INNISFAIL – Reaching out to a local senior can make a world of difference.
The town is hoping to introduce a program under the Neighbours Helping Neighbours (NHN) initiative called Friendly Callers.
Under the program, trained volunteers reach out to seniors in Innisfail on a regular basis by calling once a week on a set day and time for about 15 to 30 minutes.
“Friendly Callers is a new program we’re looking to implement,” said Karen Bradbury, community and social development coordinator with the Town of Innisfail. “Local residents will call and check in with a local senior, some of our older adults that are more isolated in the community.”
The call provides a friendly voice and can ensure the well-being of the resident, she said.
Bradbury said they are looking for friendly callers of all ages.
“It can be anyone in the community,” she added, noting they now require criminal record checks for volunteers with the Neighbours Helping Neighbours initiative.
“It’s a phone call once a week just to check in on them and see how they’re doing,” explained Bradbury.
Many seniors live alone and may not have family or friends nearby to check in on them, she noted.
“It helps reduce isolation,” said Bradbury, adding that regular contact can also help decrease anxiety and depression from living alone.
“If our callers are able to check in on some of our vulnerable adults then we can also pass along information on programs and services that may be available to them as well,” Bradbury concluded.
The Town of Innisfail is currently looking for 10 volunteers for the Friendly Callers program.
For more information contact Allyssa Bremner, FCSS community facilitator, at 403-227-3376 ext. 225 or visit www.innisfail.ca
