The objective of this service is to extend a social support system to the senior citizens. The caller most often calls with reports of feeling bored, lonely, depressed etc. because the client is living alone, children are away at work, not in the same city etc. The only help that they would like is for someone to give them company, go out for a walk with them, accompany them or share their interests.

Nature of assistance rendered:

Dignity volunteers are themselves senior in age. There are about 500 of them in three cities. They receive training in simple skills of counselling and help rendering. The volunteers through their regular interaction with the client and their families help to first identify the areas where changes can be made to eliminate their loneliness.

The volunteer is there to:

• Assist
• Guide
• Be a support
• Involve the client in meaningful activities
• Enrich their lives
• Help promote interests
• Encourage meeting with other people