Successful friendship can be found at Sallies
Gillian Gadsby and Aileen Jones struck up a friendship which has sent them on a voyage of discovery together.
When they meet once a week they watch their favourite television shows and solve jigsaw puzzles.
They get along well. They have the same star sign, Taurus, and both like to talk.
The two Hamilton women met through Senior Services, a community ministry of The Salvation Army.
The service recruits volunteers who are willing to give an hour a week to visit an elderly person to provide friendship and support.
‘‘We are often hearing about our aging population in New Zealand, and how in the very near future this is going to be a huge problem. Well guess what? It already is a huge problem,’’ said co-ordinator Beverly Parkinson.
‘‘There are many elderly people out there who are lonely and socially isolated, who don’t have family to look after them, either because they live out of town or they are busy with working.’’
Aileen said she and Gillian ‘‘clicked straight away’’ and that her dog took to Gillian right from the start.
The two have made a friendship from the programme and both said they would recommend it to anyone who is on their own or lonely.
Senior Services was launched in Hamilton last year and Parkinson said they have recruited more than 40 volunteers and have provided friendship and assistance to over 55 elderly people in Hamilton.
The service is free, and as well as companionship, it provides some support services for seniors, including transport and accompanying to appointments in a support or advocacy role.
‘‘With an aging population life can become increasingly lonely and difficult for those who live alone and don’t drive.
‘‘This programme is one way we can address some of the needs of the elderly in our community.
‘‘In my experience the programme is extremely rewarding for both volunteer and client alike,’’ Parkinson said.
Senior Services is looking for volunteers who are newly retired, and clients that are aged 65 and over.
To get involved, phone Beverly on 834 7015