West End Senior Network Clothes & Collectibles Store

Feeling a sense of community is an important part of staying happy and healthy, and particularly so for seniors. The West End Seniors’ Network (WESN) plays a key role in helping seniors achieve this by supporting each other. Residents of Vancouver’s West End gathered together to form the WESN in the late 1970s under the leadership of Kay Stovold, a passionate community advocate, and they have been helping each other out in a variety of ways ever since.

The WESN provides services for seniors in the community such as assisting with shopping, accompaniment to medical appointments and setting up friendly visits to members’ homes. The network also offers a number of classes, games and programs at Barclay Manor – a West End heritage home that is the central meeting place of the organization. WESN’s Kay’s Place office, located in the Denman Place Mall, offers information and referral services, assistance with housing, pension and other concerns, as well as a place where seniors can drop in for a cup of coffee and a chat.

The WESN has grown since its early days – annual membership averages 800 members, a significant proportion of the estimated 11,000 people aged 55+ who live in the neighbourhood. Executive director Eric Kowalski is enthusiastic about the program and explains why he became involved. “I like working with seniors and I like working in the community-based non profit sector. We get to do a lot of broader planning and advocacy but also provide direct services for seniors. It’s a great place that way.”