Programs & Services
Community & Social Services
Our mission helping our community achieve the best possible
health and social well-being
At the Somerset West Community Health Centre, we believe that every man, woman and child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and experience the best possible health and well-being. Our community and social services team offers support to allow individuals of all ages to thrive in the context of healthy families and an active, supportive community.
Our community and social services programs target the needs of the very young to the most elderly. From preschool and parenting support services, to youth leadership development, to helping housebound seniors reduce their isolation- our programs contribute to a better community for us all.
Sensitive to the needs of newcomers to Canada, the Somerset West Community Health Centre also offers language-specific programs targeted to Chinese, Cambodian, Vietnamese, African and Caribbean communities.
Mental Health, Counselling and Outreach Services
Whether you require short-term help dealing with a personal or family crisis or longer-term counselling due to a mental health concern, our professional counsellors and outreach workers are here for you. Our services are offered in many languages so that we can most effectively reach out to our community.
You can be assured that you will receive the best possible care in an environment where your privacy and confidentiality are ensured.
For those living with addictions, we offer both help and hope. Our highly effective Street Outreach Program supports individuals with substance abuse problems throughout the city and is based on a harm reduction model. As well we offer problem gambling counselling and education.
Our services are geared to individuals and to groups and include:
- referrals for addiction treatment
- crisis intervention
- individual counselling
- women’s counselling
- life-skills training
- educational and support/self-help groups
- long term case management
Our focus is on helping you live well and stay healthy, ensuring that professional mental health care and programs are within everyone’s reach.
Harm Reduction Services
The Safe Inhalation Program operates using a harm reduction approach, which recognizes the strengths and capacities of the individual, and acknowledges the cycles of change related to substance use and dependence. The program goal is to ensure that the service needs of clients are assessed and met, including, but not limited to, the provision of sufficient quantities of products that best reflect the type, frequency and practices of substance use; supportive information, and health teaching/counselling related to risk reduction, and disease prevention; testing for HIV, Hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections; immunization; safe disposals of used equipment; and referral to appropriate services within the Ottawa region.
Social Services & Practical Assistance
During times of financial need or personal or family transitions, the Somerset West Community Health Centre can point you in the right direction to receive the assistance you need. From information and referral to helping out with housing, immigration or legal challenges, our qualified team is here to help.
Our professional and diverse staff, which includes trained social workers and case managers, knows our community well and can work with you and your family to resolve concerns and respond to your unique needs and circumstances
Our Family Shelter Support programs understand the special needs of families who are living in an emergency shelter. We can help you and your family find a permanent place to call home. In addition, we offer recreational and educational programs geared especially to the needs of children, youth and parents living in an emergency shelter.
Programs for Parents, Children & Youth
Nanny Goat Hill Nursery School – Your preschooler will get a head start on learning and life by joining our morning or afternoon nursery school. Transportation and subsidies are available so that every child can participate, regardless of family income.
Parent and Child Playgroups – Parents and children from birth to age 5 will benefit from participating in one of our community playgroups. Stimulation, early learning activities, structured play and socializing will help your child learn and grow and be better prepared for school.
Child and Youth Programs – Youth aged 6-19 can participate in fun recreational programs that will contribute to healthy, active lifestyles and build valuable social and interpersonal skills. Our expert youth leaders will help your child identify and build on his or her strengths. Our personal development, leadership and homework programs provide the opportunities young people need to succeed academically and in life. We also provide summer programming for children in our local communities.
Parenting Programs – Build your skills, increase your confidence and experience the support of new friends by taking part in one of our Parenting Programs. Our sessions are offered in English, Vietnamese and Chinese.
Community Development
SWCHC Community Development staff are available to meet with individuals and groups to discuss community concerns, ideas and needed programs. They help members of our community identify challenges, develop creative responses and target programs to specific needs within our local community.
If you or your group has a special concern or have plans for a program that would contribute to the well-being of our community, contact one of our Community Development staff to set up a meeting to discuss your ideas.
Community Partnerships also providing services at SWCHC
Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa
City of Ottawa, Home Management Services
City of Ottawa, Rooming House Support
City of Ottawa, Healthy Babies/Healthy Children
