Individuals aged 60+ are estimated to account for nearly 25% of all inhabitants of the Podlaskie province, and according to forecast this proportion is likely to grow systematically. The situation looks similar in our Supraśl commune (Białostocki district). Based on our activities so far, we can see that there are many seniors in need of support, but also many elders who have the time and will to help others. We have come up with an idea how to make use best of this situation to build mutual neighbourly help, promote volunteering initiatives, supporting elderly citizens in our commune at the same time.
We will organise a series of meetings promoting the ‘Help for Help’ project in many prominent locations, encouraging people to report their needs and abilities to support others. We will invite them to regular socialising meetings to talk about how we can support one another and about our ongoing needs. We will organise a series of workshops developing project participants’ interest and skills, as well as trips or visits to movie theatres or opera – this will allow senior volunteers to get to know one another better and to spend their free time actively. We will also organise two study tours to locations in which similar senior initiatives already function to look for solutions and good practises we would like to adopt.