At Townsville Support Solutions, we believe everyone should be able to enjoy our community fully. We help you get out, join in, and make the most of everything Townsville has to offer, with support that gives you confidence to participate in community life your way.
Understanding Community Access Support
Community access means different things to different people. For some, it’s about having someone reliable to help them get to medical appointments and do their weekly shopping. Others want support to join social groups or try new activities. Many people start with basic transport support and grow more confident over time, gradually trying new activities and building connections in the community.
Our support focuses on what matters to you. We take time to understand your interests and goals, then work out the practical support needed to help you achieve them. This might begin with simply helping you feel confident leaving the house, then build up to regular community activities as you feel ready.
Making the Most of Townsville’s Opportunities
Townsville offers rich opportunities for community participation, and we help you access them safely and confidently. The Strand, for example, becomes much more accessible when you know where to find the most suitable parking spots, the best times to visit to avoid crowds, and the most comfortable places to rest and refresh.
Many of our clients enjoy visiting the Riverway Arts Centre, where we’ve built good relationships with the staff who understand accessibility needs. They’ll often let us know in advance about upcoming events that might interest you, and we can help plan these outings properly.
The Perc Tucker Regional Gallery offers another welcoming space. Their exhibitions are always accessible, and the staff are experienced in making everyone feel welcome. We can help you join their art classes or simply enjoy visiting exhibitions at your own pace.
Understanding Our Local Areas
Each part of Townsville brings its own opportunities and challenges for community access. In the CBD and Palmer Street area, we help you navigate busy times and find quieter moments to enjoy the cafes and shops. We know which venues have the best accessibility and most helpful staff.
The suburban hubs like Stockland in Aitkenvale offer different experiences. Here, we might focus on helping you shop efficiently during quieter periods, or build your confidence using the food court during busier times if that’s something you want to work towards.
Kirwan and Thuringowa Central have their own community spaces and activities. We’ve built strong connections with local community centers and can help you discover activities that match your interests, whether that’s joining a social group or attending local events.
Working With Our Weather
Townsville’s climate shapes how we plan community activities. During the build-up to wet season, we might focus on indoor venues and activities, ensuring you can maintain your community connections even when the weather is challenging. We know which shopping centers, community facilities, and entertainment venues stay easily accessible during heavy rain.
The summer heat requires careful planning too. Morning activities often work best, especially if you’re visiting outdoor spaces like the Strand or Riverway. We understand how to pace activities and include regular comfort breaks, ensuring you can enjoy being out without becoming overwhelmed by the heat.
Building Confidence Through Support
Many people find their confidence grows naturally with the right support. You might start with short trips to familiar places, gradually expanding to new activities as you feel comfortable. Your support worker will understand this progression and help you move at your own pace.
We often see how small successes lead to bigger ones. Someone might begin with supported shopping trips, then feel confident enough to try a community class, and eventually join regular social activities. The key is having support that adapts as your confidence and interests grow.
Making Transport Work For You
Transport is essential for community access, but it’s not just about getting from A to B. Your support worker helps you plan the best way to reach different places, considering factors like your energy levels, comfort, and the time of day. They’ll help you find the easiest ways to enter and exit different venues, manage your belongings, and handle any physical assistance you need along the way.
For those interested in using public transport, we can help you learn bus routes and develop confidence using public transport independently. This often starts with accompanied journeys, gradually building up to independent travel as you feel ready.
Supporting Health and Wellbeing
Medical appointments are an important part of community access. We understand that these appointments can be stressful, so we help make them easier to manage. Your support worker can assist you with getting to appointments, remembering important information, and asking questions. They can take notes if you want them to, or simply provide moral support – whatever helps you get the most from your healthcare.
Looking Ahead
As your needs and interests change, our support adapts with you. We regularly check in to see how your community access is working and whether you’d like to try new activities or make changes to your current support. This ongoing conversation helps ensure you’re getting the most from your community access support.
Want to explore more of what Townsville has to offer? Contact our team at Townsville Support Solutions to discuss how we can help you get out and about with confidence.
Visit our Contact Page to learn more and get started today.