Generations VOLUNTEER INFO
Volunteering and Training Guide
Here is the introductory guide for volunteers. It explains what to expect when volunteering, the different descriptions of services and the roles volunteers have when supporting seniors.
Vision Statement
To empower older adults and young people to initiate and engage in community and creative projects that promote social inclusion, combat urban isolation across all generations, and spark positive societal change.
Program Outcomes
SHORT TERM
-Reduce isolation & loneliness, by building interpersonal relationships
-Connect people & offer resource referrals
-Increase compassion across generations
LONG TERM
-Improve quality of life & general health outcomes
-Increase inclusion, resourcefulness & resilience
-Increase awareness & social responsibility
ULTIMATE IMPACT
-Facilitate social integration
-Maintain functionality & promote autonomy
-Foster active participation in society
-Increased sense of belonging & direction
Here is the introductory guide for volunteers. It explains what to expect when volunteering, the different descriptions of services and the roles volunteers have when supporting seniors.
Vision Statement
To empower older adults and young people to initiate and engage in community and creative projects that promote social inclusion, combat urban isolation across all generations, and spark positive societal change.
Program Outcomes
SHORT TERM
-Reduce isolation & loneliness, by building interpersonal relationships
-Connect people & offer resource referrals
-Increase compassion across generations
LONG TERM
-Improve quality of life & general health outcomes
-Increase inclusion, resourcefulness & resilience
-Increase awareness & social responsibility
ULTIMATE IMPACT
-Facilitate social integration
-Maintain functionality & promote autonomy
-Foster active participation in society
-Increased sense of belonging & direction
Commitments to each of the services and types of volunteering are here.
Friendly Visits
- Commitment: 2.5 hours per week, every week, for 4-months (minimum)
- Description: Visits with a member in their home to decrease feelings of social isolation & loneliness. Listening & engaging in conversation can suggest creative activities, e.g., indoor gardening, crafting, painting/drawing, singing/music, cooking together & so on, sharing about life, current events, newspapers/Magazines
Friendly Phone Call Program
-Commitment: 1-2 hours per week, once per week, for 4-months (minimum)
- Description: Volunteers will call a list of members once a week & take up to 40 minutes with each of them. The goal of the service is to break isolation and provide an opportunity for members who are most at risk of isolation due to loneliness & lack of community involvement for various reasons, e.g., lack of mobility, health status, limited family or social support.
Accompaniments
- Commitment: up to 4 hours per week for 4-months period (minimum)
- Description: Offering support to a senior getting to & from medical appointments or vaccine centres
Friendly Errands
- Commitment: 2.5 hours per week, as needed, over a 4-month period (minimum)
- Description: Running errands for a senior (grocery/pharmacy)
Internet & Technology Help
- Commitment: Up to 1.5-2 hours each week, over a 4-month period (minimum)
- Description: Understanding the senior's questions & teaching them how to be technologically proficient
Friendly Visits
- Commitment: 2.5 hours per week, every week, for 4-months (minimum)
- Description: Visits with a member in their home to decrease feelings of social isolation & loneliness. Listening & engaging in conversation can suggest creative activities, e.g., indoor gardening, crafting, painting/drawing, singing/music, cooking together & so on, sharing about life, current events, newspapers/Magazines
Friendly Phone Call Program
-Commitment: 1-2 hours per week, once per week, for 4-months (minimum)
- Description: Volunteers will call a list of members once a week & take up to 40 minutes with each of them. The goal of the service is to break isolation and provide an opportunity for members who are most at risk of isolation due to loneliness & lack of community involvement for various reasons, e.g., lack of mobility, health status, limited family or social support.
Accompaniments
- Commitment: up to 4 hours per week for 4-months period (minimum)
- Description: Offering support to a senior getting to & from medical appointments or vaccine centres
Friendly Errands
- Commitment: 2.5 hours per week, as needed, over a 4-month period (minimum)
- Description: Running errands for a senior (grocery/pharmacy)
Internet & Technology Help
- Commitment: Up to 1.5-2 hours each week, over a 4-month period (minimum)
- Description: Understanding the senior's questions & teaching them how to be technologically proficient