This course prepares staff from Active Ageing Centres (AACs) to take on the role of Befrienders, reaching out to vulnerable seniors within their communities. Participants will learn how to connect seniors with appropriate care services, encourage community engagement to reduce social isolation, and build meaningful relationships that support active and healthy ageing in place.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

• Appreciating the fundamentals and philosophy behind befriending seniors.
• Equipped with skills to effectively engage and communicate with seniors.
• Sharpened in their observation skills on senior’s health status, home environment safety and other needs, and raise red flag promptly.
• Guided to organisational and community resources to assist in service linkages.

TRAINING METHODOLOGY
Lecture, e-learning (mental health module), class or group discussions, case studies and assessment

COURSE OUTLINE (2 days)
​At the end of the course, the learner (identified to serve as Befrienders of Seniors) will be able to:

• ​Actively reaching out to vulnerable Seniors within their Organisation’s areas of influence
• ​Extending assistance in linkages of appropriate care and support services
• ​Encouraging greater community involvement to prevent risks of social isolation
• ​Building lasting and meaningful relationships that would enable and motivate Seniors to age actively and healthily in place.

The Community Befriending of Seniors Training Programme aims to deepen befrienders' understanding of key principles and approaches, enabling more impactful engagement and support for seniors.

PRE-REQUISITE

5-Elearning modules are required prior to Face-to-face training (2 days)

• M1 MHA 1 - Understanding the signs and symptoms of Mental Health issues
• M2 MHA 2 - Supporting Persons with Mental Health issue
• M3 Understand Dementia
• M4 Dementia Care Basic Level - Person-Centred Care and Behaviours of Concern
• M5 Dementia Care Basic Level - Enriching Lives

NOTE: Upon completion of 5 E-learning Modules and Community Befriending of Seniors course, a certificate of performance will be issued (only 1 certificate).

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
AAC staff who both provide befriending or buddying services and oversee befrienders.

TRAINERS’ PROFILE

For more information, please email us at hmta@tsaofoundation.org