Harper government grants $50k to combat social isolation among seniors

Alice Wong, minister of state (seniors) recently announced the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding of $50,000 to the First United Church for its Seniors’ Social Club project.

The First United Church will recruit senior volunteers to participate in peer-led sessions for seniors whose personal circumstances make participating in community activities a challenge. Programming developed through the Seniors’ Social Club project will be based on input gathered from community partners and volunteers.

The project aims to increase the support network of seniors who are at risk by providing them with referrals and services. It also entails establishing partnerships with local arts organizations to support cultural sessions for seniors. The main objective of the project is to reduce isolation among seniors and provide them with the support they need to become integrated and active community members.

The government of Canada has provided more than $1.7 million in NHSP funding support for 24 NHSP pilot projects across Canada that will lead to new initiatives and activities to help reduce the social isolation of seniors.