ACCESS centre offers array of services

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 17/08/2017 (2976 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The ACCESS Transcona centre at 845 Regent Ave. W sits back quite a bit from the street, and even with its colourful signage, can sometimes be hard to see.

But what’s inside the centre makes a significant difference to the lives of Transcona community members every day.

The reception and waiting area provides visitors with free access to computers and printed materials on a range of health and social topics. Friendly support staff members are there to help with questions and guide visitors to the right area or program.

Donna Jacobs, team manager at ACCESS Transcona, noted that the centre serves an invaluable purpose in the Transcona community.

“Access to services in a timely manner, in one location, is very important to the residents of Transcona,” she said. “Here, we work hard as a team for the betterment of our clients to help them with any concerns. Our programming is based on client needs, and we partner with various groups in our community. When we hear of a community need, our community facilitator works hard to support that need and develop services. We want to keep people healthy and in their homes. We’re here to help educate and support individuals of all ages.”

Services at the ACCESS Transcona centre, which is operated by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, include home care, public health, senior support, community living, disability services (including for children), Child and Family Services, nutrition counselling, speech and language support for children, primary care, the community intravenous program, and mental health.

In addition, the centre has a number of support groups, such as an Alzheimer’s caregiver group, an anxiety and depression support group, diabetes classes, a stroke recovery group, a smoking cessation program, a healthy baby group, and a bereavement group.

The means of accessing the programs and groups vary depending on the service, Jacobs explained.

“Our support groups are listed on a monthly basis in the Transcona Views,” she said. “Depending on which program people are interested in, they can call the centre here to register. Some programs are drop-in only, where no appointment is required. Other services require a referral, and some allow people to self-refer.”

ACCESS Transcona’s regular office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although some programs and services are offered outside of those hours. For more information about available services and programs, or to register, please call the centre at 204-938‐5555.

Melody Rogan is a community correspondent for Radisson. You can email her at preeneditorial@gmail.com