The Envision Counselling and Support Centre is reaching out to seniors in the southeast region with a new program named Bridging the Distance.
In a news release, Envision said the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in months of isolation in Saskatchewan, with regular community supports unable to provide services and social connections to seniors in the southeast.
Envision Counselling and Support Centre has announced that they are now able to offer virtual programming specifically to provide connection for individuals over the age of 55.
“This initiative will provide additional counselling support and connection to this vulnerable population, who are experiencing reduced quality of life during this crisis,” says Christa Daku, executive director of Envision Counselling and Support Centre.
“We want to help those struggling with stress, loneliness, mental health or other issues.”
Bridging the Distance is a short-term addition to regular programming at Envision Counselling and was made possible through support from United Way Estevan and funding from the Government of Canada New Horizons for Seniors. The project intent is to impact the lives of this vulnerable group as the negative effects of the pandemic crisis continue to be felt.
“We are connecting with senior services in Estevan and area to seek out those individuals who may be living alone or have no one else to talk to or to support them during this intense time of uncertainty,” said Daku.
Envision Counseling has a long history of providing telephone counselling and general engagement via telephone. For many years, they operated a 24-hour support line, which provided support to callers with a variety of issues. The organization has leaned on this experience during the COVID-19 pandemic.
