Loneliness is a social epidemic that is impacting all age groups around the world. Although most of us are connected on social media, we have never felt more alone. Many of us find ourselves isolated from our communities and feeling lonely.

Features:

John Chief Moon is an Indigenous Peer Support Worker with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Calgary, Alberta. John is from the Blood Reserve and is Blackfoot First Nations and is considered an “elder-in-training”. John helps people with their loneliness and social isolation by connecting them with First Nations’ culture. John spends his time talking to people living on the street, those in detox centres, youth centres and the staff that helps many of these at risk groups.

Tom Greyson is a senior living in Edmonton, Alberta. After his wife died, Tom felt very lonely and isolated and decided to help himself by helping others through volunteerism. Tom volunteers with the organization Drive Happiness, driving other seniors around who have limited income, mobility and other health related issues.

Julie Kraychy is a senior who teaches other seniors English as a Second Language in Edmonton, Alberta. Julie experienced depression, loneliness and social isolation after her husband died and she experienced financial problems. Julie decided to come out of isolation by working as an English as a Second Language teacher for other seniors who want to learn English so they can connect to their new homeland, Canada.

Produced by Brandy Yanchyk.