To help link vulnerable seniors to vital mental health and addictions services, the Province is providing $500,000 to the Seniors Services Society to expand outreach through its existing programs and partnerships.

The society will also create a more robust online resource for seniors living in more remote parts of the province.

“More and more seniors are struggling alone. They often live in isolation, without social connection, with limited mobility and don’t know where to turn for help,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “This funding will support Seniors Services Society to create bridges between vulnerable seniors and the vital mental health and addictions services that they need – here in New Westminster and across the province.”

The funding was announced by Darcy at the society’s Grand Parade fundraising event in New Westminster on June 1, 2019.

The funding will help to promote mental health and addictions services to work alongside existing seniors’ programs – including in private residences, seniors’ centres and in shelters. It will also help build online resources that make it easier for B.C.’s aging population to connect to the services they need.

“This funding gave us a big boost to strengthen our core services and expand our reach so that we can serve more seniors in our communities,” said Kyoko Takahashi, operations manager for Seniors Services Society. “We look forward to forging meaningful partnerships with other agencies to promote these initiatives.”

Wendy Palidwor, a Seniors Services Society client said, “Seniors Services Society has helped me on and off for about seven years. Because of their help, I now have a home and the support I need. I feel that more mental health and addictions outreach workers and supports for seniors will be helpful as they made a big difference for me.”

Seniors Services Society is the only agency in Metro Vancouver that works exclusively with homeless and at-risk seniors. Working in partnership with all levels of government, community organizations and local businesses, Seniors Services offers a place of safety and support to seniors struggling with poverty, isolation and homelessness.

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For more information on the Senior Services Society, visit: http://www.seniorsservicessociety.ca/