Senior Peer Counselling in Penticton

2006-01 - by Susan McIver - Marge Donovan brings a wealth of experience to her position as coordinator of Senior Peer Counselling in Penticton. "It's about seniors serving seniors," said Marge, who assumed her position last April. The program is a free one-on-one service provided by trained senior volunteers who offer emotional support and guidance to other older citizens. Loneliness, depression, isolation from family and friends and loss of loved ones are some of the more common situations. "Recently we helped a man in need of legal assistance make contact with a suitable lawyer," Marge said. In Penticton, senior peer counselling is operated under the umbrella of the Penticton and District Recreation and Wellness Centre on Winnipeg Street. Counselling takes place wherever the client is most comfortable - the home, counselling group office or a mutually agreed upon location. Peer counselling is based on the principles of self-help and mutual aid, but does not replace professional help. Sometimes, however, senior peer counsellors, who draw on a variety of life experiences, are an extension of help from professionals. There are two fundamental criteria to become a senior peer counsellor, attend a 15- session training program and meet basic levels of physical and emotional health. During the training program, participants will decide, with the help of the training staff, whether it is appropriate for them to become a peer counsellor. There is no obligation to become a counsellor but there is an assumption that anyone taking the program is seriously considering participating in some way. No prior professional training or experience is necessary. The next training period starts in March. "I urge seniors to consider this opportunity to serve, the rewards are tremendous," said Marge. The cost of the training program is $50, which includes the 15-sessions, three interviews and follow-up support sessions. Bursaries are available. Currently, there are about 90 peer counsellors who hold monthly support group meetings for discussion and continuing education. In early 2005, Marge learned the position of coordinator would become vacant when she spoke at a senior peer counsellor gathering. "I was speaking on how seniors can prevent financial abuse on behalf of the Community Response Network," she said. The network is literally a network of agencies working with guardianship legislation related to abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults. She also serves as secretary-treasurer for the Penticton Elder Abuse Committee and is president of the Penticton Business and Professional Women's Club. Marge retired from a 20-year career in the Mental Health community support program in 2004. The last half, she worked exclusively with seniors, helping them connect with needed services such as banking, budgeting and transportation. Prior to her career in mental health, Marge worked for Toronto Dominion Bank, including being branch manager, and owned and operated three businesses. "I had trouble deciding what I wanted to do when I grew up, so I ended up doing a lot of things," she joked. Marge is a breast cancer survivor. "It brought me face to face with my own mortality. That's why I got so involved in the church," she said. At present, she is secretary of the board of Penticton United Church and leads a bible study group. For fun Marge travels in her fifth wheeler, camps, bicycles and reads. For more information about senior peer counselling, including the training program, phone Marge at 492-4333 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

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