NEWS RELEASE
BEAVER VALLEY OUTREACH
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BLUE MOUNTAINS - This October, Beaver Valley Outreach (BVO) is opening its newest seniors’ program, Seniors Centre Without Walls. The new initiative, a free, telephone-based activity and information program, is available to seniors who have access to a phone, but don’t have a computer or an internet connection.
BVO was inspired by the experience of Seniors Centres Without Walls that serve seniors in several parts of the province with many different living situations and weather conditions. The isolation imposed by COVID-19 made this program an even more attractive way to keep seniors connected to community life.
Through group phone calls led by volunteer facilitators and guest presenters, Seniors Centre Without Walls will help seniors stay in touch with each other and keep active and informed. Weekly programs will include educational/ health/wellness sessions and fun and relaxation activities on the phone from the comfort and safety of their own home.
“Seniors Centre Without Walls is an isolation-reducing program for seniors and adults with limitations who find it difficult to leave home – a great program that is currently helping people in many communities across Ontario,” says BVO Program Coordinator Pamela McDermid. “And, the opening coincides with the 30th anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, Oct. 1.”
“Right now, for the new program to take root in The Blue Mountains and surrounding communities, our immediate need is to let seniors (and anyone in the community who knows of an isolated senior) know about the program, and contact us with their suggestions for interesting activities to include in the program schedule,” says McDermid.
“We’ve learned from other Seniors Centres Without Walls across the province that activities are limitless: games, trivia, exercises, guest speakers, birthday and holiday celebrations, inspiring ‘good news’ stories, health and wellness, finance, gardening, music, spirituality. It’s also a great new volunteer opportunity for seniors who are willing to lead activities by phone, taking what they love and sharing it with the community from the comfort of home.”
To learn more about BVO Seniors Centre Without Walls, share your ideas for activities or volunteer to work on this new program, please call Pamela McDermid at 519-599-2577, ext. 6, or email [email protected].
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