Senior Coffee Chat program starts on Oct. 15

By Heather Cameron
Sunny South News

Coaldale Senior Centre will play host to Senior Coffee Chats once a month on the second Thursday of each month from 10 to 11 a.m.

“The Senior Coffee Chat program sets out to address the emotional needs of seniors,” said Leanne Coquet, Counsellor with Family and Community Support Services.

The program, Coquet noted, is facilitated by her and is open to any seniors in Coaldale, and there is no cost to attend, with a treat and a carafe of coffee from McDonald’s being provided to attendees.

Topics of discussion might include grief, loneliness, or life transitions, Coquet explained. 

“Senior Coffee Chats is a great opportunity for the participants to laugh and/or cry while sharing about their lives and struggles and build deeper relationships with other seniors,” said Coquet. “Many seniors struggle with anxiety, depression and loneliness as they endeavour to navigate through significant changes such as chronic illness, memory loss, financial distress, family conflict, and transitioning out of their long-time homes. Often seniors don’t seek professional counselling because of mobility problems, or they are of a mindset that don’t need to see someone or talk to anyone because they are doing “just fine”.  Rather than expecting seniors to seek out counselling, FCSS counselling services brings counselling to the seniors in a non-threatening and informal way.”

More information about the Senior Coffee Chats can be found at: https://fcss.ca/seniors/