Sometimes a point of contact can serve as a point of light. Originally created to support socially isolated adults during the pandemic, the Social Bridging Project continues to illuminate how pervasive loneliness can be among those who are experiencing digital inequity in remote areas.
Developed through the University of North Carolina Asheville’s NC Center for Health and Wellness, the Social Bridging Project enables isolated older adults in remote portions of Western North Carolina to sign up for frequent and friendly phone check-ins from trained Wellness Callers. In addition to regular fellowship and conversation, clients are assisted in learning how to use basic technology to connect to their friends and loved ones.
“Being a part of people’s lives and doing what I can to troubleshoot anything that comes up, is a large part of my job,” Wellness Caller Jeff Jones explained. “Because I am in sustained contact with callees, I can coach them through difficult times and be there to share the good ones,” he said. Other supports provided to clients include learning how to access online resources like telehealth, as well as timely referrals to community transportation services, meal deliveries and no-cost wellness programs.
Callers like Jones say that the ensuing connections with clients have been both lasting and meaningful. “I have endeavored to be a constant presence in their lives,” he said. “Every one of them is a unique person with their own story, and that story is still unfolding.”
