WESTFORD — Westford’s Cameron Senior Center is supporting a slew of new emotional wellness opportunities for seniors in need.
Cameron Senior Center announces grief support sessions
The Cameron Senior Center, which remained closed until spring of last year, is offering new emotional wellness services to its patrons this spring, including a grief support group.
“[There were] a number of people who have mentioned in passing to us or other members of the staff at the senior center that they have experienced a loss,” said Alison Christopher, Cameron Senior Center’s social worker to WestfordCAT. “It allows for a safe space for people to talk about what they’re dealing with. We’re excited to be offering that.”
According to Christopher, Annette Cerullo, the center’s Elder Outreach Coordinator, is leading the new program.
The first session will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 24 at the Cameron Senior Center. It is open to adults 55 and older.
Center expands emotional wellness offerings
The center also announced it will be hosting a six-session workshop to provide seniors with emotional education on how to identify and manage their emotions. Lisa Wessan, a licensed independent clinical social worker will be hosting the sessions through a grant provided from the Greater Lowell Community Foundation.
“She’s going to build on the learning throughout the time that she’s here,” said Christopher. “She’s going to teach people about mindfulness, relaxation and awareness of your emotional state.”
She continued, “I feel like it’s going to be a really great program for anybody to attend.”
The first session is scheduled for Friday, April 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Participants are encouraged to call the center to register in advance.
American Rescue Plan Act Funds used to assist with mental health support
ARPA funding can now be used to support individuals with copays for mental health services.
“We heard from a number of people that one of the barriers in accessing counseling or mental health support was that co-payments and deductibles can be high,” said Christopher. “We got a small amount of money allocated to this. It’s going to be a simple process for people to access this.”
She continued, “They really just need to contact me and be able to show proof of being on a range of the federal or state benefit programs.”
These programs can include fuel assistance, Social Security Insurance, MassHealth or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“We will need to limit the amount per person,” said Christopher. “But if this is a barrier for you to get involved with counseling and that’s something you feel would be helpful, this is a way that it may reduce the financial burden that it puts on individuals.”
Those with questions can contact Christopher at 978-399-2325 or by email at achristopher@westfordma.gov.
