Halton
About Equilibrium Halton
Equilibrium Halton was created in 2026 to merge the volunteer peer support work and community outreach efforts of Equilibrium Oakville (1991), Equilibrium Burlington (2016) and Equilibrium Georgetown (2011).
Equilibrium Oakville, founded in 1991, is a peer support group for individuals and families who often struggle to stay well after the diagnosis of a mental health condition such as bi-polar disorder or depression. The group met continuously for 28 years until March 2020 when meetings suspended during the pandemic.
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The Group resumed in November 2022 and updated its mandate to include support for anyone in need of help in maintaining their mental wellness or supporting another person.
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The purpose of the Group has continued to be same as intended by the original founders: “to help people gain a better understanding of mental health conditions, to offer non-judgemental support and to share experiences.”
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We must acknowledge the contributions of co-founders, Dr. Karl O'Sullivan and the late Janet and Hank Chyc, who have made the group possible. We must also thank the many leaders of the Group over the years that kept Equilibrium Oakville operating. Ron Dallimore and Trish Green are commended for their dedication, personal commitment and long service in leading Equilibrium Oakville.
In 2016 Equilibrium Burlington was formed to provide educational opportunities to Burlington residents through a Speaker Series held monthly at the Friday Night Dinner at Wellington Square United Church. The members of Equilibrium Burlington collaborated with the Art Gallery of Burlington and Summit Outreach and Housing to host Artrageous each Fall from 2017 to 2019. Artrageous was an event designed to display and celebrate the creative work and abilities of individuals living with a mental health challenge or diagnosis. Unfortunately, all these activities were suspended due to COVID 19 in 2020 and did not return.
In 2021, during the later stages of the pandemic. Equilibrium Burlington pivoted to replace their Community Outreach work by creating the ‘Walk to the Lighthouse’ for Mental Health and Addiction. This event was a first for Burlington was created a venue for individuals, caregivers and families to gather.
The Walk to the Lighthouse is held in late September each year at Joseph Brant Hospital and has grown into a successful community event with 400-500 participants and having raised almost $300,000 for Mental Health and Addiction services over its first five years.
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Equilibrium Georgetown was founded in 2011 by Elaine Van Doren, a resident of Georgetown with the support of Equilibrium Oakville.
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The purpose of the group was to help people gain a better understanding of mental health conditions, to offer non-judgemental support and to share experiences.
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As a community-based group, the Equilibrium Georgetown followed the same peer support model / meeting structure as Equilibrium Oakville. It closed in 2020 after almost 9 years of service following the path of many organizations impacted by the Pandemic.
Our Mission
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To promote opportunities that will inspire a healthier and more compassionate community outlook with greater awareness and understanding of mental illness and addictions.
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To reduce stigma for individuals to help them live more meaningful lives.
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To advocate for better access to community resources.
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To provide a platform where individuals can share their lived experience of mental health and addiction and its impact on their lives.
Our Vision
Changing minds about mental health and addictions in our community.
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Equilibrium Halton vision is to contribute to a healthy community that acknowledges the impact of mental illness and addictions for individuals, their families and care partners.
Testimonials
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Having support means so much to people when they feel so alone. That's exactly how I felt when I first attended Equilibrium . . . totally alone. When I walked out the doors after my first meeting, I knew I'd found a place where I could be honest and open, and where the people understood how overwhelmed I felt. It felt like a safe haven, where people cared about each other.
Sandi - Apr 2016
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Dr. O'Sullivan was awesome last night . . . as usual. Grateful thanks to all who work to keep Equilibrium going, as a safe haven for so many.
Susan - Sept 2014
It's a very successful group, very eclectic. It deals with all aspects of treatment,
from more traditional approaches to diet and meditation. I'm very impressed with how they go about it.
Dr Karl O'Sullivan, Psychiatrist, Halton Healthcare Services - July 2014
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I think Equilibrium is so beneficial because it permits us to talk, to say what's on our mind and to say what we're struggling with, a peer-support group just as you say.
Stephanie, Equilibrium-Oakville & Georgetown member - December 2012