With support from the Rural Coordination Centre of BC’s (RCCbc) Rural Voices Initiative, Shuswap Better at Home introduced Java Social, a program that brings older adults together for coffee, facilitated conversation, and connection.
The pilot ran in Enderby and Blind Bay, with small groups meeting each week in local community spaces. Facilitation support was provided by staff from Eagle Valley Community Support Society. One group was formed through targeted referrals, while the other was open to the public. Despite the different approaches, participants in both groups were experiencing many of the same things, including bereavement, caregiving responsibilities, chronic health conditions, retirement, and social isolation.
The weekly gatherings gave participants a chance to get out, meet new people, and spend time with others who understood what they were going through. As the weeks went on, participants built new friendships, became more comfortable connecting with others, and learned more about local services and resources.
“The relationships that developed among participants were one of the most significant outcomes of the program. At the conclusion of the program, participants requested that a contact list be created so they could stay in touch with one another after the sessions ended.”
That desire to stay connected did not stop when the pilot ended. One participant volunteered to host a potluck at her home, giving the group another opportunity to get together and continue the friendships they had started.
Funding through the Rural Voices Initiative helped purchase the Java Social program materials, allowing the pilot to be offered free of charge. This made it easier for participants to take part without having to worry about the cost. Eagle Valley Community Support Society has since committed to covering the ongoing facilitation costs, helping keep the program going beyond the pilot.
The success of the pilot has also led to plans to expand Java Social to other communities throughout the Shuswap, including North and South Shuswap, Chase, Sicamous, and Salmon Arm.
For Shuswap Better at Home, the pilot was a chance to try something new in response to a local need. The Rural Voices Initiative supports communities in identifying those needs, building local partnerships, and developing their own approaches to improving health and wellness.
Does your community have an idea that could bring people together? Learn more about the Rural Voices Initiative, available supports, and funding opportunities below.
Learn more about the Rural Voices Initiative
