Government of Canada takes steps to tackle seniors' social isolation

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - To mark National Seniors Day,  the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors), today announced a Call for Proposals to fund approximately 20 pilot projects—an investment of $2,000,000—aimed at addressing seniors' social isolation.

"Social isolation has a negative effect on the health and well-being of seniors.  The Harper government is taking action to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities," said Minister Wong. "Through these pilot projects, our government continues to look at innovative solutions to address seniors' issues, particularly social isolation, by leveraging social partnerships to marshal the resources needed to support seniors in our communities."

These pilot projects will be eligible to receive between $50,000 and $100,000 of federal funding over a maximum of 24 months which will be matched with funding from other sources. The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) pilot projects will also pursue intergenerational learning projects that help seniors develop new interests and share their knowledge and experience with others.

The application period begins on October 3, 2013 and will close on November 13, 2013. Additional information and application details is available online.

Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

For a wide range of information for seniors, including details on the NHSP, please visit seniors.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects led or inspired by seniors who make a difference in the lives of others and their communities.

Through the NHSP, the Government of Canada encourages seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to the benefit of others. Since 2006, the New Horizon's for Seniors Program has funded more than 11 200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada.

NHSP funding is available for both pan-Canadian and community-based projects.

Pan-Canadian projects focus on developing or identifying tools, resources and promising practices that can be adapted and shared across communities, regions and the country to address elder abuse. They are eligible for up to $250,000 in funding per year, for up to three years.

Community-based project funding provides support for activities that address one or more of the program's five objectives. The Call for Proposals being launched on October 3, 2013 is seeking proposals for larger-value, longer-duration pilot projects that focus specifically on seniors' isolation and/or intergenerational learning. These projects will receive up to $100,000 over 24 months in contribution funding, will engage partners, and will leverage funding from other community partners.

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada