Sound Times

16+

Sound Times is a consumer/survivor initiative providing mental health and addiction services, supported by people who have experiential knowledge of the mental health, addiction and criminal justice systems. The support we provide is based on what a person thinks would be helpful to them and is offered in a respectful, capable and accepting manner. Our experiences inform our practice and many members of Sound Times find that getting assistance from fellow consumers and survivors results in a very different experience of “service.”

Services

Resource Centre

We will provide you with quality information and resources you can trust. Join us at the centre (location below) to be welcomed by a community of your peers and learn ways to build supports for yourself from members who have done it. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. We can assist you with:

  • Basic services and interventions – Finding resources for food, clothing, shelter, IDs etc. We are a naloxone distribution site.
  • Advocacy – We can advocate around ODSP, OW and CPP, negotiating accommodations, rental disputes, etc.
  • Access computers - work on your GED, prepare resumes, learn computer basics and more.
  • Activities, music, jokes and more.


Mental Health and Justice

We are here to serve your mental health and justice needs. If you are a consumer/survivor and you worry about getting arrested, you are currently facing charges, or you have had charges in the past year, you can come and talk to us about the kind of help you feel you need. You do not need a referral.


We focus on advocacy and supports for your needs. This service can provide:

  • Intensive Community Supports
  • The Toronto Mental Health and Justice Network
  • Services and Supports
  • Court and Custody-Based Mental Health Services
  • Mental Health Court Support and Diversion Services Release from Custody Services
  • Community Support Services
  • Specialized Supports for Individuals with Dual Diagnosis
  • Specialized Supports for Individuals with Concurrent Disorders


We don't have a waiting list. You are eligible if you have a mental health or addiction issue and criminal justice involvement. You can self refer. Referrals are accepted from any social service, hospital, Duty Council, the Private Bar, or criminal justice system staff. The referral form to be filled out by an agency worker can be found here.


Legal Services

The Legal Aid Project funded lawyer provides legal supports to clients with complex mental health issues through a case management approach in the in the following areas: immigration and refugee services, criminal, family and limited civil/administrative law matters. The project additionally provides high quality legal services to street-involved legal aid clients who are facing ‘street offences’ by providing them with representation at the Provincial Offences Court at Old City Hall. 


Medical Psychiatric Services

Members have access to a general practitioner and a psychiatrist on a flexible basis.


SMART Self Management and Recovery Training

SMART© (Self Management and Recovery Training) is a self-empowering addiction program based in the latest recovery research and powered by a world-wide mutual-help community. SMART Groups are held twice daily for those interested in participating (SMART is a best practice addiction recovery approach based in the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).

How to Apply

If you'd like to refer yourself or someone else to these services, please email contact@reconnect.on.ca or drop by and visit us (address below).

Location

Members Bill of Rights and Responsibility

Our Expectations


To take ownership of and responsibility for our environment – that the Sound Times Community may foster such elements as:

  • Friendship and compassion
  • Understanding and sensitivity
  • Encouragement
  • Respect and dignity
  • Equality
  • Honesty


To take ownership of and responsibility for ourselves – that Sound Times may be free of: 

  • Violence
  • Threats
  • Discrimination*
  • Harassment *
  • Substance abuse or intoxication
  • Abusive and/or aggressive behaviour

 

To help invest in the care and maintenance of Sound Times: 

  • To clean up after ourselves
  • To respect and share our communal property
  • To expect fair resolutions to conflict – including:
  • Self mediation – resolving problems among yourselves
  • Staff support
  • Members meetings for large issues
  • Appropriate consequences
  • Availability of appeals*


*Policies available on request.