Decreasing Barriers, Increasing Wellness, City of Richmond

The City of Richmond has taken an important step in enhancing its recreation services – developing for the first time a program to reach out to isolated and frail seniors. The aim of the Decreasing Barriers, Increasing Wellness Project is to reintroduce them to healthy, physically active lifestyles and provide an opportunity to be socially engaged.

The program started with a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM). The cost was also offset by drawing from existing recreational services. Because of this, the city was able to provide the pilot program for free. Initially, information about it was spread through partner agencies and word of mouth, along with other avenues.

Forty-two seniors ranging from 60 to 95 years old volunteered to take part in the pilot, which lasted several months. Most of the participants had at least two chronic disease conditions. They were given transportation to and from their homes, one-on-one leisure counselling, nutritious meals and a community centre membership. As a group, they participated in activities in a positive and supportive environment designed to improve quality of life. Fitness classes, fall-prevention sessions, a nutrition presentation, computer workshops and trips to Terra Nova Park were part of the agenda and helped the seniors develop new skills and confidence.

When it was over, a celebration was held for participants to share their experiences and be congratulated for their efforts. Each was given a complimentary registration in the recreation program of their choice to help them continue with their physically active and engaged lifestyle. It was also an opportunity to impress upon community partners the need to continue this kind of program.

Seniors who took part in the project said they enjoyed making friends, learning new things and getting active. It made such an impact on them that 80% of the participants said they intended to register for a recreation program afterward. Agencies in the community praised the initiative as a valuable resource to refer their clients. For city staff and volunteers, the program was an opportunity to make new connections with the community and other agencies, and to think about new possibilities. In the end, the project was a means for the city to further its vision of inclusiveness.

Through its Decreasing Barriers, Increasing Wellness Project, the City of Richmond has created for itself a new tool to ensure everyone in the community has a high quality of life throughout their entire life. BCRPA is pleased to present Richmond with the 2009 Program Excellence Award.