A PROVEN MODEL MAKING AN IMPACT

We’re excited to offer Phone-Friendly Program-In-A-Box: a self-paced digital course that shows you how to launch a group program proven to foster meaningful connections and reduce isolation for vulnerable people. Originally developed for older adults and adults with disabilities, this flexible model can be adapted for anyone facing social isolation and help build a more inclusive, connected world.
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WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?

With this comprehensive digital toolkit, you’ll learn how to design, launch, and sustain a phone-friendly social program that can be easily tailored to meet your group's unique needs.

  • Empower Your Community

    Address social barriers and help people feel connected, no matter where they are.

  • Get Comprehensive Tools

    Step-by-step modules, templates, and resources make launching your program simple.

  • Use a Proven Approach

    Trusted by hundreds of organizations and used by tens of thousands of people across Canada in over 14 languages.

BACKED BY EXPERIENCE

This course is built on over a decade of experience from The Good Companions’ Seniors Centre Without Walls program. It also draws on the knowledge of a vast network of organizations across multiple provinces that have successfully adopted the phone-friendly model. This simple yet innovative model has already reached tens of thousands of people in many languages.

WHAT YOU GET

Here are some of the resources you'll receive access to as part of this self-paced digital course.

  • Self-paced video tutorials: Clear, actionable guidance that makes implementing the program easy.

  • Ready-to-use resources: Program calendars, facilitation guides, outreach materials, off-the-shelf program content, checklists, tip sheets, and more.

  • Diverse accessibility options: Tools and resources to serve a wide range of participants.

  • Real-world insights: Success stories and examples to inspire and inform you.

MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

“Being a full-time caregiver for an even older family member keeps me busy and sometimes feeling reclusive, as a result. These phone activities help me to socialize and connect to others on a fun basis and to help to keep my own brain active, while having a break just for pleasure.”

James

“When I just came to Canada, I always wanted to go back to my farms, but this program has made me feel at home and I am beginning to forget Africa.”

Tomi

“I used to be lonely and could go for days without talking to anyone. But I do not feel lonely or isolated anymore. I tell everyone the people on these calls are like my family.”

Grace

Make meaningful social connections more accessible for your community today!

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FAQ

  • What kind of organization is this program suitable for?

    Phone-friendly social programs can be run by anyone! Organizations that have launched these programs include municipalities, long-term care homes, retirement homes, small cooperatives, older adult clubs, community health centres, Seniors' Active Living Centres, community support services agencies, historical societies, mental health organizations, non-profit community development agencies, community resource centres, settlement agencies, faith communities, and more!

  • How is this different from friendly phone visiting?

    Friendly visiting - when staff or volunteers conduct one-to-one calls with clients - offers crucial support. Yet in our experience, friendly visiting doesn't help expand people's social networks. This is where group phone programming plays a unique role. By bringing socially isolated and lonely people together in an easy manner, they can have fun, build meaningful relationships, and foster connection.

  • Can I adjust my program to fit cultural needs?

    Yes! The organizations we've personally worked with have delivered phone-friendly programs in at least 14 different languages, including Arabic, Bangla, Cantonese, English, French, Hindi, Mandarin, Mohawk, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, and Tamil. Although we offer off-the-shelf content to make set-up easy, these organizations prove that content can be adjusted to fit the unique linguistic and cultural needs of diverse participants.

  • Will a phone-friendly program work for other demographics?

    While the lessons, tips, and guidance are focused on working with older adults, this flexible program model can be adapted to meet the growing needs of other socially isolated populations. There are plenty of take-aways for those working with other demographics!

  • What if I need certain lessons more than others?

    We've created this course à la carte so that you can skip ahead to whatever lessons serve you best. While we've organized lessons sequentially, you can complete the modules in any order you wish and over any length of time. It's self-paced so you can focus on what you need.

  • Can I use this course to run virtual programs?

    Given the model is intended to be as low-barrier as possible, the course is focused on making your program phone-friendly so as to be inclusive and accessible to those without easy access to the internet, smart phones, or computers. The lessons and content can be adapted to enhance virtual programs but provide special guidance to ensure your sessions are accessible by phone so that you reach the most isolated people.

  • Since this course is self-directed, where do I go for additional support?

    No problem! You'll be able to join a free, online Community of Practice with other phone-friendly and virtual program coordinators across the country, hosted through Healthy Aging - CORE Canada. This way, you will be able to ask questions, share ideas, and gather additional resources.

Course developed by The Good Companions Seniors' Centre

Funding for this course was generously provided by The Waltons Trust