The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced $300,000 in funding to launch a new Students Supporting Communities Program.

The program provides a $3,500 grant to organizations that enables them to hire students to help seniors and other vulnerable groups facing social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes:

• $2,880 to hire a 30 hour per week position for eight weeks at $12.00/hour (this can be one position at 30 hours or two part-time);
• $432 for mandatory employment related costs; and,
• $188 for incidentals related to position (e.g., gas allowance; long distance charges).

The call for applications from employers, including community organizations, will open Friday, May 15, 2020.

Eligibility criteria is provided in the backgrounder below. For more information or to submit an application, visit here.

For the most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19. For general inquiries related to available government services, please email covid19info@gov.nl.ca.

 Quotes
“Physical distancing and isolating can take a toll on mental health, especially for seniors and vulnerable members of our community who are already at heightened risk of loneliness and feelings of depression. Staying connected has never been more important and the Students Supporting Communities Program is a creative way to increase social interaction and help us all get through this difficult period.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

“Intergenerational and community connections create important opportunities to reduce and eliminate the isolation and loneliness that many people may be feeling during this Public Health Emergency. The Students Supporting Communities Program will facilitate those connections by mobilizing students to help individuals connect with and access vital supports and services.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Media contacts
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca

Gina MacArthur
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Students Supporting Communities Program Eligibility Criteria

Eligible Activities 

• For delivery/support services, proposals must include ways to address social isolation issues, such as:
• Establishment of a friendly visiting program (adhering to physical distancing).
• Development of a grocery, clothing, medications and other necessities delivery program.
• Support for community based food banks.
• Innovative ideas and programs that support and promote social engagement for those who may not engage during these times.
• For technology support, proposals must include innovative and accessible ideas of how to teach or support technology while maintaining social distances, such as:
• Development of a “how to” guides to be developed to be included in grocery delivery.
• Creation of short “how-to” videos.
• Development of an online guide to support families through assisting in tech set up/support
• Establishment of a Seniors Help Line where students can talk through the technology issue with senior. 

Eligible Applicants 

• Private sector employers (incorporated or sole proprietorship), Not-for-Profit organizations and municipalities.
• Employers must provide a secure work environment. 

Eligible Students 

• Must be entering or returning to Post-Secondary training students or high school students currently enrolled in Level I, II, or III within the current year.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Not be an immediate family member of the employer as defined in the Terms and Conditions.
• Students must apply directly to the employer.
• If providing delivery services, must have a valid driver’s license. 

Public Health Guidelines

Applicants will be expected to follow guidelines and develop plans in order to continue operations throughout the COVID-19 Alert Level System. Guidance documents with health and safety requirements for individuals and businesses operating at each Alert Level can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/COVID-19.

The following measures will continue to be a part of our daily lives at every Alert Level:

• Stay informed, be prepared, and follow public health advice;
• Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds;
• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer in the absence of soap and water;
• Do not touch your face;
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette;
• Maintain physical distancing;
• Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when you are in public and unable to maintain physical distancing;
• Increase cleanliness and ventilation of public spaces and worksites;
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid contact with others;
• Work from home, where possible; and,
• Shop online and use curb side pick-up, where possible.