Friendly Calling Program
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Friendly Calling Program?
A: The Friendly Calling Program is where a trained and supervised volunteer makes a weeklycall
(usually 15 minutes minimum on the same day at the same time) to a senior aged 65years or older who lives independently in the Hamilton community. The volunteer carries on a friendly conversation to “check in” on the senior, lend a friendly ear, and share information about community events (from a calendar that Dundas Community Services provides) as well as programs, resources and services that might be of interest or support to the senior such as Meals On Wheels, Assisted Transportation, Caregiver Support, Friendly Visiting etc.
Q: What are the goals of the Friendly Calling Program?
A:Help seniors remain in their own homes longer.
Help seniors live independently with quality of life.
Address/reduce seniors’ isolation and loneliness.
Keep seniors linked to and connected with their community.
Q: What is the background of the Friendly Calling Program?
A: The Friendly Calling Program was launched by Dundas Community Services in partnership
with Community Living Hamilton in August 2008. This was a unique and innovative
partnership that focused on including individuals with disabilities as volunteers.
Q: How is the Friendly Calling Program funded?
A: The Friendly Calling Program is funded through the Hamilton Niagara Hamilton Brant
Local Health Integration Network (HNHB LHIN) as part of Ontario’s Aging at Home strategy.
Q: What are the benefits of the Friendly Calling Program for seniors?
A:Enhanced quality of life, health, safety and well being.
Friendship and support from a dedicated individual, a community agency and theagency’s
network of services and resources.
Link to community events, activities and information.
Increased ability to manage, independently, at home.
Reduced loneliness and isolation.
Q: What are the benefits of the Friendly Calling Program for volunteers?
A: Satisfaction, fulfillment and reward that comes with providing a valuable community
service for seniors.
Insight into senior population and the experience of aging.
Increased knowledge and awareness of community services and programs.
Opportunity to acquire new skills or put existing skills, abilities and talents (paidand/or
volunteer) to good use.
Opportunity to volunteer at home.
Increased sense of purpose and self-esteem.
Q: How do seniors get involved in the Friendly Calling Program?
A: Seniors may refer themselves by calling Dundas Community Services at 905-627-5461
Family, friends, neighbours and healthcare providers may also refer seniors, with their
knowledge and consent. The Friendly Calling Program coordinator arranges to meet seniors
in their own homes to explain the program and obtain relevant health information,
preferred date and time for call, and interests and hobbies.
Q: How do volunteers get involved in the Friendly Calling Program?
A: The Friendly Calling Program coordinator has a list of seniors who would like a friendly
call. The coordinator interviews prospective volunteers and obtains some information about
their background, hobbies and interests. Volunteers are required to submit two reference
checks and sign a confidentiality/non-discriminatory practices agreement. (Note: Police
screening checks are not required because the volunteer does not visit seniors in their
homes.) The coordinator works to make the best match (“right fit”) between the senior and
volunteer.
Q: What is the contact information for Dundas Community Services and the Friendly Calling Program?
A: Interested seniors and volunteers can call Dundas Community Services at 905-627-5461,
email , or visit the office at 2 King Street West, Suite 3A, Dundas
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The website address for Dundas Community Services is:
Updated January 2013