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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Friendly Calls program?
  • Across the country, people count on the Canadian Red Cross to help them stay safe and healthy.  
  • The Friendly Calls program aims to enhance social connectedness and well-being, with a focus on reaching older adults, Indigenous peoples, frontline workers, parents, caregivers and anyone who may benefit from increased access to regular emotional support, social interaction, enhanced coping skills and community connections to other existing support. 
  • The program matches people over the age of 18 with trained Red Cross personnel who:
    • Check in with them regularly through phone calls 
    • Provide emotional support and encourage healthy coping strategies
    • Share well-being resources and community connections to other existing services as needed 
  • The Friendly Calls program is safe, accessible and free. It is available nationwide, and anyone can sign up or learn more by calling 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time on weekdays, or by accessing the sign up form online.
    • The frequency and length of phone calls is tailored to suit a participant’s individual needs. Generally, phone calls occur on a weekly basis and can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes.
    • Currently, phone calls are being conducted in English and French. There is the potential to offer additional languages in select locations as the program grows.
Is there any cost to participate in the Friendly Calls program?
  • The Friendly Calls program is free across Canada. 
Who can participate in the Friendly Calls program?
  • No matter where you live in Canada, the Friendly Calls program is open to anyone over the age of 18 who could benefit from greater connection, or may have limited social and family links, and can receive regular support over the phone for encouragement and the power of feeling heard.
How do I sign up to participate in the Friendly Calls program?
  • Sign up using the online form, or connect with Friendly Calls by calling 1-833-979-9779 toll-free from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time on weekdays.
  • If you feel that a loved one could benefit from the Friendly Calls program, we encourage you to help them sign up, either directly, or by referring them yourself online or on the phone. 
How do I sign up to volunteer for the Friendly Calls program?
  • For some people, a little conversation can make a big difference. As a Friendly Calls volunteer, you can have a lasting, positive impact on the life of someone who needs connection with another person.
  • Friendly Calls volunteers do not need specialized skills or experience— all they need to bring is kindness, compassion and up to a few hours weekly. The Canadian Red Cross will provide training and ongoing support from experts to ensure they feel confident and prepared to make a positive impact in their community - one call at a time.
  • Click here to apply to become a Friendly Calls volunteer. 
What skills do Friendly Calls volunteers require? Do they require a background in mental health to participate?
  • You do not require a background in mental health to participate in the Friendly Calls program.
  • Friendly Calls volunteers do not need specialized skills or experience— all they need to bring is kindness, compassion and up to a few hours weekly. 
  • The Canadian Red Cross will provide training and ongoing support from experts to ensure you feel confident and prepared to make a positive impact in your community – one call at a time.
What is the time commitment being asked of a volunteer?
  • In general, a volunteer with the Friendly Calls program is expected to volunteer at least one hour per week. 
  • Volunteers are asked to remain with the program for a minimum of six months.
At which times do Friendly Calls typically take place? 
  • Calls are scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the volunteer and the participant they are paired with, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays. 
Can volunteers visit the person they are partnered with?
  • This is a phone-based program and any communication between a volunteer and participant will take place over the phone. Should a participant request a video chat, that will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. 
What if the participant needs more than emotional support? 
  • Red Cross personnel can provide additional support, including enhanced coping strategies and community connections to other existing services, including crisis lines providing urgent mental health support such as Crisis Services Canada or the Hope for Wellness Helpline for Indigenous peoples. 
What happens if a person requires more support than what the Friendly Calls program can provide? 
  • Volunteers and staff with the Friendly Calls program are not medical professionals and do not provide clinical counselling. If a person requires more support than what the Friendly Calls program is able to provide through supportive conversation, then that person will be referred to professional/clinical supports available and participation in the Friendly Calls program may stop. 
How can I offer feedback about the program?