Alone calling on people of Cork to volunteer some time to support older people

A national charity that supports older people is calling on members of the public in Cork to volunteer some of their time to support people in their local area through its telephone support and befriending service.

Alone’s Support and Befriending service connects with older people who have requested a call and offers friendship, advice and information on health and wellbeing and how to get involved in local activities and relevant initiatives.

In the first three months of 2024, Alone’s data showed that 17% of older people newly contacting them had not been out socially in the past six months.

Alone reported that six in 10 people contacting the organisation report being lonely and look to its services for support, with its Telephone Support and Befriending service one way in which it supports people affected by loneliness.

“We know from our own evidence that loneliness consistently ranks as the number one support issue requested, and it has a severe impact on our physical and mental health,” Seán Moynihan, Alone Ceo, said.

Research funded by the Health Research Board and the charity, hosted by Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, showed that Alone’s unique support and befriending services for older people can reduce health decline and suppress the negative impacts of loneliness on health.

“We would ask anybody with a few hours to spare in their week to consider volunteering with Alone’s Telephone Support and Befriending service and help to support people in their local area who sometimes just need to hear another voice or share a story,” Mr Moynihan said. “This can be done from the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you.”

Volunteers can offer their time between 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. Training will be provided. More information can be found out about the role at alone.ie/volunteer or by calling 0818 222 024.