Skills Groups
These groups focus on building practical skills, self-awareness, and strategies to support everyday wellness and recovery.
- Food is Mood: A hands-on group where participants prepare and share a meal while exploring how nutrition, routine, and connection support mental health and overall wellness. (In-person only)
- Navigating Stress & Anxiety: Delivered in partnership with Support House’s Centre for Innovation in Peer Support, this group explores practical tools to manage stress and anxiety through peer-led discussion. (Virtual only)
- We Matter: Delivered in partnership with Support House’s Centre for Innovation in Peer Support, this group explores self-compassion, self-awareness, and self-worth through peer-led discssion. (Virtual only)
- Life Skills: A group that helps participants learn  practical strategies and resources to navigate daily life with confidence, independence and stability.Â
Support Groups
These groups provide a safe, structured space for connection, shared experience, and mutual support.
- Sharing Circle: A structured, peer-facilitated space where participants explore mental wellness, life experiences, and shared understanding through open dialogue. (Hybrid – virtual or in-person)
- Substance Use Recovery Sharing Circle: A structured, peer-facilitated space for individuals with lived and living experience of substance use health issues. Participants explore their relationship with substance use, share experiences, and build skills and connections that support their goals. (Hybrid – virtual or in-person)
- Recreation & Social Groups: These groups offer opportunities to connect, have fun, and build community in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Examples include: Open Mic,
Bingo,
Board Games / Cribbage / Ping Pong, and
Wellness Walks (In-person only)
Structured Groups
These groups follow a structured format using established tools and guided approaches to support wellness planning, self-awareness, and goal setting.
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP): A structured, peer-facilitated program that helps individuals identify what keeps them well and create personalized plans to support their wellness, manage challenges, and move toward their goals. (Hybrid – virtual or in-person)
- Holistic Arts Program: Delivered in partnership with Laurentian University, this structured 12-week program uses creative expression to support self-awareness, emotional wellness, confidence, and connection in a supportive group environment. (In-person only)
- COMING SOON – WRAP for Addictions: A WRAP program adapted for individuals living with substance use health issues, supporting participants to explore their wellness, build personalized plans, and identify strategies that support their goals. (Hybrid – virtual or in-person)
- COMING SOON – WRAP for Healthy Aging A WRAP program designed to support individuals as they navigate aging, focusing on wellness planning, life transitions, and maintaining connection and independence. (Hybrid – virtual or in-person)
- COMING SOON – WRAP for Re-Entry: A WRAP program designed to support individuals transitioning back into the community following involvement with the criminal justice system. The program focuses on wellness planning, stability, and building supports that promote successful re-entry. (Note: An interview with the NISA Justice Peer Support Worker is required prior to entry.) (Hybrid – virtual or in-person)
Creative Expression
These groups provide a safe, structured space for connection, shared experience, and mutual support.
- Artist’s Loft: The Artist’s Loft is a creative, peer-supported space where individuals of all skill levels can explore a variety of art forms, build skills, and express themselves in a welcoming environment. Participants have opportunities to create, learn new techniques, and share their work within NISA and the broader community. (In-person only)
- Warm Hearts, Warm Bodies: A creative, community-focused group where participants engage in meaningful activities such as crafting or creating items that support others, fostering connection, purpose, and giving back. (In-person only)
