What Is Sheena's Place and What Does It Offer?

Updated

Sheena's Place is a community organization that provides group-based support to people aged 17 and older who are affected by an eating disorder or disordered eating. Its professionally facilitated groups are free of charge, and participants do not need a diagnosis or a referral to register. Beyond group support, the organization offers information sessions, outreach and education, and online resources about eating disorders and recovery.

Who the programs are for

The core eligibility stated on the site is straightforward:

  • Age: 17 and older
  • Who it covers: people affected by an eating disorder or disordered eating — the wording is broad enough to include those concerned about their relationship with food or body without a formal diagnosis
  • No barriers to entry: no diagnosis and no referral are required to register
  • Cost: groups are completely free of charge

The organization describes its purpose as inspiring hope, reducing stigma, raising awareness, and offering meaningful help and information at all stages of recovery.

What Sheena's Place offers

Group support and registration

The site lists five types of group support, with eligibility criteria and registration instructions for each. Registration is organized by season rather than being open continuously — for example, registration for the Fall 2026 season is scheduled for Monday, September 14 at 12pm, and a Fall 2026 program calendar is published on the site. If you are planning to join, check the current season's registration date and calendar before anything else, since spaces are tied to that window.

Info sessions (the recommended starting point)

The organization directs newcomers to monthly virtual info sessions first. These are intended for anyone curious about group support — whether for themselves or for someone else — and explain how the group programs work. For a first-time visitor, this is the lowest-commitment way to understand what participation involves before registering.

Outreach and education

For people who want to learn more about eating disorders generally — or for teams and organizations — Sheena's Place offers webinars and bookable training sessions.

Information and resources

The site maintains a resource section covering:

  • About eating disorders
  • Eating disorder treatment and support
  • Resources for recovery
  • Emergency and crisis support
  • Eating disorder-sensitive dental services
  • Food banks

Community and involvement

Other sections cover the organization's mission and history, staff and group facilitators, participant stories, a blog, board information, annual reports and audited financial statements, and an FAQ. There are also ways to get involved through volunteering, careers, and events such as "To Be Seen" and "Perspectives."

How it is funded

Sheena's Place states that it relies solely on the generosity of individuals, foundations, and corporations to keep its programs free for members. Donation options, a donation FAQ, and information on hosting a fundraiser are available on the site. This matters practically: the free groups depend on ongoing donations, so the organization actively invites support alongside participation.

How to get started

  1. Attend an info session. Register for one of the monthly virtual sessions to learn how the group programs work.
  2. Review the group types and eligibility. Read the Group Support & Registration section to see which of the five group formats fits your situation.
  3. Check the registration date. Confirm the current season's registration opening (Fall 2026 opens September 14 at 12pm) and consult the program calendar.
  4. Register. No diagnosis or referral is needed — registration is the only step.
  5. If you need urgent help, start with the emergency and crisis support resources rather than waiting for a group placement.

The organization is located at 87 Spadina Road, and contact details, privacy policy, and accessibility information are linked in the site footer.