This week Hon. Filomena Tassi, Canada’s recently-appointed Minister of Seniors, helped to raise public awareness on the health impacts of social isolation by promoting online resources prepared to help seniors get more involved in their communities.
“Canadians benefit from having a dedicated representative for seniors issues at the Cabinet table, alongside the Prime Minister, the Minister of Health and Minister of Finance,” says Daniel Fontaine, CEO at BC Care Providers Association (BCCPA). “It is gratifying that she is bringing attention to social isolation amongst seniors, especially at this time of year when weather compounds this challenge.
“We have long argued that the first step to addressing the scourge of social isolation is by making the public more aware of it.”
https://twitter.com/MinofSeniors/status/1069984803695529985
Beginning this week, BCCPA announced the #GiftofTime awareness campaign. The province-wide awareness campaign reminds the public that the best way to combat loneliness over the festive season is by giving the gift of time. The campaign is being promoted through multiple platforms, including radio stations and social media channels.
##
More on the Social Isolation and Social Innovation Toolkit:
The Social Isolation and Social Innovation Toolkit is comprised of two parts:
- Social Isolation of Seniors Volume l Understanding the Issue and Finding Solutions
- Social Isolation of Seniors Volume ll Ideas Exchange Event Toolkit
It also includes three supplements:
- A Focus on LGBTQ Seniors in Canada
- A Focus on Indigenous Seniors in Canada
- A Focus on New Immigrant and Refugee Seniors in Canada
