Our Services
Counselling
New Start offers free individual and group counselling for those who have used abuse or violence within their relationships, and counselling for partners/former partners of clients. Our program is informed by narrative therapy and “Safety & Repair”, a three-phase approach to addressing trauma, gender-based violence and intimate partner violence. We welcome self-referrals, and referrals from other service providers, and provide services to individuals engaged with the Domestic Violence Court.
Social Work Services
New Start offers community social work services that are tailored to the needs of each client in an effort to offer wraparound support and connection with appropriate resources.
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Your first appointment with one of our community social workers will likely include a Needs Assessment. This is voluntary and may include questions about housing, food security, parenting and family dynamics, access to healthcare and other supports. Our social workers offer resource navigation and advocacy, as well as psychoeducation and group programming. Topics/programs may include Empowering Fathers, Exploring Trauma+, Emotional Regulation, Caring Dads and more.
Fatherhood Matters
Our Fatherhood Matters team provides programming and services for fathers, father figures, and their families, to support parenting, positive family relationships, and child development. This includes one-on-one parenting support, group programming, peer support groups and other community events.
Your first conversation with the Fatherhood Matters team is an opportunity to discuss your parenting goals and how we can support you. If you would like to access one-on-one support, there is a brief intake to complete. The Fatherhood Matters team can also provide information about upcoming programs, such as Dads Group, Adventure Club, and Cooperative Coparenting.
Pathways to Healing
The Pathways to Healing project is dedicated to supporting individuals recovering from abuse or violence in intimate partner relationships through the provision of individual counselling, group counselling, and holistic programming. The project provides opportunities and resources to support healing from trauma in a community environment, including a monthly yoga practice. Pathways to Healing is currently funded until April 2026.
Cooperative Co-Parenting Through Separation or Divorce
The “Cooperative Co-Parenting Through Separation or Divorce” program is designed to support separated or divorced parents in fostering and maintaining healthy parental relationships with both each other and their children. New Start regularly offers Cooperative Coparenting groups, both in house and in partnership with community organizations. This program is funded until March 2028 by the Department of Justice Canada.