A new program is connecting seniors and youth in the Saint John region.

Future Engage is run by staff from the Saint John Newcomers Centre.

Project lead Doaa Higazy said the idea for the program came out of the pandemic.

“One of our concerns was how to keep seniors involved in the community, to keep their mental well-being, to keep them in touch with other people,” Higazy said in an interview.

Higazy said when they started the program last year, participants were able to meet virtually every day.

This year, they have moved to a weekly format and given participants the option to attend virtually or in person.

Each week there is an activity to participate in, such as card games, chess competition, Multicultural Day, digital literacy training, craft sessions, painting classes, and historical trips.

While the program was meant to help seniors, Higazy said the youth who have volunteered have also benefitted.

“It was really amazing to hear how the relationship between the senior and the youth affected the youth to give that experience,” said Higazy.

The weekly gatherings take place on Thursdays from 10 a.m. until noon in the Rothesay Hive, located at Rothesay Town Hall.

Higazy said the virtual option allows people from all across New Brunswick to participate.

You can learn more or register to take part by emailing doaa.higazy@sjnewcomers.ca or calling 506-721-1325.