On Tuesday, April 30, the Langley Homelessness Steering Committee presented a Seniors Connect event at Southgate Church.
More than 70 people attended and listened to presentations by Service Canada on financial security, the RCMP on personal and information security, Langley Community Services Society and Langley Community Response Network on problematic substance use and elder abuse and the Langley Seniors Resource Centre speaking about their new Better At Home program.
In addition to the presentations, there were 20 information tables. Agencies represented were Avia Employment Services, BC Responsible and Problem G ambling Program, Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), Credit Counseling Society, Fraser Health (Nutrition), Fraser Valley Regional Library, Gateway of Hope, Langley City Recreation and Leisure, Langley Community Services Society, Langley Senior Resource Centre, Langley Township Recreation & Leisure, Langley Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Meals On Wheels, Medicine Centre Pharmacy, Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Ministry of Social Development, RCMP, Service Canada, Stepping Stone Community Services Society Outreach and the Surrey Rent Bank, which also covers Langley.
Representatives answered questions and passed out information. In addition, Crystal Vision and Hearing Centre were providing free hearing tests out of their mobile testing vehicle.
The need to provide information and services to people as they age towards 65 as well as after they have turned 65 has become a vital concern, as services and income are often times impacted by the change in age — often without notice provided to the individual.
Given the success of this event, there are now plans to hold it annually in the spring.
Anyone who is interested in being a part of this event or who has questions can contact Fraser Holland at 604-530- 5033.