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About Us

Who We Are

A non-profit mental health organization rooted in compassion, community, and dignity — serving the Peel Region since 1986.

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Our Vision

A World Where Mental Health Is A Right.

To provide accessible, compassionate, and culturally responsive mental health support, empowering individuals and communities to achieve resilience and well-being. Through collaboration with partners and people with lived experience, we deliver innovative programs, advocate for meaningful systemic change, and promote awareness that dismantles stigma while fostering hope.

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Our Mission

Empowering People To Thrive.

To lead change where mental health is valued, supported, and universally accessible, where individuals and communities are empowered to thrive, stigma is eliminated, and well-being is embraced as a fundamental human right.​

Image by Chang Duong

What Guides Us

Our Core Values

Compassion

We are committed to nurturing partnerships grounded in trust, respect, and a shared vision—especially with organizations that support Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, and other underserved communities. These collaborations are essential in reducing stigma, bridging service gaps, and cultivating thriving, inclusive communities for all.

Inclusion

We are committed to fostering a welcoming and accessible environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Inclusion means actively embracing the diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives of the people we serve, our staff, and our communities. We strive to identify and remove barriers to participation, challenge stigma and discrimination, and ensure that our programs, services, and organizational culture reflect and honor the richness of our communities. Inclusion is not only a value—it is essential to advancing mental health equity and meaningful impact.

Integrity

We act with honesty, accountability, and transparency in all that we do. Integrity means doing what is right, even when it is difficult, and honoring the trust placed in us by the individuals and communities we serve. Guided by ethical practices, sound governance, and a commitment to fairness, we strive to foster credibility, build meaningful relationships, and ensure our work remains true to our mission and values.

Collaboration

We believe that meaningful impact is achieved through collective effort. Collaboration is at the heart of how we build relationships—with clients, colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders. We cultivate a culture of shared learning, open communication, and mutual respect, recognizing that diverse voices and collective action strengthen and enhance mental health services. Through collaboration, we amplify our efforts, bridge gaps, and co-create solutions that reflect the needs and strengths of our communities.

Innovation

We embrace creativity and forward-thinking to improve mental health services and outcomes. Innovation means challenging the status quo, exploring new ideas, and remaining open to change. We encourage experimentation, value diverse perspectives, and apply evidence-informed approaches to design better solutions. By fostering a culture of innovation, we remain responsive to evolving community needs and drive positive transformation in the mental health sector.

Community

We believe that mental wellness is strengthened through connection, inclusion, and mutual support. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose by working alongside individuals, families, and communities. Through collaboration and engagement, we build trust, reduce stigma, and create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported in their mental health journey.

client-Led Since Day One

Ways Clients Shape Our Work

Social Rehabilitation means the people who use our services are in key decision-making positions. We believe you're the expert in your own recovery.

01

Social & Leisure

Clients regularly provide valuable feedback on the social and leisure activities and programs offered, helping to ensure they remain engaging, inclusive, and responsive to their needs. Through surveys, informal conversations, and participation reviews, clients share their experiences, preferences, and suggestions for improvement. This input guides the development of future programs, supports the introduction of new activities, and helps tailor offerings to better reflect client interests and abilities. By actively listening to client feedback, the organization fosters a collaborative environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered to shape their own social and recreational experiences.

02

Client Advisory Committee 

From an organizational perspective, the Client Advisory Committee serves as a key mechanism for gathering structured, meaningful feedback to guide the planning and delivery of social and leisure programs. The organization actively facilitates this committee to ensure diverse client representation and to create a consistent channel for input on program quality, accessibility, and relevance. Insights gathered through the committee inform decision-making, support continuous quality improvement, and help align services with client needs and preferences. By integrating feedback from the Client Advisory Committee into its overall strategy, the organization demonstrates a commitment to accountability, client-centered care, and the ongoing enhancement of social and recreational opportunities.

03

Client Co-Facilitator Opportunities

Clients may apply to become co-facilitators for activities and group programs within the organization. Co-facilitators support staff in creating safe, welcoming, and engaging spaces for participants. Training and mentorship are provided to help individuals develop facilitation and communication skills while gaining valuable experience contributing to the community.

04

Client Presentation Training Opportunities

Clients interested in developing public speaking skills may participate in presentation training opportunities within the organization. Presentation training is designed to help individuals build confidence in speaking, sharing ideas, and engaging with groups in supportive and meaningful ways. Participants may learn skills related to communication, facilitation, storytelling, advocacy, and delivering presentations in community or professional settings. Training, guidance, and ongoing support will be provided throughout the process. These opportunities aim to encourage personal growth, strengthen leadership skills, and support clients in sharing their knowledge and lived experience in a safe and empowering environment.

Hearts Behind The Work

Meet The Team

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Carrie Armstrong

Chief Executive Officer

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Karen McGavin

Director of Services

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Zenab Shamsi

Administrative Assistant

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Elizabeth Frimpong

Intake & Community Programs

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Deyandra Sinclair

Community Programs

(contract position)

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Sasha Seelall

Community Programs

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Carl Mann

Community Programs /

Peer Support

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Lea Joseph

Peer Support Specialist

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Students & Summer Staff

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General Inbox

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Guiding Our Mission​

Board  Of  Directors

Our Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, governance, and financial oversight to support the mission and long-term sustainability of Friends & Advocates Peel. Board members bring diverse professional, lived, and community experience to help guide our work in serving the community. 

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Baljit Sadhal,

Treasurer

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Lakhvir Sandhar,

Director

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Melissa Enmore,

Director

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Meeghan Murphy-Aitkenhead,

Director

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Edward Woodbine,

Director

Strategic Plan 2025–2028

Our Three Year Direction

Five priorities guide our growth over the next three years — building a stronger, more equitable, and more visible organization.

Partnerships

Community Partnerships

Enhance & expand collaborative relationships to improve access to mental health care & promote system integration.

Equity

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Embed DEI at every level — governance, policy, programming, and accountability reporting.

Quality

Quality Improvement

Enhance the effectiveness, responsiveness, & impact of programs & services through continuous QI.

Identity

Rebranding & Identity

New logo, website, and brand identity — launched across all platforms with stakeholder input.

Leadership

CEO Succession Planning

Develop a formal succession plan, mentor internal candidates, and establish interim protocols.

Diverse Hands Together
This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!

Frankie B.

This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!

Jesse N.

This is your Testimonial quote. Give your customers the stage to tell the world how great you are!

Jamie L.

Where We Serve

Three Communities Across Peel Region

Brampton   |   Main Office

Mississauga

North Etobicoke

Funded By

Our Funders And Partners

Our programs are made possible through ongoing funding from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, administered through Ontario Health. We appreciate their continued partnership in supporting access to social recreation and rehabilitation services within our community.

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Support Starts With A Conversation

Fill out the form to connect with our team and learn about support available through Friends & Advocates Peel.

Join The Community

We’re here to help you find the right support. Share your information below and a member of our team will be in touch.

Accreditation

Committed To Accountability And Impact

We are proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation (CCA), reflecting our commitment to quality services, accountability, and continuous improvement. Accreditation recognizes our dedication to meeting nationally recognized standards and providing meaningful support to the individuals and communities we serve.

 

View Our Certificate of Accreditation

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