The Good Companions is happy to offer three programs specifically for LGBTQ2+ (2 spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) Seniors:
For further information or to register for any of the programs below see contact information at the bottom of this page.
Rainbow Coffee Club
The Good Companions runs the Rainbow Coffee Club the first Wednesday of each month from 10:00-11:30 am. The Rainbow Coffee Club is open to any LGBTQ2+ senior (50+) or adult with disabilities living in the Champlain Region.
The Rainbow Coffee Club provides an opportunity for LGBTQ2+ (50+) individuals to get together to socialize and make connections in a respectful, inclusive environment. It is a safe space to share the challenges and joys of being older and LGBTQ2+. The group also invites special community guests to increase awareness about available community and health resources.
Out and About Saturdays
Recreational, educational and social activities for members of the LGBTQ2+ community.
The Good Companions is open the 2nd and 4th Saturday every month specifically for LGBTQ2+ Seniors.
Please click here to see some upcoming Saturday programs and events.
Wellbeing Check-in Program
The Wellbeing Check-in program provides LGBTQ2+ seniors with regular check-ins from LGBTQ2+ volunteers. Volunteers contact seniors over phone or social media to check on a client’s well-being and provide a predetermined response if the exchange is not answered. The Wellbeing Check-in Program is open to any LGBTQ2+ senior (55+) or adult with disabilities living in the Champlain Region.
This program is aimed primarily at people who are living alone. You may be healthy and active and still appreciate a check-in to remain connected and safe, or you may be more isolated, homebound and at risk.
With the LGBTQ2+ Program Coordinator, you decide on a response plan that best meets your needs. People also use this program for social reasons, since a call from a friendly volunteer may be a great way to start the day.
The Wellbeing Check-in Program was created in Partnership with Ottawa Senior Pride Network.
Please click here for more information English French
Ottawa Senior Pride Network
The Ottawa Senior Pride Network (OSPN) is a volunteer-run network of two spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus (LGBTQ2+) senior adults over 50 years of age.
Established in 2010, OSPN has worked to advance positive change related to safer and affirming health care and social services, social engagement and community building. Since its inception, OSPN has grown into a network of over 850 members, many of which engage on Facebook, receive newsletters, participate in face-to-face or online activities to remain informed and socially active within the community. New ideas about how our community can grow and collaborate are always welcome as are individuals who have the energy and enthusiasm to initiate action.
OSPN credits both The Good Companions and Centretown Community Health Centre (CCHC) for their advocacy and continued support as community allies to help our Network to meet the evolving needs of Ottawa’s growing seniors’ queer community. OSPN invites allies and members of TGC to follow OSPN on Facebook and to sign up for our newsletter via the OSPN website: ospn-rfao.ca. If you wish to connect with OSPN’s Coordinating Committee to share ideas or concerns related to LGBTQ2+ seniors’ issues, please connect via email ospn.rfao@gmail.com .
Any Questions?
If you would like to join a program or have any questions, please email sgauthier@thegoodcompanions.ca or call 613-236-0428 ext. 2353
Dear members, volunteers, clients and visitors to The Good Companions:
Please ensure you self screen each day before coming to the Centre: Website-COVID-19-Self-Screener-.pdf (thegoodcompanions.ca)
For the safety of those that we serve and for ourselves, we will continue to require masks to be worn by everyone entering the Centre or Good Companions transportation vehicles.
Construction Notice:
Construction on Albert Street between Empress and Bronson is scheduled to start on Monday, March 27th. The City of Ottawa is rehabilitating portions of its underground infrastructure along Albert Street, Queen Street, Slater Street and Bronson Avenue. Albert and Slater Street will be reduced to single lanes in each direction starting on this date and lasting until the end of the 2023 construction season. For more information on this project and how it may affect your travel, please click here.