Your new waste collection schedules will be delivered between late October and early November.
In the meantime, you can view your schedule online or pick it up at City facilities.
The official website for the City of London, Ontario
If you are in crisis and need immediate support, the 24/7 Canadian Mental Health “Reach out crisis line” is available at 519-433-2023 or in person at 648 Huron Street, London. The Suicide Crisis Helpline is 9-8-8.
Everyone Needs Backup is focused on opening up conversations and raising awareness about the need to prioritize mental health in our ranks and connecting those experiencing mental health challenges with support resources. We want to make sure every employee of the London Fire Department knows they are not alone.
The Psychological Trauma and Stress Systems (PTSS) Lab provides a variety of anonymous, online mental health screening tools are available using the link above. Importantly, these tools are not monitored or recorded.
Using the screening tools lets you compare your responses to previously published responses from the general population or other public safety personnel.
These tools do not provide a diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a qualified health professional after a complete evaluation.
The Peer Support Team consists of London Fire Department employees who are trained to assist peers who encounter a traumatic event or personal challenge. This includes assisting peers by acknowledging the challenge and their reactions to it, helping them understand that what they are thinking, or feeling is a normal reaction after an abnormal event, that what they are going through now will slowly get better, there are things they can do help work through it, and that there are resources available if needed to assist them. All matters are kept in strict confidence.
When requested, professional counselling and follow-up intervention will be provided through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fire Assist Program, or referral to a clinician with specialized training in post-traumatic intervention.
If you require the assistance of a team member or follow up intervention, contact Team Coordinator Jason Rouse at (519) 719-1736, Alternative Coordinator Jason Carter at (519) 525-8842 or any team member.
Phone numbers for PST members are posted on station and divisional boards.
A Platoon
B Platoon
C Platoon
D Platoon
Communications
Fire Prevention
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available free of charge, 7 days a week, 24-hours a day to provide you or any immediate family members with support to resolve personal and work-related issues including:
Services are available by phone, by email, in person, and online through a live chat.
To book an appointment or to help determine what services or options are best suited to your needs, call toll-free 1-844-880-9142. To access a variety of resources, tools and, including e-counselling, visit: one.telushealth.com enter username “col”, password “COL”
There is also an app available. Download at App Store or Google Play by simply searching “TELUS Health One”. Open the app and click on “log in” and enter the following: username: col, password: COL.
(Please note, passwords are case sensitive)
The City of London Return to Work Services Team is available to discuss any question you may have regarding the resources and support available to support you. This includes assisting with:
You can reach any member of the Return-to-Work Services Team x5801.
LFD has a preferred provider relationship with Homewood Health Center for anyone that requires residential treatment related to post traumatic stress disorder, substance use, or other mental health related illnesses. Anyone requiring the services of Homewood Health can submit their information directly to Homewood Health - Admission Forms or reach out to a member of the Peer Support/Team, Assistant Deputy Chief Ceilidh Boyd at x 5621 or Return to Work Services at x 5801.
Do you prefer to get your wellness information through videos, articles or live chat? Life Speak is an online wellness resource that LFD employees and their families can access anytime, day or night. It includes:
Visit LifeSpeak and use ‘col’ to log in.
The Fire Assist Program is available free of charge and is designed to help individuals affected by trauma by providing confidential access to specialized care (psychotherapists, social workers) to treat and build resiliency through a network of services and resources. To use the Fire Assist Program, reach out to a PST member, Assistant Deputy Chief Ceilidh Boyd at x5621 or Return to Work Services at x5801.
A Fire Chaplain can assist employees and their families in times of crisis and to support them with their spiritual needs. The Chaplain is responsible for providing non-denominational religious, spiritual, and emotional support to LFD employees and their families. While Chaplains are not generally licensed counsellors, they are prepared to help people with various life challenges related to work, family, substance abuse, and grief.
You can reach the Fire Chaplains, Father John Comiskey at 519-476-1542 or Rev. Frank Roe at 519-860-8882.
Psychological Services - $3,500 per benefit year. The benefit year is January 1 to December 31 and there is a hard reset at the start of each year. This includes services provided by a registered psychologist, psychoanalyst, psychotherapist, master of social work, marriage and/or family therapist, or clinical counsellor.
Paramedical Services - $2,000 in any 12 months combined for services of a chiropractor, massage therapist, speech pathologist, physiotherapist, and surgical stockings. This is based on a 12-month period not a January 1 to Dec 31 period as Psychological Services are.
For specifics, refer to the Collective Agreement. If you have any questions, regarding your benefit coverage contact Manulife at 1-800-268-6195.
The individuals included here have been identified by the London Fire Department and the Peer Support Team as those with specific expertise in trauma and complex grief counselling. Employees should check their benefits (Manulife at 1-800-268-6195) to determine coverage for the services listed.
If you have questions about what services you need, please reach out to your PST or ADC Boyd and we will help connect you with the right person.
266 Oxford Street East Unit 303, London
(519) 630-8233
https://phillipspsychotherapy.ca
Rincy@phillipspsychotherapy.ca
Marsha@phillipspsychotherapy.ca
Natalia@phillipspsychotherapy.ca
Castillo Counselling & Associates provides evidence-based counselling in Sarnia, virtual psychotherapy across Ontario, and specialized mental health services.
2057 Lakeshore Road, Sarnia, Ontario
(226) 246-4669
https://castillocounselling.ca
Heal Traumas is a Trauma Healing Organization on a mission to change lives. We offer people quick and accessible services to meet their needs and help them heal from overwhelming experiences.
Cambridge, Ontario
(519) 774-6622
Ways to Wellbeing Cambridge, Ontario
(519) 774-6622
Archways Centre for CBT is a private psychology clinic dedicated to using evidence-based therapies grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapies (CBT) to help adults, adolescents, and children improve their lives.
460 Springbank Drive, Suite 205, London
(519) 472-6612
https://www.archways.ca/team/jerrica-hunter
519-870-5592
226-756-0127
119 Wortley Road Suite #4, London
(519) 200-5763
We bring energy, compassion, and advanced practice skills to therapeutic services that nurture our client’s innate capacity to heal, grow and overcome trauma, loss and social challenges. Our developmentally sensitive, state-of-the-art methods are informed by trauma and attachment theories and support our clients to experience enduring change.
335 Wellington Road, London ON
(519) 936-0108
190 Wortley Road Unit 215, London
(519) 494-9551
www.carolyncarriercounselling.com
Carolyn@carolyncarriercounselling.com
519-494-9551
info@carolyncarriercounselling.com
Available Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Experience compassionate support in trauma therapy and counselling for individuals of all ages in a safe environment.
204A, 219 Oxford St W, London, ON N6H 2B8
(519) 472-5366
North Counselling is a diverse team of trusted clinicians offering counselling and psychotherapy services to adults, teens and kids suffering from anxiety, depression, grief, emotional struggles and trauma. We also provide specialized services for First Responders, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans.
119 Wortley Road Unit #7, London
(519) 200-4376
Your Life. Your Healing. Your Terms
Being Human Is Hard. Getting Help Shouldn’t Be. Straightforward, compassionate virtual and in person therapy for real life
291 King Street, Suite 103, London
(519) 639-4698
291 King Street, Suite 103, London
(519) 639-4698
Here for You When You Need A Soft Place to Land
18 Becher St, London, Ontario
(519) 913-3201
A haven for transformative healing and growth, specializing in relationship-focused psychotherapy
Suite 200 -190 Wortley Road, London, ON N6C 4V7
Cell: (519) 280-3480
Empowering all people everywhere to live their healthiest lives.
111 Waterloo Street, Suite 508, London ON
226-777-7702
521 Colborne Street London, On, N6B 2B7
490 Oxford Street East London, On, N5Y 3H7
(226) 781-4104
www.risinginsightcounselling.com
London South - 111 Waterloo St. London, ON, N6B 2M2 Suite #309
London North - 230 Victoria St. London, ON N6A 2C2 Suite #121
226-212-8272
4-141 Wortley Road, London
519-630-8073
186 Albert Street, Suite 305, London, Ontario
(519) 432-6200
15 Main Street N, Forest
(519) 673-8542
drmeek@lambtonshorespsychology.ca
www.lambtonshorespsychology.ca
1135 Adelaide St North, Suite 103 London ON N5Y 4K7
(226) 766-0551
https://londontherapycollective.ca
642 Waterloo Street, London
Unit A - 309 Commissioners Rd West
London, ON, N6J 1Y4
519-639-7136
PO Box 51024 Stoneybrook RO, London
(519) 494-4320
https://forestcitypsych.ca/our-staff
190 Wortley Road, Suite 215, London
(519) 694-4189
erin@drerinross.com
https://drerinross.com/about-erin/
450 Central Ave, Suite 405, London
(519) 858-0491
22 Liverpool Street, Guelph, ON
100 Regina Street, Waterloo, ON
(519) 265-7734
10927 Oxbow Drive, Komoka
(519) 204-1806
https://ca.linkedin.com/in/dr-charles-nelson-3629bb28
513 Princess Avenue, London, Ontario
(519) 673-4091
37 Ridout Street, London, ON, N6C 3W7
519-317-2966
St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital
189 Elm Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5R 5C4
Phone: 519-637-0511 x 1
Fax: (519) 913-4045
katrina.fenicky@stegh.on.ca (for clinician and referee use only)
Note: A referral from any MD (family doctor, walk-in doctor or MD specialist) or Nurse Practitioner is required
London, ON
506-975-1393
510 Southdale Road, Suite 302 London, ON N6E 0B2
(226)-605-0664
519-282-2958
865 Florence St. London ON N5W 6G6
1 Tunks lane, Komoka, On
519-601-5522
1510 Woodcock St. Unit 1
London, Ontario N6H 5S1
www.reactivephysio.com
Reactive Physiotherapy has been a preferred provider for LFD employees for many years, offering timely access to care with the privacy of individual treatment rooms and extended hours designed to accommodate shift schedules. Our team understands the demands of the fire service and is committed to getting members healthy and back to duty with confidence.
Services available to LFD members:
The London Fire Department is looking to expand their offerings of Discounted Fitness Memberships. Below is the list of LFD Discounted Fitness Memberships to date.
GoodLife Fitness
Information on how to register for this discount can be found by clicking on the following GoodLife Fitness Information and GoodLife Unique Identifier information. Click on the following link to assess FAQs
Damian Warner
Click here for information on the corporate discount.
Crunch Fitness
Click here for information on the corporate discount.
LFD has partnered with HALEO, a well‑recognized organization, to provide sleep programs addressing insomnia, nightmares, and shift‑work‑related sleep issues.
If you’re having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early, this program might be the solution for you. Evaluate your sleep for free. Your first pre‑consultation call is also free. HALEO programs are covered under your psychological benefits, within your annual maximum.
How can HALEO help you achieve healthy sleeping?
Find out more about this partnership by clicking the button below. HALEO programs are covered under your psychological benefits, within your annual maximum.
As a result of your position within the London Fire Department, you may through the course of your duties, be exposed to a combination of hazardous substances. The London Fire Department and the Joint Health and Safety Committee have attempted to minimize these risks where possible using industry recognized personal protective equipment, education, and training, as well as the implementation of operational policies and procedures.
Given the nature of your work, you are encouraged to review the Firefighter Medical Screening Recommendation Letter with your health care provider. As part of your annual physical, your Attending Physician may wish to include some, or all, of the testing outlined. Please note the London Fire Department, or Joint Health and Safety Committee do not require the results of this testing and will not be responsible for any costs associated with this testing.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this process, do not hesitate to contact your Joint Health and Safety Representative.
Wounded Warriors Canada is a mental health service provider that provides a range of clinically facilitated programs specifically developed to support the unique needs of first responders, and their families. Wounded Warrior Canada provides treatment programs at no charge for those impacted by trauma, as well as programs for couples, spouses, surviving spouses, and children of those who serve or have served our country and communities. For further information please visit their website at https://woundedwarriors.ca or contact them at 1-888-706-4808 or via email info@woundedwarriors.ca.
Anonymous on-demand, stigma-free resources for public safety personnel and their families
24/7 access to mental health resources for trauma and operation stress specifically designed for trauma-exposed public safety personnel in Ontario.
Boots on the Ground is an organization that provides anonymous peer support for first responders by first responders, as well as community supports and online tools. Their website Boots on the Ground provides information on therapists in your areas that may be helpful. If you wish to speak to a peer supporter from Boots on the Ground, wish to discuss resources in your community (psychologist, psychotherapist, social worker) or access any of their resources, you can reach Boots on the Ground at 1-833-677-2668. Anonymous peer support is just a phone call away.
Mind Beacon is an organization that is committed to providing mental health care through a secure virtual mental health clinic delivered by licensed professionals. This includes guided cognitive behavioral programs. This is free for first responders. Visit their website at www.mindbeacon.com for more information or to book a video or phone session with a therapist.
This association is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals, as well as bringing together society at large to form an ocean of compassion, awareness, knowledge, and tools necessary for recovery. Visit their website at www.ptsdassociation.com to take one of their self-assessments or learn more about PTSD.
Call or text 9-8-8 to access 24/7 mental health and suicide prevention support. Trained crisis responders are available to listen, provide support, and create a safe space for you to talk.
Connex Ontario offers free, confidential health services information for LFD employees and their families facing challenges related to mental health, alcohol and drug use, or gambling. Available 24/7, Connex Ontario connects you with services in your area.
Call 1-866-531-2600
Text: “CONNEX” to 247247
Addiction Services provides assessment, treatment planning, and referrals for alcohol, drugs, internet and gaming issues, and problem gambling. Walk-in intake services and rapid access addiction medicine clinics are also available.
Call 519-673-3242
The Kids Help Phone provides young individuals with resources to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It offers guidance on personal well-being and provides immediate, confidential support 24/7, including access to trained crisis responders in urgent situations.
Call 1-800-668-6868
Text 686868
211 is a free, confidential service connecting people to essential social and community support resources. Whether facing emergencies, financial challenges, or other needs, 211 can help with a wide range of situations, including:
Call 211 or Text 211
The London Fire Department has an active Occupational Health and Safety Committee that consists of five elected members from the LPFFA as well as three members of Fire Administration. The committee engages in various health and safety initiatives and monitors the Occupational Health and Safety Program. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the safety of your workplace, reach out to Firefighter Ryan Zammit at 519-617-3104 or Assistant Deputy Chief Ceilidh Boyd at x5621.
The LPFFA is an Association of over four hundred Fire Department members. Officers of the Executive Board are available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance and support to all members and their families during times of personal need, or to assist with the experience of exposure to traumatic incidents. The LPFFA works in cooperation with the employer and community resources to help provide assistance and direction toward the appropriate supports. The objective of the LPFFA is to help minimize the impact of psychological trauma members and their families may experience throughout the years of commitment to the Fire Service. The LPFFA shares in the effort to accelerate normal recovery to abnormal events, some of which are unique to Fire Department employees.
If you require any assistance, reach out to Corey Thompson at 519-852-3903 or any Officer of the LPFFA board.
Determining how to best start a conversation about a person’s health can be challenging, however you do not need to be a health expert to help someone in distress. Having a conversation is the best way to start breaking down barriers. Here are some suggestions on how to reach out to someone you are concerned about.
Reach out - Ask how the person is doing. Let them know that you have been thinking about them. Be specific about what is concerning you (for example, I have noticed you been more withdrawn lately. Is everything okay? Do you want to talk? I am worried about you?)
Listen – Listening to them and giving them a space to be heard is often one of the best things you can do for someone who is facing a health challenge. It is our tendency to jump to problem solving when we want to help but slowing down and just being with the person gives the person a chance to feel connected and think about what would be most helpful for them.
Offer support - Be compassionate. If a person’s behavior is out of character, it may mean that a person is experiencing a health problem or that they are under some other kind of stress. A comment like “just relax” or “you’ll get over it” can come across as judgmental. Instead show the person that you are there to offer support (for example, that sounds hard, is there anything I can do to help, thank you for sharing with me).
Common treatments for trauma include psychotherapy and often some sort of pharmaceutical support. Having a psychotherapist that you connect with and trust is key to this process. Treatments include:
Being on a “mental health continuum” in the fire service refers to the range of mental health states one may experience throughout their career. It recognizes that mental health fluctuates, from wellness and resilience to stress, burnout, or mental health struggles like PTSD and anxiety. The continuum highlights the importance of awareness and support, acknowledging that those in the fire service can face mental health challenges just like anyone else. Proper resources, counseling, and peer support are essential to help those in the fire service maintain good mental health and prevent crisis.
If you have any questions, concerns regarding any of the services or ever find yourself or a family member in need of help, please reach out to Assistant Deputy Chief Ceilidh Boyd at 519-619-8836 or X5621 or (382) 577-1908.