New community program connects volunteers with seniors

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that being isolated from friends and family can really take a toll on one’s mental and physical wellbeing. The Delta Police Department (DPD) has recently launched a program aimed at connecting isolated seniors with DPD volunteers.

“I was prompted to bring the Keep in Touch Program to Delta after working with an elderly gentleman with medical issues, and only one living relative, who lives above our North Delta Community Police Office.”, says Acting Staff Sergeant (S/Sgt.), John Jasmins.  “Seeing how it affected this gentleman when his only relative was hospitalized for a number of months had me thinking that our volunteers are in a great position to reach out to people like him, and try to provide some social and community connection.”

The program involves in-house training from the program coordinator to interested volunteers. Once trained, volunteers connect with seniors via phone, Monday to Friday. In addition, the program will hold a social luncheon for all participants twice a year.

Acting S/Sgt. Jasmins notes that for the start of the program, DPD will rely on its civilian employees, but hopes the DPD volunteers will be back at some point over the summer. Any social luncheon would only be organized should BC Government health guidelines regarding COVID-19 allow for such events.

If you know of a senior who could benefit from having a friendly conversation, and would like to be a part of the Keep in Touch Program, please email [email protected]