All you need to participate, is a phone.
OTTAWA, Ontario–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Successful phone-based programing that connects seniors to educational and recreational content, is expanding across Ontario.
Sometimes old-school works best! The Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (SCWW) program employs the familiarity of the telephone to ensure that isolated seniors have access to programs and activities from the comfort of their own home. This free programming is designed to create connections, provide resources, reduce isolation, and have fun. No computer, no camera, and no commuting required.
“We are pleased to announce that a very generous anonymous donor is supporting the expansion of our SCWW program across Ontario,” said Seán K Kelly – Board President of The Good Companions (TGC). “This expansion builds on the success of our local program, with the goal of connecting thousands more isolated seniors to supportive programs through their telephones,” said Monique Doolittle-Romas, Executive Director of The Good Companions. Seniors’ Centre Without Walls has been a vital resource for seniors in Ottawa and other communities, but the fact that this is a telephone-based program made it a lifeline for many seniors during the many lockdowns and pleas to self-isolate throughout this pandemic.
“When I phone and listen to others, I’m not alone. I don’t feel as isolated, and it got my brain working again!”
This expansion will build on a key partnership with The Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario and other senior serving organizations that host SCWW programs, bringing hope and engagement to isolated seniors right across the province. “The Seniors’ Centre Without Walls concept has been a tremendous success in the City of Greater Sudbury and outlying areas. Our ParkSide Centre Without Walls has had participants from French River to Timmins and from North Bay to Manitoulin Island take part in our programs over the telephone. Our members have been able to enjoy the camaraderie and social interaction with other seniors in similar circumstances. It has truly made a positive impact in their lives and we could not be happier about it,” said John Richer, Manager, Parkside Older Adult Centre in Sudbury and expansion partner.
Local seniors organizations interested in bringing SCWW programming to their communities can receive a full range of training, resources, and supports by calling The Good Companions Centre and speaking to a member of the Expansion Team.
The Good Companions is a non-profit multi-service seniors centre providing social, recreational, educational, and volunteer activities and benefit from social and health services. Charitable #11894 1152 RR000.
613-236-0428 and scwwconnect@thegoodcompanions.ca
Contacts
Monique Doolittle-Romas, Executive Director, The Good Companions
mdoolittle-romas@thegoodcompanions.ca or 613-277-2577
