HISTORY:

Abbotsford Peer Support for Seniors is a senior's volunteer organization that has been in operation since 1992. It is one of 17 other peer support groups in B.C. and operates as an affiliate of the provincial organization. Seed money came from Healthy Aging and paid for the first training session. Since then, APSS has operated with grants from New Horizons and Mental Health with various donations from organizations, businesses and individuals - including clients and volunteers plus income from our Annual Bazaar. United Way of the Fraser Valley and Bingo are our current sources of funding.

APSS offers a free one-on-one service provided by trained senior peer support volunteers who offer emotional support, guidance and empathy to at-risk peers troubled by loneliness, depression, isolation from family and friends, loss of loved ones, intergenerational conflict and life changes.

MISSION:

We believe that every senior, regardless of race or religion, has the right to live a full, independent, dignified life. Further, we believe that senior peer support volunteers, being of similar age and experience, can act as the vehicle for seniors to help them regain or maintain their independence, allowing them to live with dignity.

GOALS

• To help maintain the mental health and well being of seniors through a program of peer support.
  
• To promote the personal power of seniors so that they can make informed decisions for themselves by investigating, understanding and weighing options.