Senior Volunteers

The Senior volunteer program is a social support network for seniors by seniors. Seniors are given the opportunity to talk by telephone or in person with volunteers in their own age group who are trained in informal counselling, effective listening, communication and problem solving skills, exploring alternatives, the referral process and community resources. The volunteers use a self-help approach in assisting clients through difficult phases of their lives - loneliness, marital separation, loss of spouse and health concerns.

Volunteers are also available to facilitate - informal meetings in buildings populated mainly by seniors. In sharing their life experiences, the seniors establish social networks and support each other in coping with feelings of isolation, loneliness or emotional stress.

Click here to contact a counsellor

Eligibility

• The client is 60 years of age and over
• The existence of self-neglect or any form of elder abuse by a family member, caregiver or any other individual
• Multiple service needs requiring coordination and follow-up
• Change of residence and/or supports within the past year, e.g. absence of an involved family member, spouse,
  friend or agency
• Server conditions or handicaps compromising functional capacity including cognitive or physical impairment with confusion, memory and sensory losses