It’s a Friendly-Visiting or Friendship program that takes place over the phone, over Zoom, or in-person.

Volunteers are matched with an older adult 55+ to become a Friend or a Friendly Visitor.

Older adults who may be isolated, or experiencing loneliness, or who just need a friend to talk to may sign up.

Your Friend will begin visiting once a week for a minimum of an hour.

The program will launch in Halton and Peel Regions, but remotely.

Visits happen one-on-one with the service-recipient either over the phone, zoom, or in-person in their home, at least once per week for one hour.

Any person over 18 years is welcomed to apply as a volunteer. Volunteers who are 55 years and older will be given first consideration. You are required to successfully complete a Vulnerable Sector check and training to volunteer for West of 55 Friends.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please click here.

The program is available to any older person (age 55+) who identifies as vulnerable or isolated and who would benefit from this social inclusion program.

Pairs may choose to chat, play a game, do a craft, discuss news or interests, go on walks in community, or any other activity deemed safe and appropriate by us.

Policies have been put in place to ensure volunteer friends selected for our program are responsible and competent individuals. An assessment of the service-recipient via an in-take form is done prior to visits, to ensure the service-recipient’s needs can be met by the program.