This International Day of Older People ALONE celebrate new ties of friendship

 

This International Day of Older people on October 1^st, ALONE, the charity that provides services for older people in need, are celebrating the newly established national network of befriending services for older people, called Befriending Network Ireland. Already, more than 40 organisations nationwide have come together to combat loneliness on a national scale.  The aim of all the groups involved is to develop consistent and quality befriending services across the country provided by trained and supported local people.

 

CEO of ALONE, Sean Moynihan said, “Through the years we received many calls from older people across the country looking for a befriending service in their area, we also received many calls from other organisations seeking advice and support in the field of befriending.”

 

Moynihan continued, “We realised that a national group was needed, to deliver training, establish quality standards and ensure transparency across befriending services. This inspired ALONE to commence and lead the development of a national befriending network to link all the wonderful independent befriending services that exist throughout the country.”

 

Earlier this year Befriending Network Ireland was born.  Hosted by ALONE, the network envisions a society where vulnerable people experiencing loneliness and social isolation have access to quality befriending services to improve health and well-being. Through this network ALONE provide support, advice and training to befriending organisations across the country.

 

This International Day of Older people on October 1^st, ALONE encourage any older person looking for a Befriending Service in their area to get in touch and call 01 679 1032. Similarly, if there are any befriending organisations looking for advice and support they can contact ALONE for support.

 

About ALONE

 

Established in 1977, ALONE is an independent charity that supports vulnerable older people to age at home.  We work with those who have issues with social isolation, lack of services, poor health, poverty, homelessness or housing.  We provide Supportive Coordination, Befriending, Supportive Housing  and Campaigning services to hundreds of older people every week.  We receive no Government funding for our day-to-day activities so we rely solely on the generosity of the public to continue our work.  ALONE’s services are quality approved and are delivered 365 days a year.

 

For more information contact: Roisin Furlong roisin.furlong@limelight.ie 01 668 0600, 085 739 5791