Local resources. Inspiring stories. Good advice.

Whether it’s physical, financial, professional or pyschological, obstacles come in all shapes and sizes. And no matter who you are, everybody goes through tough times in their lives.

Lifestyle Citizens’ founder Josh Martin was 28 years old when he experienced his biggest obstacle yet: an aggressive form of leukemia. He survived, and although it was a gruelling ordeal, having cancer taught him a lot about resilience and overcoming whatever obstacles life throws at us.

Inspired by his journey, the Overcoming Obstacles Handbook is a free collection of real-life stories, practical advice and local resources in the London community geared at helping people overcome obstacles.

Download your free copy of the Overcoming Obstacles Handbook [PDF 2.0 MB]

Community Resources

One of the most important lessons Josh learned from his health crisis was the importance of community. Whether it was accessing peer support programs, using the Cancer Society’s shuttle service to get to appointments or tapping into educational materials from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, community resources played a big role in his success.

Whatever obstacle you face in life — personally, professionally or otherwise — be sure to consider the resources available in your community. Fortunately, the London area boasts all kinds of organizations and programs focused on helping folks overcome a variety of obstacles.

Below, you’ll find information about some of them. This listing is by no means exhaustive, but it will hopefully give you a flavour of the kinds of resources available in your own backyard.

Family & individuals

Therapists in London
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/on/london

Grief Therapists in London
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/grief/on/london?sid=1537669210.9547_27992

Ronald McDonald House
(providing a home away for home for families of sick children)
https://www.rmhc-swo.ca/

London Food Bank
https://www.londonfoodbank.ca/

Women’s Community House
(shelter for abused women and children)
http://shelterlondon.org/

YMCA of Western Ontario
http://ymcawo.ca/centre-branch

Learning Disabilities Association of London Region
http://www.ldalondon.ca/

Children’s Aid Society – London & Middlesex
https://www.caslondon.on.ca/

Health

Alzheimer’s Society of London and Middlesex
https://alzheimerlondon.ca/

Canadian Cancer Society
(Elgin-Middlesex community office)
http://www.cancer.ca/en/about-us/contact-us/elgin-middlesex-on/?region=on&utm_source=VanityURL&utm_campaign=Cancer.ca&utm_content=elginmiddlesex

Services for seniors
http://www.london.ca/residents/Seniors/Pages/default.aspx

Home and Community Care
(health care services at home)
http://healthcareathome.ca/southwest/en

St. Joseph’s Hospice
http://www.sjhospicelondon.com/

Canadian Mental Health Association – Middlesex
https://cmhamiddlesex.ca/

Professional & Financial

London Employment Help Centre
http://www.lehc.ca/

Immigrant, Newcomer & Refugee Services
https://www.southwesthealthline.ca/listServices.aspx?id=10566&region=London

Credit Counselling Society
https://www.nomoredebts.org/canada/ontario/london/credit-counselling.html

Helping others overcome obstacles

Want to help others in your community overcome obstacles? Here are some local opportunities to consider:

Local volunteer opportunities
http://www.yourlondoncalling.ca/getting-involved/

Habitat for Humanity
https://habitat4home.ca/

Blood donor clinics
(search for “London” for clinics near you)
https://blood.ca/en

Big Brothers Big Sisters of London
https://london.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/