The Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, was joined by residents of Bishop Meaden Manor today to announce the opening of the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative.

In Budget 2020, the Provincial Government allocated over $200,000 for the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, which funds 50+ Clubs and seniors’ organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to organize and promote activities and programs that support social inclusion, healthy aging, mental wellness, and overall well-being.

This application-based program is open to 50+ Clubs and seniors’ organizations. Funding of up to $2,000 is available for eligible and successful applicants and will remain open until the full budget is expended. This year, the grant guidelines include how to conduct activities safely and in compliance with public health guidance due to COVID-19.

One of the seniors’ organizations that received funding through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative is a committee at Bishop Meaden Manor led by Jim Harvey. This committee helps support the 99 individuals who live in the manor and has provided cold plates, jigs dinners, and hampers of fresh fruit. Most recently, they commissioned a local cookie company to prepare boxes of cookies for Halloween.

For more information on the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative and to obtain the guidelines and application, click here or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266.

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“Our government recognizes that social inclusion provides many benefits for health and well-being. Through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative we are able to support 50+ Clubs and seniors’ organizations throughout the province to provide more opportunities for socialization and physical activity that can ultimately improve the physical and mental health of seniors. I encourage 50+ Clubs and seniors’ organizations to get an application today.”
Honourable Brian Warr
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“The Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative allowed the club to do numerous things for the 99 residents of Bishop Meaden Manor. Prior to COVID-19, we were able to go on a field trip to a local restaurant for supper. During the pandemic, we have been able to deliver cold plates and jigs dinner to every resident. Just last week, we used funds from the initiative to deliver boxes of Halloween treats to the residents. These deliveries provided an opportunity to reach out to the residents and make sure their needs are met and that they have someone to chat with.”
Jim Harvey
Bishop Meaden Manor Social Club

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Learn more
Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative

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Media contact
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca