[Article] Building Connections: The Friendly Calls Experience

In times of crisis, the kindness and support of others can make a world of difference. The Canadian Red Cross Friendly Calls Program isn’t just about making phone calls – it’s about building meaningful connections. 

Friendly Calls is a Canadian Red Cross Program that offers emotional support, healthy coping strategies, and well-being resources through regular phone check-ins. 

The Program was launched in 2020 to bridge the gap of isolation and human connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the program expanded in 2023 to be accessible across the country in every province and territory.

Since the expansion, over 3 million minutes of phone-based emotional support has been provided. A key focus has been to reach older adults, Indigenous Peoples, frontline workers, parents, caregivers, and anyone 18 or older who may benefit from greater connection in their lives.

The positive impact of the Friendly Calls program has continued to make a difference in the lives of people like Sheila, a senior living in a rural area. The program connected her with a trained Red Cross volunteer to provide companionship and offer encouragement and support tailored to her unique situation.

Her caller also proactively checks on her preparedness for storms, ensuring she has the necessary supplies and assistance. “My Friendly Caller is amazing,” explains Sheila. “She always leaves me with something positive to focus on during the coming week; something I can do or try to do that is encouraging and helpful.”

Sheila's gratitude for the Friendly Calls program is profound, and she acknowledges that without it, she might not have been able to stay in her home during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Friendly Calls is very much a lifeline. I’m so appreciative of what the program has done for me. Those early calls saw me through one of the most difficult times of my life.”

“They are there when something happens. They are there to help prevent something from happening. And they are there to make sure you’re okay in between the two.” — Sheila, Friendly Calls participant

Building Community Connection: One Call at a Time 

Tamara, a registered nurse by profession, always had a deep-seated desire to be more connected to her community. Inspired by the encouragement of a Friendly Calls volunteer, she decided to join the program and found a welcoming place to extend her caregiving beyond the hospital walls. 

"I would encourage anyone to volunteer with the Red Cross,” says Tamara. “The training was really accessible, and I could move at my own pace.” 

Tamara's experience with the Friendly Calls program has been transformative and has shown her that many people need someone to talk to, to normalize their experiences and alleviate their fears. "I discovered that phone conversations offered a safe way to bridge the emotional distance and to allow trust to build slowly,” explains Tamara.

“Volunteering with Friendly Calls helps me feel connected to my community. It reminds me I'm not alone.” — Tamara, Friendly Calls volunteer.

Not only has she been able to help others, but volunteering has played a crucial role in her emotional well-being, a reminder that connection and understanding are still possible. 

Interested in becoming a Friendly Calls Volunteer?

As a Red Cross Friendly Calls volunteer, you can have a lasting, positive impact on the life of someone who needs connection with another person.

You don't need special skills or experience either — all you need is kindness, compassion, and a couple of hours a week! If you'd like to learn more, sign up to be a Friendly Calls volunteer! 

Interested in receiving Friendly Calls?

If you’re looking for community connections, or even if you could use a little encouragement and emotional support, find out if the Friendly Calls program is for you!