A friendly voice is just a call away for local seniors who are feeling out of sorts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the health crisis, the City of New Westminster has created a number of pandemic response task forces, including one that’s considering the needs of seniors and person with disabilities. In addition to a number of initiatives addressing the food needs of local seniors and persons with disabilities, the group has launched a Friendly Caller program.
“These are uncertain times and it’s easy to feel disconnected,” said a notice about the program. “Thankfully, you can register your phone number with Century House for phone calls with Friendly Callers! These volunteers ring you up to share information, hear how you are doing and have a pleasant chat. Older adults and persons with disabilities are encouraged to sign up today.”
According to a recent update to city council, 21 members have signed up for the program. As of April 20, there had been 611 emails and 800 calls made over a two-week period.
Local seniors and persons with disabilities are invited to contact Century House about Friendly Callers.
“At this point, we haven’t had the uptake that we thought for the Friendly Callers program. Part of that is a number of seniors are connected to others services, like the Seniors Services Society and other programs,” said John Stark, the city’s supervisor of community planning. “The numbers are increasing. Right now there are ample volunteers to handle the demand now and into the future, should there be an increase in demand.”
Anyone interested in the Friendly Callers program can register Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 604-519-1062, 604-519-1069 or 604-519-1066 to register.
