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Mentors needed for Cyber-Seniors program

Mar 7, 2019 | 3:27 PM

 

Medicine Hat, AB – If you are technologically savvy and would like to share your expertise, the City of Medicine Hat has an opportunity for you.

The Cyber-Seniors program is searching for volunteers to teach seniors basic computer skills like e-mailing and how to use the internet.

Community Resource Worker Lindsay Poloni says the program only requires a couples of hours a week and will have a significant impact on somebody’s life.

“There is a really big need and demand for it and it’s probably because we’re reaching those seniors that are typically isolated,” explained Poloni. “A lot of times, we’ll maybe have seniors that live in some of the older-adult facilities and they may not get out as often. If they don’t have family nearby, this gives them the opportunity to be able to reconnect.”

Since the programs inception in 2016, Poloni says they have had over 50-seniors take advantage of the initiative.

“A lot of times they’ll learn things like how to do a Google search, use e-mail and Facebook. We’ve even had interest in YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest. Some seniors have even wanted to learn how to take a proper selfie and text it. It may seem basic, but these are things seniors really want to learn.”

Although the advertisement for the Cyber-Seniors program says they are searching for ‘youth-volunteers’, Poloni says that isn’t necessarily the case.

“I’ve had mentors as young as 12 and I’ve had mentors in their 50’s. These are people who really enjoy technology and just want to help within the community. So, I have a very broad definition of what we’re looking for.” 

If you’re interested in being a volunteer for the program, Poloni says she will make sure you’re set up.

“I’ll meet with the mentor one-on-one and go over some training with them. I’ll give them some tools and there’s a booklet they get to keep. From there, i’ll introduce them to their senior and get them started.”

The program is roughly eight-weeks long and requires volunteers to spend approximately two-hours a week with their senior. 

Cyber-Seniors runs year-round and for those looking to sign-up as a senior or mentor, you can contact Lindsay Poloni at linpol@medicinehat.ca or by calling 403-548-0533.