Senior Tiny Times
Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program
Jennifer Gray, Township of Tiny Volunteer Senior Column Writer
Do you know someone who lives alone or who would benefit from a regular telephone check-in? Sometimes, a little conversation with someone can make a big difference.
The Red Cross’s Friendly Calls is a phone-based program that matches people over the age of 18 with trained volunteers who connect with them regularly for a friendly chat, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.
The program aims to enhance social connectedness and well-being, with a focus on reaching older adults, Indigenous peoples, and anyone who may benefit from increased access to regular emotional support, social interaction, and community connections.
The Friendly Calls program is open to anyone in Canada over the age of 18 who could benefit from greater connection, or may have limited social and family links, and can receive regular support over the phone for encouragement and the power of feeling heard.
The program is safe, accessible and free for everyone. Currently, phone calls are being conducted in English and French, with potential to offer additional languages in select locations as the program grows.
The program is currently seeking volunteers. Friendly Calls volunteers do not need specialized skills or experience to join as all necessary training is provided by the Canadian Red Cross. This training and ongoing support from experts ensures that volunteers feel confident and prepared to make a positive impact in their community. Working from the comfort of their home, they can provide kindness and compassion with only a few hours of their time each week. The frequency and length of phone calls is tailored to suit a participant’s individual needs. Generally, phone calls occur on a weekly basis and can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. For some people, congenial social interaction can make a big difference. As a Friendly Calls volunteer, you can have a lasting, positive impact on the life of someone who needs connection with another person.
If you feel that a loved one could benefit from the Friendly Calls program, we encourage you to help them sign up, either directly or by referring them yourself online or on the phone.
Anyone can sign up or learn more by calling 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time on weekdays. Information can also be found online at www.redcross.ca/friendlycalls
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Township of Tiny Senior’s Advisory Committee. We invite and welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can make Senior Tiny Times a valuable information resource for our Seniors.
Website: www.tiny.ca/seniors
Phone: 705-526-4204
Email: seniors@tiny.ca