County offers another Identification and Wellness Clinic
Courtesy Northumberland County
By Cecilia Nasmith
In partnership with local community and government agencies, Northumberland County's Community and Social Services is continuing its successful Identification and Wellness Clinics for a third year, starting with the one June 3 in Port Hope – and continuing in the fall with clinics in Brighton and Cobourg.
This on-going initiative aims to reduce barriers and improve access to services that rely on valid ID, such as income supports, housing, health care and employment opportunities.
Obtaining or replacing such Ids can involve multiple steps, long wait times and co-ordination among several offices. These events – like the one on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church (131 Walton St.) - bring together key service providers in a single, accessible setting to simplify the process and offer direct in-person assistance.
Participating partners and services include -
Northumberland County Community and Social Services for application assistance for Ontario Works and other supports
Service Ontario for assistance with health cards, address changes and Ontario Photo Card applications
Northumberland Help and Legal Centre for assistance with program information, birth certificate applications and fee-waiver program
Fleming College Academic Upgrading for flexible skills-on-demand and academic-upgrading programs
MP Philip Lawrence constituency office representatives for assistance with such Federal programs as Permanent Residency Cards, passports and Federal benefit programs
Ontario Health Team of Northumberland for information on connecting with such local primary-care resources as physicians and nurse practitioners
These clinics are open to all community members, intended to provide straightforward co-ordinated access to multiple services in one location.
While walk-in participation will be accommodated, pre-registration is recommended to help manage attendance and wait times – the on-line form is available at Northumberland.ca/IDClinic
Additional clinics in the fall will take place in two other communities, both running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - on Sept. 16 at Trinity-St. Andrew's United Church in Brighton, and on Oct. 28 at Northumberland County headquarters in Cobourg.
For more information about participating organizations or transportation options, contact Northumberland County Community and Social Services at 1-800-354-7051.