The pandemic has been hard on everyone, and as things slowly open up the isolation continues for some.
People who need to continue to self-isolate are likely feeling pretty lonely and cut off, and that’s where the Red Cross has stepped up.
They have launched the Friendly Calling Program, augmenting an existing program in Ontario and Quebec, that allows anyone who is feeling lonely or isolated to register to receive scheduled calls.
“That may just be a one-time thing or perhaps they need a regularly scheduled call,” said Christina Baert-Wilson, Provincial Director of the Red Cross in Nova Scotia.
It was known that loneliness among seniors was an issue when a Red Cross study found that over 1/3 of people 65 years and older reported feeling lonely frequently-and the COVID-19 pandemic has intensified that she said.
The program is now up and running and being staffed by Red Cross Volunteers. As the program grows it may be necessary to reach out to the community for volunteer support, and all volunteers will go through screening,orientation and training that is required.
“One of the pieces in this is the recognition that mental health is very important so volunteers will be undertaking psychological first aid training and while that is happening we will be using existing safety and well-being volunteers who already have that training,” said Baert-Wilson.
The number to call for the Friendly calling Program is 1-833-729-0144
