New programme keeps elderly strong

The elderly in Franklin are set to receive a helping hand.

The Salvation Army in Pukekohe is launching its Senior Services Friendship Programme which aims at keeping Auckland’s elderly safe, healthy and independent.

Senior services co-ordinator Marlene Connolly said the programme was a Salvation Army ministry focusing specifically on the needs of older people living in the community.

The programme is already operating successfully in West Auckland and the North Shore as well as several other cities in the North Island.

‘‘Our aim is to provide and facilitate services supporting pastoral care, social interaction and safety at home by developing a team of trained volunteers to meet these needs,’’ Connolly said.

The Senior Services Programme is a free service that arranges support to enhance the quality of life and social wellbeing of lonely and isolated older people living in the community.

A volunteer can become a friend, visiting regularly to provide friendship, support and contact with the local community and wider world.

Life can become increasingly lonely and difficult for those who live alone, don’t drive and often don’t have family in the area, Connolly said.

One of the keys to the success and scope of this service would be the people who were willing to give a couple of hours a week to dramatically improve an older person’s quality of life, she said.

Contact Pukekohe senior services co-ordinator Marlene Connolly on 2074 727 078 if you want to become a volunteer.