friendly calls
Original artwork by M. Gridina
We would like to thank Bell Canada
for their support in launching this initiative. |
The friendly call service was added in 2019, in order to reach isolated and/or home-bound seniors who are not comfortable meeting face-to-face with a youth volunteer. The weekly calls not only provide an opportunity for the two generations to socialize about common interests, but also may act as a friendly check-in to see how the senior is doing/feeling.
Friendly Call volunteers are trained to recognize certain changes in behavior that may signify a greater issue that needs to be addressed, such a depression, anxiety, or even thoughts of suicide. We make sure that volunteers are in close communication with the Program Coordinator, allowing us to offer the appropriate help to seniors in need in the form of referrals or contacting the appropriate person on their behalf. The goal of these calls is to decrease mutual feelings of isolation and loneliness, to offer a new perspective for both generations, and to provide seniors with a contact person they trust and can seek help from, when needed. Interested in volunteering? Email [email protected]. Interested in signing up for the service? Call Rocio at 514-845-2600 x. 2. |