resources for artists and makers

inspiration + information about the arts

social + mental health supports

Did you know that Mindful Makers was part of Northern Lights Collaborative?

Early 2023 we heard the unfortunate news that the funding Northern Lights Collaborative was accessing was no longer available. This was just as we were about to enter the final implementation phase of a multi-year project. A project that would have funded the development of a shared evaluation platform, and more, across the province. Please read our letter to learn more about recommendations to better support the youth sector and collective impact work. We encourage you to also use and share our community Public Folder that contains helpful resources for organizers as well as a learning document that shares more about our experience working together for greater impact.

arts-related resources

 

  • Media Arts Network of Ontario (MANO-RAMO)

  • ODSP Action Coalition: a province-wide coalition of community disability agencies, provincial organizations, anti-poverty groups, legal clinics and people with disabilities on ODSP. Their brochure (available in English and French) explains the exemption for arts grants received by people on ODSP, discusses other forms of income that artists may receive, and gives tips on dealing with possible problems.

  • (NEW) Studio 216: equipment and software available for (free) use at Brodie Street Library for a number of uses such as podcasting, blogging, audio/video producing: https://www.tbpl.ca/studio

local galleries

art appreciation & exhibition spaces

 

Coffee Shops & Eateries

  • Bay Village Coffee

  • Calico Coffee House

  • In Common

inspiration

 
 
 

social + mental health supports and resources

  • Alpha Court Adult Mental Health and Addiction Services: The Day Centre is currently closed, as well as their walk-in clinic. They are now offering a “call-in” or “virtual” support option. On call workers are available between 1-4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Individuals can leave a message at (807) 683-8200, and staff will call you back during on-call hours. Visit their website for a comprehensive list of mental health and addiction resources.

  • BounceBack Ontario: a free, guided self-help program with telephone coaching, workbooks and access to videos to help overcome mild-to-moderate anxiety or depression, feeling low, , worried, irritable or angry.

  • Canadian Drug Policy Coalition: advice for people who use substances (with illustrations) during Covid-19.

  • Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thunder Bay: 24/7 Crisis Response Line is available for youth and adults who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Thunder Bay: 807-346-8282        District / Toll-Free: 1-888-269-3100       Northwest Region: 1-866-888-8988.  Their Crisis Response Mobile Unit and Crisis Support Residence are currently suspended due to Covid-19, though should be up and running again soon (worth a call to find out). They continue to welcome new members.

  • Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU): family members of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) can access Ontario’s Family Information Liaison Unit for confidential, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and victim-centred assistance. Families of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls can access FILU services regardless of their participation in the federal inquiry. Staff are Indigenous community members and Liaison Units are located in Sudbury, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay and Toronto. Thunder Bay FILU: (807) 624-1879. If you do not live near FILU, call the team lead toll free: 1 (844)888-8610.

  • NEW : Free mental health counselling and support is now available daily across the city and District! A number of Mental Health agencies have come together to offer FREE talk/text/walk-in counselling services and supports. The eight participating agencies are: 

  • Alpha Court

  • Canadian Mental Health Association

  • Catholic Family Development Centre

  • Children’s Centre Thunder Bay

  • Dilico Anishinabek Family Care

  • North of Superior Counselling Programs

  • Our Kids Count

  • Thunder Bay Counselling

More info, including a downloadable services calendar: https://www.tbaycounselling.com/eight-agencies-tackle-urgent-mental-health-needs/

  • NEW: ConnexOntario; This online system navigation and information service can:

  • Provide information about counselling services and supports in your community

  • Listen, offer support and provide strategies to help you meet your goals

  • Provide basic education about mental health, drug, alcohol, and problem gambling treatment services

 

covid-19: information & resources

  • Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre has compiled a Covid-19 Survival Guide which they update regularly. Book an appointment to use their NEW COMPUTER SPACE (available 9:30am - 5pm Monday -Thursday): navigator@nwowc.org | (807)935-8042.

  • CMHA Thunder Bay has a  directory of several local, regional, provincial and national resources.

  • Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000. For medical advice, a free, confidential service. A Registered Nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

  • Covid 19 and Substance Use, harm reduction, online supports and resources.

  • The Black Legal Action Centre: resources and emergency measures

  • [NEW] Help stop the spread of COVID-19; how to self-isolate and how to care for someone with COVID-19: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-stop-spread#section-0

for artists and makers working during covid

 

  • Ontario Arts Council (OAC) Resource List and Updates.

  • Painted Turtle Art Shop is offering contactless curbside and delivery service. Send them an email and they will do their best to meet your needs. info@paintedturtleart.com

 

THANK YOU to the many members and partner organizations who assist with developing this “living list” of resources.

Have suggestions or something to add?
Let’s Connect: mindfulmakerscollective@gmail.com