CORNER BROOK, N.L. — Life can be hard enough for seniors, and losing touch with people certainly doesn’t help with their mental health.
Quinn Jesso is the mental health promotions coordinator with the Community Mental Health Initiative in Corner Brook.
Since starting in the position a little over a month ago she’s been focused on making a difference in the lives of seniors in the community by reviving the organization’s Connect and Reach Every Senior (CARES) program.
To say she’s passionate about helping seniors is an understatement.
“These people raised us, these people looked after us, they were our everything. I think we owe them something.”
But the hard part is reaching them.
A lot of seniors don’t use social media, often the main way groups and organizations reach the public today.
So Jesso reached out to The Western Star to help spread the word about the program that matches seniors with volunteers who will connect with them through visits or phone calls.
"It’s mostly to have them feel like they are connected with their community,” said Jesso.
Many seniors don’t have family living near them, their social circle may be small and they don’t find it easy to get out. That can leave them feeling lonely and disconnected from their community or people in general.
Often it means they are alone without anyone to talk to.
“And that’s a sad way to be.”
All of this can take a toll on a person’s mental health. Jesso said with the seasons changing the likelihood of seniors experiencing the winter blues increases.
“So, why not try to bring a little joy and a smile into someone’s life,” she said.
“Sometimes all it takes is just a phone call to brighten somebody’s day.”
Seniors and those interested in being volunteers have to fill out an application to participate. The aim is to match each senior, based on their interests, with two volunteers who will then either visit them during a scheduled time for 45 minutes to an hour, weekly or biweekly, or call them.
During the visits they can play games, read, listen to music or just talk.
“That’s just going to make their day. That can make the whole world of difference,” said Jesso.
Seniors interested in taking part in the program, or anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, can call Jesso at 634-4321 or email [email protected].
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Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker