The B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support is teaming up with Burnaby Community Services for a new program that helps immigrant seniors deal with social isolation and language barriers.
The program is for newcomers to Canada who are 50 or older.
“A big part of the approach for this project is for seniors to get to know each other and build mutual support, so even past these workshops they can become friends and consider how it is they want to stay connected to the community,” said Lin Chen, the centre’s workshop coordinator.
The program will run every Friday for six weeks, from Sept. 30 to Nov. 4 at the Brentwood Community Resource Centre, at 2055 Rosser Ave. Seniors can meet with other older adults, learn about community resources and problems facing seniors.
The program focuses on how immigrant seniors can connect with each other. A part of doing that involves being familiar with services and resources already available in the community, Chen explained.
Social isolation and language barriers are the two most pressing problems immigrant seniors face, according to Chen.
“There is a lot of need and concerns immigrant seniors have that are not directly addressed in a mutually supportive environment, so through these sessions, it’s a chance for immigrant seniors to get together and feel that they are not alone,” she said. “I think a big piece is not just to build upon and enhance their knowledge of social isolation and possible elder abuse as well, but to likely make new friends and to really be empowered on how they can help themselves or help the people they care about.”
There will be interpretation available, depending on who signs up and what languages they speak.
Participants must attend all six sessions; no drop-ins. For more information, or to register, contact Lin Chen at 604-688-1927 ext. 225.
The B.C. Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support is based in Vancouver. Burnaby Community Services is hosting the program, offering space and some staff support.
