La Zubia provides emotional support via phone to its seniors

La Zubia Voluntaria launched the 'With You in the Distance' program, which provides socio-emotional support by phone or video to elderly residents of the municipality. This innovative project, which was launched in the wake of the pandemic, supports elderly and dependent persons who live alone and can't leave their home because of the coronavirus. This project is made possible by the cooperation of the Department of the Elderly of the City Council of La Zubia. It is the La Zubia Voluntaria volunteers who provide emotional support for these neighbors.

"We want our elders to feel supported over the telephone so they don't feel isolated, that they feel that someone is there to help them in difficult situations," Carmen Moral, president of La Zubia Voluntaria, explains. She also highlights the work done by Belen Aguilar, the coordinator of this project.

The Councilor for the Elderly of La Zubia, Natalia Arregui, recalls that elderly people who want to use this service only have to contact the telephone number 667 736 618 or by email at mayores@ayuntamientolazubia.com. They can also visit the Town Hall's Seniors section.

"We encourage any friend, family member or neighbor that thinks someone might need this service, to contact us so we can try to help them," says Puri Lopez, the mayor of La Zubia. He also thanks "once again the invaluable, essential work of La Zubia Voluntaria". These volunteers provide telephone company and conversation to their neighbors. They may also read to them poems or a chapter from a book.