Expanding the Friendly Call Program
Across the country, people count on the Canadian Red Cross to assist them when they are facing a crisis, and to help them stay safe and healthy.
The Friendly Calls program is designed to help people feel more connected to their community. It matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who connect with them regularly to check-in, provide emotional support, encourage healthy coping strategies, and suggest well-being resources and community connections to other existing services.
It aims to enhance social connectedness and well-being, with a focus on reaching older adults, Indigenous peoples, frontline workers, parents, caregivers and anyone who could benefit from greater connection, or anyone who may have limited social and family links, can receive regular support over the phone for encouragement and the power of feeling heard.
Thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross is expanding the Friendly Calls program to connect with even more people across the country. The program’s expansion builds upon Canadian Red Cross’ demonstrated success in using telephone support to enhance social connectedness and fill gaps in access to basic psychosocial support. The program has also enhanced its service model thanks to a centralized intake, as well as greater standardization and accessibility across geographies, demographics, and abilities.
Throughout this project, the Canadian Red Cross will work collaboratively with many key partners including the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing, a pan-Canadian network focused on equity, intersectoral collaboration and community leadership in the scaling and spreading of social prescribing across the country to improve the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
The Friendly Calls program is safe, accessible, and free. It is available nationwide, and anyone can sign up or learn more by calling 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time on weekdays or visiting www.redcross.ca/friendlycalls.
Promotional video: Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program: Meet Connie – YouTube
Lead organization: Canadian Red Cross
Location: National
Looking to get in touch with this project? Send an email to friendlycalls@redcross.ca for more information.
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