Seniors in the Northern Capital will benefit from new programs to address social isolation, nutrition needs and active movement.
The Prince George Council of Seniors, along with the Dawson Creek Society for Community Living and Smithers Community Services Association, are the three northern community organizations receiving the funding.
“We are making investments into community-based seniors’ services in every corner of the province,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “This includes transportation and social inclusion programs to help seniors stay active in the community and engaged in community programs that support healthy ageing and quality of life.”
Through Northern Health, the Ministry of Health is funding $100,000 grants to an initial group of three organizations. This is part of a provincial initiative to help British Columbia’s seniors maintain meaningful social connections through a series of community projects to support healthy ageing in place and improve opportunities for social connection.
Anne Kang, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors and Multiculturalism, believes seniors are the hearts of our communities.
“They deserve to get the support they need to live the healthiest lives possible,” she said. “By increasing community-based services within the community, seniors will better be able to live independent lives and stay physically and socially active.”
The Prince George Council of Seniors will put the $100,000 received towards the creation of a variety of programming in conjunction with community partners, including an Ambassador Program to assist seniors to integrate into participating community seniors centres in the city.
The Province is also providing funding to several community organizations in BC so they can provide better transportation for seniors. In the Northern Health region, seniors have access to affordable and safe travel on NH Connections, which expanded eligibility in 2018 to include anyone 60 years or older.
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