Friendly Neighbor for Seniors: Online Training

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Because of COVID-19, Davidson County's older adults are being asked to remain at home leading to prolonged isolation which can be detrimental to their physical and mental wellbeing. Senior Ride Nashville’s Friendly Neighbor Program (FNP) pairs volunteers with older adults to provide friendly conversation, social stimulation, and errand support, as needed. This program reduces isolation and fosters community connection even while physical isolation is necessary.

Volunteers call program members weekly for friendly conversation. Volunteers are available to help with occasional tasks like grocery runs, prescription pick-ups, post office drop offs, etc. As friendships form, program members and volunteers can also coordinate socially distanced visits.

FNP volunteers must be 18 or older. Volunteers must submit an application, attend an online training, and pass a background check.

The benefits of volunteering through the FNP are:

• Volunteers provide greatly needed support to help older adults maintain their connection to the community during a time of extended isolation.
• FNP fosters friendship between volunteers and older adults and makes it easy to volunteer when it suits your schedule.
• Volunteers communicate directly with their older neighbor to find a time to connect that works for both.
• For convenience of errand support, volunteers will be paired with older neighbors who live near them. We currently have members living in Madison and Old Hickory who are waiting to be paired with a volunteer.
• Mileage reimbursement is available for errands and/or in-person visits upon request.