A group that helps the transgender community in Windsor is now offering support services in Leamington too.
W.E. Trans Support has space at the South Essex Community Council's building at 215 Talbot St. E in Leamington.
Executive Director Jayce Carver said when she started W.E. Trans Support's hotline in 2016, many of the calls she received were from the county.
"We are starting to get more and more calls for individuals out in Leamington and transportation does become a barrier, so this was the next logical step," she said.
The new location will offer many of the same services the Windsor one does including health referrals, peer mentorship, psychotherapy, and the families in the transition program.
"They can access the same services that they access in Windsor minus the food bank and the clothing donation bank. We don't have the space for that here," explained Carver.
Peer mentorship and support services will be offered every Tuesday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Peer support groups will be on the last Friday of every month. Those who can not make to the office in Leamington, but live in a neighbouring community like Kingsville or Essex, can arrange a visit from staff.
"Many of our community members have barriers to employment," Carver said. "They're living on an average income of under $17,000 a year, and we know what housing costs, so we know that transportation is absolutely a barrier for most of our clients."
W.E. Trans Support opened its Windsor office in May of last year at Wyandotte Street West and Pelissier Street downtown.