Media Release
October 1, 2021 – On October 1, the International Day of Older Persons, the Active Lifestyles Centre Grey Bruce (ALCGB) announced the expansion of the Seniors ASK Program throughout Grey and Bruce Counties.
Seniors ASK is a free program specializing in helping seniors and their caregivers in getting answers to questions they may have in any area of concern to them, either locally or beyond Grey Bruce. The Program is built on a peer support model of seniors helping seniors.
Seniors ASK was first introduced in Owen Sound and the immediate area in 2019 through funding provided through a grant from the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). Following a successful first year, NHSP awarded Seniors ASK further funding for a second phase to expand the Program throughout Grey and Bruce Counties. Roll out of phase 2 has been delayed by pandemic restrictions, however, a plan has been put in place to allow the project to proceed safely.
Seniors ASK recognizes the vital importance that seniors’ centres play in the lives of seniors. Seniors’ centres are community leaders in seniors’ programs and there is a natural fit around helping seniors/caregivers access information on community events, fitness, leisure, entertainment, socialization, and sports & recreation. Seniors ASK will build on these existing relationships.
Seniors ASK will expand using a model of Community Hubs. Seniors’ centres in the 2 counties are being invited to join the Seniors ASK network and become a local Hub which will identify them as the place for seniors to come for information, activities and connecting with others. To date, Hubs have been designated at the Active Lifestyles Centre in Owen Sound, Chantry Seniors Centre 50+ in Southampton, South East Grey Community Health Centre in Markdale, Community Health Centre/Erskine in Dundalk, and The Meeting Place in Tobermory.
For further information, contact: David Wenn, Peer Support Leader at seniorsask@gmail.com or 519-374-9495
