The Envision Counselling and Support Centre is putting more effort and resources into bridging the distance between people.
The organization recently announced that it is expanding services to provide more interaction for those who need it.
Their program, named Bridging the Distance, was first piloted in Estevan and proved to be pretty successful. Now it has upped its delivery to include rural areas and Weyburn within the service area of Envision.
The program specifically offers support and connection for individuals 55 and over experiencing isolation in southeast Saskatchewan.
"We are able to cover the southeast now. Initially, we'd applied for money through the United Way, which was part of the federal funding, to be able to expand this area, but it was specifically to Estevan. So we've received money through United Way Regina, who's looking after Weyburn now, to be able to expand to the whole southeast," explained Christa Daku, executive director of Envision.
She added that it was a "huge" step for Envision because the agency covers the southeast. And to be able to offer a new program to the entire service area is great.
"(It's wonderful) to be able to get out and offer services to those who may be feeling isolated that are 55 years and older. And this program supports individuals of this age group in a variety of ways whether they are just feeling lonely, or if they have some issues they are dealing with. Whatever the case may be, they can reach out to us for individual support," said Daku.
The new program offers both counselling and just a friendly ear for those who are worried about something or feel lonesome and are willing to talk.Â
Daku went on to explain that if a family member or individual would like counselling or just to talk, they can call the office to connect with a counsellor. To limit challenges, this program can be accessed from the comfort of home via telephone or video chat, but Envision also can see people in person, if the clients choose.
"When people don't have enough social connection, we have seen decreases in overall well-being as well as greater susceptibility to anxiety and depression," said Daku.
"With fall arriving, we recognize that there is a greater chance for isolation as the pandemic continues and anxiety around the future grows."
Common issues such as stress and mental health struggles are often intensified in silence and isolation. Such issues have been exacerbated by COVID-19 which has increased disconnection and barriers for those seeking support for these and similar issues.
"This initiative will provide additional counselling support and connection to this vulnerable population, who are experiencing reduced quality of life during this crisis," says Daku. "We want to help those struggling with stress, loneliness, mental health or other issues."
To connect with a counsellor people can call the offices in Estevan and Weyburn, which have a specialist on site who is looking after this demographic. They ask for intake and set up an appointment in any format they prefer.
"It doesn't necessarily need to be framed as counselling. We do have a counsellor in place in case anything more serious was to come up so that there are qualifications behind the person they are talking to, but it can be just a call and talk. It doesn't necessarily need to be finding solutions to anything. It's just having a friendly ear to chat with and touch base with and just feel connected."
Daku added that it's really important for those that are feeling isolated to be able to have that ear to share with.
"Many people worry but they don't have anyone to turn to sometimes. We want just to be there to support. It really does impact individuals' mental health."
Envision started the six-week pilot in Estevan in July. Then the agency applied to get more funding to get them through to the end of the fiscal year.
"We were awarded that, so we are going to be maintaining this to the end of March for sure. And then hopefully we'll have some evidence that this is a needed service in our area and we'll be able to apply for some ongoing funding," Daku said.
The program became possible thanks to federal emergency funding, and to United Ways in Estevan and Regina.
The later funding allowed the organization to invest some money into getting the word out and doing some advertising so more people would get to know about the new service and would benefit from it.
"We are seeking to connect with all individuals, 55-plus, who may be living alone or have no one else to talk to or to support them during this intense time of uncertainty," said Daku.
"We just want people to know that there is someone to turn to."
