Inside the Circle – October 21, 2025

If you have not already, please take a few minutes to fill out the Global Workforce Survey. This survey gives you the chance to share your thoughts about your workplace. Your answers will help us understand what is going well and what we can make better.

The survey is anonymous (your name will not be shared). Thank you in advance for your participation!

Please complete the survey by October 31, 2025. 

Subway – Lines 1 and 2

• When: Throughout October
• TTC Changes: There may be early-weeknight closures (shuttle buses will run) and full weekend closures between Kipling and Islington stations (Line 2), St. George and Woodbine stations (Line 2), and Finch and Eglinton stations (Line 1 – Yonge/University).

To keep you, the client, and their pets safe, please follow these rules:

• Before the visit starts, ask the client or caregiver to put all pets in another room with the door closed or in a crate.
• You do not have to touch or move any pets.
• If the pets are not secured, you can say no to entering the home. (Call your supervisor right away.)
• If you are bitten, scratched, or see aggressive behaviour, report it immediately using the incident reporting process.

For more information:

• Pet Policy
• Incident and Hazard Reporting Policy

Try these easy tips to feel better during and after work: 

During Work

• Wear good shoes.
• Take stretch breaks: Try leg stretches or ankle circles.
• Drink water throughout the day. 
• Eat healthy snacks.

After Work

• Put your feet up: Raise your legs to reduce swelling.
• Massage sore spots: Try massaging legs and feet. 
• Get good sleep: Try for 7–9 hours of sleep. Sleep helps your body recover.

It’s always a good time to talk about mental health. There are many free resources, help centres, and crisis phone numbers available if you need support, want to connect with your community, or learn more.

You can find free resources below:

Emergency & Help Lines

If you or someone you know needs urgent help, you can call these numbers anytime (24/7):

• Toronto Community Crisis Service: Call 211
• National Suicide Crisis Line: Call or text 988
• Kids Help Phone: Call 1-800-668-6868
• Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: Call 416-408-4357
• Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-330-6366

Community & Self-Help Support

These places can help you find support and meet people:

• FindHelp 211: Connects you with local programs and services.
• Mood Disorders Association of Ontario: Support from people who have similar experiences.
• Routes & Progress Place: Social groups where you can meet others and feel included.

Learn More & Find Other Resources

These links can help you learn about mental health and support others who may be struggling:

• CAMH Mental Health 101: Free online courses to learn about mental health.
• Strides Toronto: Tips to support children and youth.
• CMHA Toronto Resource Directory: Free or low-cost services in the city.
• ARE YOU OKAY?: Simple steps to start caring conversations with someone who may need help.

We are celebrating Healthy Workplace Month! This is a great time to try small habits that help take care of your body and mind. To support you, there are free wellness sessions and short fitness classes from GoodLife Fitness available to watch anytime before October 31, 2025. Let’s stay healthy together!

Wellness Sessions (30 Minutes Each – Click on the title to watch!)

• The Habit Formula: Learn how to create healthy habits that are easy to add to your daily routine.
• Biohack Your Best Life: Try simple, science-based tips to sleep better, reduce stress, and eat healthier.
• Eat Well, Spend Less, Waste Nothing: Find easy ways to cook healthy meals, save money, and waste less food.

Fitness Classes

• Low Impact Strength: Easy exercises that are gentle on your joints. Helps you feel stronger and stand tall.
• Yoga and Meditation: Move your body and focus on breathing to help you relax and feel calm.
• Dance: Fun, easy dance moves to music. No experience needed!
  
• 10-Minute Stretch: A short stretch to help you move better and focus more during your day.

Everyone who signs up will also be entered into a draw to win one of seven Everything Card gift cards valued at $100.

How to Join

1. Click on the session title you would like to join above.
2. Sign up (You will be asked to enter your name, email, and then select Circle of Care.)
3. Watch anytime before October 31.

When seasons change and the days get shorter, some people feel sad or tired. This is common. For some, it could be a condition called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you notice changes in your mood, energy, or sleep, you are not alone. Many people feel this way in fall and winter.

Remember: you can get help, and you don’t have to feel this way alone.

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.

To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

High Five for PSW Ronnel Buenaventura

I am very happy with the great job Ronnel does providing care for me. He is always dependable and kind.

High Five for PSW Graciel Dizon

Graciel has been great with me and always follows my Care Plan. She is so genuine, thoughtful, and caring.

High Five for PSW Erlinda Mando

I am very happy with the great job Erlinda does. She is nice, wonderful, and fantastic!

High Five for PSW Nakeisha Johnson

Nakeisha is nice, compassionate, caring, and always so helpful. She really makes a difference in my day.

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.