INNISFAIL – It was almost two years ago when the town created its Friendly Caller program for isolated seniors and adults with disabilities or health challenges.
It was hoped the program would bring back the smiles for many citizens who were experiencing loneliness due to isolation.
But today with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing widespread isolation the town is once again reaching out to the community for more participants and volunteers.
“I want to push it out there for both seniors and adults, as well as people who would like to volunteer for the program and hopefully grow it,” said Allyssa Bremner, the town’s FCSS community facilitator. “I think it would be very beneficial with the COVID-19 crisis that is going on, just to help isolation from all ends.”
When the program was created for the community in 2018 the goals were to provide friendship and support to isolated senior residents through regular conversation and mutual interests. The resident could be a senior or other individual who may be vulnerable, socially isolated or lonely.
Bremner said residents could benefit from regular weekly contact with a friendly caller, as it could help relieve anxiety, depression, loneliness and isolation.
Volunteers 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 was and still is considered to be a personal development opportunity.
“I think it would be a really good program all around for all community members and help people stay connected, and have friendly conversations with other people in the community when they can’t leave house right now,” said Bremner this month when many Innisfailians are self-isolating due to the pandemic crisis. “I think it would be very beneficial with the COVID-19 crisis that is going on, just to help isolation from all ends.”
Bremner said the program currently has four residents utilizing programs, plus one referral she is following up on. She also has four volunteers, and recently presented an application to another interested citizen.
“It definitely has been a little bit slow,” Bremner said of the number of the citizens who have joined the program. “That is why I was hoping this would be a great opportunity to help the program grow and hopefully start relationships that continue to grow after this is over as well.”
If any citizen wants to join the program, he or she can contact Bremner by email or phone. The town has applications available, as well as the forms needed for criminal record and vulnerable sector checks. Bremner said applicants require two pieces of identification, which will be sent into the RCMP on their behalf.
She also said there is an orientation package, which is usually presented in person but during the pandemic will be sent by email or completed over the phone. All forms will be handled by verbal consent and signed on applicants’ behalf.
For more information contact Bremner at 403-227-3376 ext. 225 or email her at [email protected]
