Discussion leader for the elderly

Discussion leader loneliness among the elderly

For a pilot from October 2020 - February 2021

Do you like to start a conversation with the elderly? In a home environment, in small groups, we want to invite people who are struggling with feelings of loneliness to have a conversation with each other. In this way we want to help people strengthen contacts and feel meaningful.

Loneliness is an invisible but essential problem in our society. Present and Manna together set up a short, small-scale course for the elderly to break through loneliness and feel (again) of meaning in society.

The course consists of six sessions and lasts six weeks. The discussion groups consist of four elderly people, and in the beginning there will be a district nurse who already knows the people.

We are looking for committed discussion leaders for this short, accessible course for the elderly.

What is expected of you:

• You are involved with the elderly and their environment and you enjoy starting a conversation
• You can supervise a conversation because you can listen carefully, ask questions and summarize.
• You are patient and understanding
• You are available one half day per week (during the day).

You will be offered:

• A short workout
• Course materials
• A volunteer allowance
• And you can make a very concrete contribution to breaking through loneliness among the elderly.

Several discussion groups will be launched over the next few months. You can optionally guide one or more groups.

This pilot consists of 10 discussion groups. Afterwards, the working method is evaluated and published. When it turns out to work, it will be continued in Enschede and others nationwide can set up discussion groups with this material.