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Interested in Becoming a Tour Guide?
The role of a volunteer tour guide can be an enjoyable way of learning about Ontario Shores and teaching others about the organization. It allows you to demonstrate volunteerism in your community, to experience new situations and to enhance your knowledge of mental health. How to Become a Tour Guide... -
Volunteer Q and A
How do I start this process? The application is online. Just fill it out and submit it. We will email you back the information needed for next steps as well as a letter for a police check reduced rate. Where do I go to get a police check? Durham Region Police headquarters is located at 605 Rossland... -
Vendor Days
Volunteer Services brings a wide variety of merchants to Ontario Shores throughout the year offering clothing, jewellery, gifts and accessories at great prices. Regular Vendor Days Vendor days are announced through internal newsletters as well as flyers posted throughout the hospital and are only at... -
Volunteer of the Year
In 2010, Volunteer Services introduced two new awards to recognize volunteers for their outstanding involvement: the Volunteer of the Year Award and the Student Volunteer of the Year Award. In 2012, a third special award was introduced, the Staff GEM of the Year Award, which recognizes staff for... -
What is involved in being a volunteer?
Your job as a volunteer is to be yourself and to share some of your time with others who need your understanding and compassion. It is important that you are willing to accept patients as equals as well as training and supervision from staff. Partnership with staff is an important part of being a... -
Other Service Providers in Ontario
Quick Jump Menu: Mental Health Programs Community Programs Counselling Services Adolescents/Youth Seniors Women Family First Nations Vocational Skills and Training Addictions Support Groups and Programs Addictions Treatment and Recovery In-Hospital Mental Health Programs and Services Hospitals... -
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in being a part of this incredible team of enthusiastic individuals? Follow this link to learn more about the application process. Please note that all of our volunteer opportunities require that individuals feel confident to participate without direct supervision or support. We... -
Benefits of Volunteering
Are you interested in being a part of this incredible team of enthusiastic individuals? Volunteering at Ontario Shores provides opportunities to gain awareness and experience in a specialized mental health facility that focuses on recovery through specialized treatment, education, advocacy and... -
For the Media
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is committed to accurate and timely information to the media. However, we must strike a delicate balance between the media's interest and our responsibility to safeguard the patients' right to privacy and confidentiality, especially... -
How do I become a volunteer?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores). Please note there is currently a wait list for volunteers. While we encourage everyone to apply, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Step One: Submit Application and... -
Navigating the Mental Health Care System in Ontario
Navigating the mental health care system in Ontario can sometimes be challenging, particularly in areas with limited services. Ontario Shores has support systems in place to help individuals, families, physicians and hospitals access suitable and timely mental health care for people touched by... -
Accessibility
Ontario Shores has a tradition of providing mental health care that is based on the principles of acceptance and inclusion. We apply those same principles towards accessibility to ensure patients, staff, families and guests with disabilities feel accepted and included. We are committed to improving... -
Mental Health Speakers Bureau
Several Ontario Shores employees and ambassadors are available to speak to the media, the general public, and professionals on a variety of topics related to mental health, including treatment, research, education, programs, and public policy. Please contact us if you are looking for a spokesperson... -
Volunteer
Volunteers at Ontario Shores provide a vital community link for patients. They inspire hope, enhance patient self-esteem, help eliminate stigma, and improve the quality of life for patients by sharing their time, knowledge, and generous hearts. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and... -
Katelyn - Volunteer
Katelyn was on a journey of discovery and seeking meaningful ways to give back and share hope with others. Katelyn has been an active part of the volunteer community here at Ontario Shores and sharing her gift of time, positive energy and uplifting words of encouragement in our gift shop, library... -
Allan Smith
Volunteering has always been something I have wanted to get involved with. Both of my parents volunteered in the community when I was growing up. My brother, sister and wife have also found time to help pay back to the community with volunteer work. Now that I am retired, and have lots of free time... -
Willow and Aspen
Meet the dynamic duo of Willow and her beloved golden retriever Aspyn. The two have been volunteering at Ontario Shores since 2017 and have contributed hundreds of hours. Volunteering originally started as a way for Willow and Aspyn to spend time together and give back but it soon become something... -
Why Does a Patient Go Missing?
It is heartbreaking to monitor social media when a patient from Ontario Shores goes missing and the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) post a media release in an effort to inform the public and safely return the individual to hospital. I understand why the public must be alerted and the... -
#NVW2021 - 'I lost someone so important to me to mental illness'
I began volunteering at Ontario Shores nine years after overcoming a very difficult period in my life: my father’s suicide. I decided that following his tragedy, this would be a great way to give back to others struggling with mental illness. My father was the type of man who would never ask for... -
#NVW2021 - 'I am making a difference in the lives of people who struggle with mental illness'
I joined the volunteer team at Ontario Shores without realizing how impactful the experience would be on my personal life. I began volunteering during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Gift Shop, Drop-in Centre and at Coffee Hour. The pandemic has had an impact on my own mental health due to the social... -
#NVW2021 - 'I can continue to encourage others to share their story'
I began volunteering at Ontario Shores three years ago without any clear goals of where I wanted to end up or what area I would fit best in. Eventually, I began volunteering in Recovery College which focuses on providing education about mental illness, treatment, passion, hope and meaning. This is... -
#NVW2021 - Volunteering Has Helped with Grief Over Lost Son
My journey with Ontario Shores began eight years ago when my son was admitted after struggling with mental health problems. Shane took his own life just one year later. I was searching for ways to show my compassion for others dealing with mental illness. I decided that the only way to move forward... -
#NVW2021 - 'The Experience Meant the World to Me'
Many people choose to volunteer to give back to a cause or organization that has a personal meaning for them and this is especially true for me. In 2014 I realized that I was not dealing well with my mental health and decided to get help for the depression and social anxiety I was dealing with... -
Carrie Fisher - Advocate for People Living with Mental Illness
As an almost 40-year-old male, I vividly recall the time in history when Princess Leia was a very big deal. The character played by actress Carrie Fisher in the iconic Star Wars films of the 1970s and 80s instantly brings images of beauty, grace, humour and strength to the forefront. As a young boy...