sexual image or has been sexually victimized online.
This information on this page provides general information about some of the services available for school-aged children and youth in Simcoe Muskoka. If you have specific questions, or you require urgent attention, seek assistance from a qualified professional.
Updated: August 18, 2025
