South Essex Community Council launches ‘Lend a Hand’ program

A great new service for local seniors is now available that will assist those who wish to age in place. 

Called ‘Lend a Hand’ and falling under the South Essex Community Council (SECC) umbrella, the program offers free help with light housekeeping, lawn maintenance, safety check-ins and snow removal.

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Age Well at Home Initiative, this area is one of 71 across the country that were chosen to host this two-year pilot project.

Project leader Heidi Omstead initially made a presentation about the new program to Leamington’s Seniors’ Advisory Committee. 

It was so well received that the committee asked if she could make a presentation to the public, which Omstead did on March 13 at Leamington’s Half Century Club.

“We felt it was important to pass information about this program on to the public about what Lend a Hand was all about,” said Advisory Committee member Linda Tiessen-Belch. “It offers many services that allow seniors to age in their own home.”

Lend a Hand is available to those who are at least 55 years of age or disabled, are economically challenged and live in Wheatley, Leamington or Kingsville. 

This new service is completely reliant on help from volunteers such as newcomers, high school students, community members and interest groups. 

“We are always looking for new volunteers and they can pick and choose what works for them,” said SECC’s Omstead.

People seeking a volunteer position or interested in receiving assistance can call South Essex Community Council at 519-326-8629 or can go to their website secc.on.ca for further eligibility information.