INNISFAIL - Isolated seniors need not feel alone or lonely. The town has officially launched its new Friendly Caller Program to put back the smiles.
In fact, the program is so new it may be the first of its kind for not only the region and province but for the entire country.
"I think it is just getting started in Canada. I know Sylvan Lake is in the process of getting it started as well," said Allyssa Bremner, the town's community facilitator who researched extensively for similar programs in North America and even in the United Kingdom. "I did have a hard time, because we wanted to create an orientation package that is almost like a little training manual for our volunteers to help guide them. I got some feedback from a couple of people in the States on what it entails but no one really shared their orientation with me.
"I actually borrowed the friendly visitor orientation from Sylvan Lake and used parts of that and parts of what the other programs had given to me, and our own stuff as well," added Bremner.
Nevertheless, all the preparatory work is complete and the Friendly Caller Program was officially rolled out to volunteers on Aug. 14 with an orientation package.
Bremner said the aim of the program is to provide friendship and support to isolated senior residents through regular conversation. The resident could be a senior or other individual who may be vulnerable, socially isolated or lonely. She said residents could benefit from regular weekly contact with a friendly caller, as it could help relieve anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation.
Bremner believes volunteers will also benefit because they would meet and assist new people and the time spent would provide an opportunity to make a contribution and positive difference to others and the community. It would also be a personal development opportunity, added Bremner.
She said the program is starting with five volunteers, all over the age of 18. During orientation each volunteer received a sheet with "icebreaker" questions, designed to get conversations moving forward between matched volunteers and isolated seniors, said Bremner.
She said the program is designed to find out the interests and hobbies of seniors beforehand. Once that is known, attempts will be made to match seniors with volunteers who have similar interests, said Bremner.
She said as of last week one senior completed an application to take part in the program and another is going through the process. Bremner said three referrals have been received by her office.
For more information on the Friendly Caller Program and to find out how to become either a client or a volunteer, contact Bremner at 403-227-3376, ext. 225, or email her at [email protected]
