Christmas is not necessarily the most wonderful time of the year for everyone, with many people suffering from loneliness during the holiday season.
CHIMO Helpline Executive Director Lisa O’Blenis says seniors in particular are vulnerable at this time of year because “some of them have just outlived their partners or children, and some of them are in seniors care facilities with very limited support.”
She adds in their top three call categories, the number one reason is loneliness, and that’s especially exacerbated in New Brunswick because we’re a rural province, and the physical isolation can be a tremendous hurdle to overcome.
However, she says there are ways we can help.
“Maybe volunteering at a care facility, especially around Christmas, maybe bringing in some little cookies, or do some caroling,” says O’Blenis. “Or just sit and visit with them, I think that will help a lot [because] some of them just need someone to talk to, ask them about their day.”
O’Blenis says there are many organizations throughout New Brunswick that would be grateful for volunteers to help those in need this year.
Reach out to someone who may be alone during holidayshttps://t.co/NP09bf4s4O
— Government of NB (@Gov_NB) December 18, 2017
Details about help from CHIMO can be HERE.