Friendly Visitor Program
The Friendly Visitor Program provides friendship and companionship to PEI seniors who may be at risk of becoming socially isolated.
Who may become a Friendly Visitor?
A friendly visitor volunteer is a kind, caring individual who spends about an hour a week with a senior friend who is at risk of becoming socially isolated. Adults, aged 50 years of age or older, may become volunteers, once a screening process is successfully completed.
The screening process to become a Friendly Visitor volunteer includes the following steps:
- complete an application
- have an interview
- agree to a criminal record check and
- take part in program orientation.
Once the screening process is completed, a volunteer becomes part of a local Friendly Visitor group and is matched with a senior friend for weekly social visits.
Friendly Visitor volunteers attend bi-monthly meetings with their home group to discuss general issues, socialize, or listen to guest speakers.
What does a Friendly Visitor do?
A Friendly Visitor volunteer build a relationship with a senior friend and provides companionship through regular one hour visits each week. Visits may include playing board games or cards, reading a newspaper or magazine aloud, or simply chatting.
How are volunteers matched with seniors?
Volunteers are matched with seniors who are the same gender, live nearby and have shared interests. An interests survey is completed by each volunteer and participating senior. The survey results are used to match seniors who have common interests. Having common hobbies, likes or interests makes it easier to create a strong friendship.
Is there a cost to be matched with a Friendly Visitor?
There is no cost to take part in this program. It is made possible through funding from the provincial government and is delivered by the PEI Seniors' Federation.
Where can I get an application form?
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Contact:
PEI Senior Citizens' Federation
Phone: (902) 368-9008