United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) has announced plans to open a new Access Centre in Exeter to make it easier for people in Southern Huron to get help and information close to home.
The new centre is part of UWPH’s ongoing work to bring services into rural communities where transportation and distance can make it hard for people to get help. The Exeter Access Centre will join other local resources like The Well Youth Hub and programs from Huron Perth Children’s Aid Society. The centre also hopes to include mental health support, job help, and other social services. More details will be shared soon.
The Access Centre in Exeter is based on the successful model of the Vanastra Access Centre, which has made it much easier for residents in that area to connect with services.
This new centre will be different from UWPH’s Connection Centres, such as the one at Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle, which focus on helping people who are homeless or at risk. Connection Centres offer food, laundry, showers, and help connecting with housing and other supports.
The official opening date of the Exeter Access Centre has not been announced yet. In the meantime, UWPH is working to furnish the space and is asking for help from the community. Items needed include a large-screen television with a wall mount, a ping-pong table, six folding tables and 12 to 16 folding chairs, two or three office chairs, two to four easy chairs, a computer desk, a small fridge with a freezer, and a small stove or microwave.
Anyone who would like to help or get more information is encouraged to contact Grace Bonnett, Manager of Community Development for Southern Huron, at gbonnett@perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
myFM will have comments from UWPH Executive Director, Ryan Erb next week!