Drop-In, Outreach & Harm Reduction
The Gilbert Centre provides low-barrier drop-in, outreach, and harm reduction supports for people and communities across Simcoe Muskoka. Our harm reduction work is grounded in dignity, compassion, autonomy, and respect. We meet people where they are and support people to make choices that are right for them. We provide safer drug use supplies, safer sex supplies, naloxone kits, information, referrals, and connection to other supports, without judgment.
Drop-In Services
Drop-in support provides a low-barrier way to connect with the Gilbert Centre.
People may visit drop-in to access supplies, ask questions, connect with staff, receive referrals, or learn more about available programs and services.
You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. If you are unsure what support you need, staff can help you identify next steps.
Outreach Support
Outreach allows Gilbert Centre staff to connect with people and communities outside of our office location.
Outreach may include harm reduction supply distribution, community check-ins, education, referrals, connection to services, and relationship-building with people who may experience barriers to accessing office-based supports.
Outreach is shaped by community needs, staff capacity, safety considerations, and available resources.
What You CanĀ Expect
When you connect with our Drop-In, Outreach & Harm Reduction services, we will not shame, pressure, or require you to make changes you are not ready to make. Our role is to support safety, dignity, connection, and access.Ā You do not need a diagnosis, referral, health card, or appointment to access harm reduction supports.
Safer Sex and Harm Reduction Supplies
Harm reduction supplies help reduce harms, support safer practices, and save lives.
Depending on availability, supplies may include items such as:
- sterile drug use supplies (smoking and injection);
- safer sex supplies (condoms, lubricant, and referrals);
- naloxone kits;
- sharps containers;
- health and safety information.
We provide supplies in a non-judgmental way. You do not need to stop using substances to access harm reduction support.
What We Do Not Provide
Drop-In, Outreach & Harm Reduction services are not emergency or crisis response services.
We do not provide:
- 24/7 crisis support;
- emergency medical care;
- supervised consumption services;
- housing placement;
- legal representation;
- long-term counselling;
- detox or withdrawal management services.
We may be able to provide information, referrals, and connection to other services.
