Joint Media Release
211 Ontario and Family Service Ontario Announce $2.6 Million for New Men’s Helpline
Toronto, Ontario – June 12, 2025 – 211 Ontario and Family Service Ontario are pleased to announce a $2.6 million, two-year investment to launch a new provincial Men’s Helpline. This initiative will provide support and resources for men across Ontario who may be at risk of committing gender-based violence.
Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in partnership with the federal government under the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the initiative will develop and implement preventative and early intervention services to address the unique challenges men face. This will include:
- Men’s Helpline: A dedicated, non-judgmental helpline offering support for men in crisis or at risk of causing harm.
- Counselling: Specialized support for men who are at risk of, or have used, harmful behaviour – helping them break the cycle of violence in their relationships.
- Referrals to Community Supports: Alongside counselling through Family Service agencies across the province, 211 can connect men to community programs such as employment assistance, income support, food security and more. These services help reduce the stressors that can contribute to harmful behaviour.
“We are committed to improving access to services for men in Ontario,” said Karen Milligan, Executive Director of Ontario 211 Services. “This initiative will provide easy access to essential support and resources, helping men to navigate their journeys of healing and growth with confidence and care.”
Susan Somogyi, Chief Executive Officer of Family Service Ontario, added, “This is a crucial step in making help available for men who are ready to become better husbands and fathers, and to break the cycle of violence in their own families.”
“Our government’s investments in gender-based violence services are designed to ensure that every individual has access to the support they need”, says Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams. “This means not only providing critical resources for women who experience violence but also recognizing the importance of supporting men who are seeking help to break the cycle of violence in their own lives. A comprehensive and compassionate approach is essential to building safer, healthier communities across Ontario.
That is why I fully support the recent announcement from 211 Ontario and Family Service Ontario regarding the launch of a new Men’s Helpline. This province-wide service will provide men with access to professional support, resources, and referrals, helping them navigate challenges and take meaningful steps toward healing and positive change.”
211 Ontario partners and Family Service agencies in Ontario remain committed to supporting individuals and communities across the province. This new Men’s Helpline is a significant step forward in preventing gender-based violence through accessible and effective services. The Men’s Helpline will launch this Fall.
_______
For more information, please contact:
Ontario 211 Services
Karen Milligan, Executive Director (kmilligan@211ontario.ca)
Family Service Ontario
Susan Somogyi, CEO (ssomogyi@familyserviceontario.org