The Sanctuary – Georgina Peer Support Drop-In
The Sanctuary is a low-barrier, peer-led drop-in space for individuals aged 16+ who are navigating mental health and/or substance use challenges, as well as their friends and family. This is a non-clinical, welcoming environment rooted in lived experience, connection, and community care.
See flyer:
https://krasmancentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/The-Sanctuary-Flyer-Updated-High-Res-2.png
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can attend The Sanctuary program?
Anyone over the age of 16 is welcome to attend.
What is it for?
It is a peer support-based program operated by and for people with lived experience of mental health and/or addiction challenges, their friends and family members.
What information do I have to provide?
The Sanctuary is a low-barrier drop-in program, meaning participants can share as much or as little information as they choose.
Do I need a referral from a doctor or other professional to access this program?
No, you do not need a referral from a 3rd party.
Do I need to apply to attend the program?
No, you do not need to apply to participate in the program.
Is anything required for me when I attend?
The only absolute requirement is that attendees adhere to the program’s Comfort Agreement. This agreement establishes that all who attend agree to respect one another and to maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for the program.
You do not require a diagnosis to attend the program.
Do I need to provide my Health Card information?
No, you do not need to provide health card information.
Do I need to be abstaining from substance use to attend the program?
No, you do not need to abstain from substance use in order to attend, but you must adhere to the Comfort Agreement for the program, and substance use is not permitted on site.
Is there an intake and/or assessment process I need to participate in?
No, this is a non—clinical space, and as such, there is no in-take or clinical assessment process.
Is there a waitlist to attend the program?
No, by design, there is no waitlist for this drop-in program.
When and where does the program operate?
Start Date – Friday, May 1, 2026 (six-month pilot program)
- Sutton Arena Hall: Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Ice Palace Multi-purpose room: Fridays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.(except: July 3, July 30, August 21 – on these days the program will run at Ice Palace Library)
- Ice Palace Library Program Room: July 3, July 30, August 21 at 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Are the facilities where The Sanctuary takes place fully accessible?
Yes, both the Ice Palace (Keswick) and Sutton Arena Hall are fully accessible for those with mobility challenges.
What public transportation options are available for me to access the program?
- Transit Assistance Program (TAP)
Provides discounted transit fares for eligible residents to make travel more affordable.
- myRide Travel Training
Offers personalized training to help riders learn how to use YRT services confidently and independently.
- On-Request 65+ Service
A flexible, on-demand transit option designed for riders aged 65 and older.
- On-Request North-Central Service
Provides convenient, on-demand transit service for residents in Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, King and Stouffville
Do I have to stay for the duration of the program?
You can attend as often or infrequently as you wish, and for as long or as short a time as you want.
What happens at The Sanctuary?
The program offers opportunities to:
- Connect with trained Peer Supporters
- To get support with navigating and connecting to the wider health care and social services systems in York Region, if needed.
- For participating in group-based social, recreational, arts/crafts activities.
- For participating in mental health and/or substance use health recovery education activities.
- Relax and engage in all that the peer recovery model has to offer.
Can I access therapy and/or counselling at The Sanctuary?
No, therapy or counselling is not accessible directly at the program. Peer Support is accessible at the program, which is a distinctly non-clinical form of support. If clinical counselling/therapy is requested by participants, the Peer Supporters can offer referrals/warm transfers to available services.
Will there be refreshments?
Light refreshments will be available (eg, coffee, tea, water, granola bars)
Meals are not provided at The Sanctuary.
Is the program confidential? Will records be kept?
You can attend confidentially if you choose, and your personal/personal health information will not be shared by the program without your consent.
You belong here. Come as you are.