Community Programs
The Gilbert Centreā€™s Community Programs provide low-barrier support, harm reduction services, peer connection, outreach, education, and affirming programming for people and communities across Simcoe Muskoka.
Our work is rooted in dignity, harm reduction, health equity, human rights, and the belief that people should be met where they are. We support people who use drugs, people living with or affected by HIV and Hep C, 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth and adults, gay, bisexual, queer, trans and two-spirit men, and community members who experience stigma, discrimination, isolation, or barriers to care.
Community Programs are designed to offer practical support, connection, information, and safer spaces, without judgment.
Drop-In, Outreach, and Harm Reduction
We provide low-barrier access to harm reduction supplies, safer sex supplies, naloxone kits, information, referrals, and community-based support.
Through drop-in and outreach services, staff connect with people in ways that are practical, respectful, and responsive to their needs. This may include support with supplies, service navigation, safety planning, referrals, or connection to other Gilbert Centre programs and community partners.
Queer & Trans Youth Programming
We offer affirming programming, connection, resources, and support for 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth and those who care about them.
Our youth programming creates opportunities for young people to connect with peers, access support, build community, and participate in safer spaces where their identities are respected and celebrated.
Gay Menā€™s Sexual Health
Our Gay Menā€™s Sexual Health programming supports gay, bisexual, queer, trans, and two-spirit men through sexual health education, outreach, safer sex supplies, social connection, referrals, and links to testing and clinical services.
This work is sex-positive, affirming, and grounded in reducing stigma around HIV, STBBIs, pleasure, identity, and care.
Community Education & Presentations
The Gilbert Centre provides education, presentations, and community engagement opportunities related to HIV, Hep C, harm reduction, 2S-LGBTQIA+ inclusion, sexual health, stigma, and safer communities.
Community education can help service providers, schools, organizations, and community groups better understand the people and communities we serve.
Who We Support
Community Programs may be a fit for:
- people who use drugs;
- people seeking harm reduction supplies or information;
- people living with or affected by HIV or Hep C;
- 2S-LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, families, and communities;
- gay, bisexual, queer, trans, and two-spirit men;
- people looking for safer sex supplies or sexual health information;
- people experiencing stigma, discrimination, isolation, or barriers to services;
- community partners looking to connect someone with support;
- organizations seeking education or presentation opportunities.
You do not need to know exactly which program you need before reaching out. If you are unsure where to start, contact us and we will help connect you with the right person or service.
What to Expect
When you connect with Community Programs, you can expect:
- respectful and non-judgmental support;
- staff who will listen and help identify next steps;
- information about available services and referrals;
- access to supplies, where available;
support that honours your privacy and dignity; - connection to other Gilbert Centre programs when appropriate.
Some services may depend on staff availability, program schedules, funding, eligibility, or supply levels. If we cannot provide what you need directly, we will do our best to help connect you with another service or community partner.
Community Programs are not an emergency or crisis response service. We do not provide 24/7 crisis support, emergency medical care, housing placement, legal representation, or long-term counselling. We may be able to provide information, referrals, system navigation, or connection to other services.
