SOY Youth

Primary Care

If you are a youth who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, two-spirited, intersex, queer, or questioning and need health services for LGBTQ related issues, we can help. Sherbourne’s LGBTQ primary healthcare team promotes health and wellness by addressing the specialized health issues of those who identify as LGBTQ in an open, safe, and welcoming environment.

Counselling

If you are a young adult going through a difficult time, you can get support at Sherbourne. All of our counsellors are LGBTQ positive (many identify as LGBTQ) and can help you work through challenging life issues to find practical solutions in an open, supportive environment.

Supporting Our Youth (SOY)

If you’re interested in connecting with other LGBTQ youth and participating in youth programs, the Supporting Our Youth (SOY) program may be of interest. SOY – a health program of Sherbourne Health – offers programs and activities for LGBTQ youth aimed at building an inclusive, welcoming community. SOY programs and activities include:

• Arts, social, cultural and recreational activities
• Mentoring
• Supportive housing programs
• Skill building and employment support
• Programs for specific populations – including newcomer/immigrant youth, black queer youth, youth of colour, bisexual youth, homeless and street-involved youth and trans youth

Fees

Counselling services and youth programs are free for individuals who cannot afford to obtain these services elsewhere. Groups and workshops are free unless otherwise stated.

Crisis

Sherbourne is not equipped as a crisis response unit. If you are in crisis, you can call one of the following 24-hour crisis lines:

• Gerstein Centre: (416) 929-5200
• Distress Centre: (416) 408-4357
• For confidential, free non-judgmental peer support, contact:
  LGBTQ Youthline: 1-800-268-9688 (Toll free) or (416) 962–9688 (Toronto)
  Open Sunday to Friday: 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.