‘Lonely and isolated’: Fort St. John’s new community connector talks opening social avenues for seniors

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John’s new community connector wants to help seniors in our community who feel lonely in an ever-changing world.

Speaking with Energeticcity.ca, Sharron Hammond spoke of her new role, which deals with helping seniors socialize. 

Working at the North Peace Seniors Housing Society at 108th Avenue, Hammond was hired after a career as a healthcare assistant, moving with her family from the Okanagan.

Hammond came to town in July 2024. With her position being funded by United Way, she began seeing clients last fall.

Data from Statistics Canada in the 2021 census says 8.3 per cent of Fort St. John’s population, or 1,783 residents, are aged over 65.

“We have a lot of seniors who are very lonely and isolated,” said Hammond. “I think it is a common occurrence with all seniors everywhere.

“It’s hard to admit that you’re feeling lonely or depressed especially with the generation of seniors that are out there now, it’s kind of a pride thing where it’s not easy to just admit and ask for help.”

Part of her job involves social prescribing. This involves seniors meeting with Hammond to put together a plan of referrals to support services or activities within the community, such as participating in events.

Hammond said she usually meets with a client to outline “what’s happening” in their life, and ask “what do they feel like they’re missing?” before connecting them with either a program that’s already within the community or a service like friendly visits, where volunteers go to their home or meet them somewhere each week.

“I try to coordinate their visit with another reason,” said Hammond. “They might be coming in for groceries and then they can stop by and see me.”

Social prescribing began as a practice in the United Kingdom, where one study back in 2015 found almost two in 10 senior patients consulted with their doctor for social rather than health-related issues.

Hammond also has clients from Cecil Lake, Charlie Lake and Hudson’s Hope. 

Hammond also assists seniors with applying for government benefits, such as the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) subsidy and BC subsidized housing.

Hammond says one of the largest barriers for seniors in the North Peace is a lack of access to public transit, with all BC Transit routes in Fort St. John stopped in the early evening.

“Our buses don’t run in the evenings, and we don’t have full service on the weekends,” said Hammond. “I see a real big need for other transportation options, or expansion of the HandyDART service.”

Hammond also works closely with Fort St. John Better at Home, an initiative designed to allow seniors to live independently.

Seniors over 60 years old are eligible to meet with Hammond.  Those interested in meeting with Hammond may contact her at (250) 784-5392 or by email at sharron@npshs.ca.