Volunteers
Our peer support volunteers are over the age of 50 as we believe seniors prefer to talk to other seniors who have similar life experiences. When interviewed after application to join our program, they are asked to undertake a basic training course and commit to ongoing training as offered after that. A criminal record check is required as well as a commitment to work with us for a minimum of 12 months.
Ongoing training/information for all graduate senior peer support volunteers continues throughout the year at our monthly networking breakfasts or workshops.
Peer Support Program Volunteers:
Senior Peer Support Program Volunteers undergo an intensive training course following guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and given by experienced Senior Peer Support Trainers and Consultants.
Topics Covered are:
- Listening
- Helping the client tell his/her story
- Problem management
- Community Resources
- Grief Counselling
- Meaning & Values
- Probing
- Empathy
- Conversation Blockers
- Emotions & Feelings
- Confrontation
- Self-Disclosure
Volunteers typically visit a senior once a week and one-hour in length. Volunteers are NOT allowed to accept gifts of any kind.
Training takes place once a year in the Winter or Spring.
Good Morning Program Volunteers:
Our good morning callers are asked to undertake a basic training course. Phone calls are made Monday to Friday 9am to 10am at a mutually agreeable time.
Phone calls are made from the volunteer's home and are no more than 5 minutes in length.
Our Mission:
We believe that every senior, regardless of race or religion, has the right to live a full, independent, dignified life. Further, we believe that peer support volunteers, being of similar age and experience, can act as the vehicle for seniors to help them regain or maintain their independence allowing them to live with dignity.