An initiative that began in Southwestern Nova Scotia is now helping seniors across the province.
The Nova Scotia ‘Warm Line’ program helps connect seniors and others feeling isolated or alone, to a qualified support volunteer for a 20-30 minute phone conversation.
Coordinator Tamara McIntyre says it began primarily in Shelburne as a peer-run emotional support line.
“We also will make regular calls to seniors that might be isolated, who may not have family in the immediate vicinity,” says McIntyre.
This week, the province announced $25,000 in funding for the program.
McIntyre says this helps improves the lives of seniors and others who use the service.
“We talk to seniors in multiple counties, even though we’re based out of Shelburne. We get calls from as far away as Halifax and Truro.”
She says the support means a lot, as they continue to expand their outreach to seniors.