No one is left ALONE
Volunteer extols virtues of Befriender Programme
IN Ireland, one third of older people live alone. That is a fact. So, the question is could you give up an hour of your week to call to someone who may be feeling isolated in your local community?
That’s what the ALONE charity is seeking from volunteers who join their Befriender Programme in one of the many voluntary roles available in ALONE, a national organisation that enables and empowers older people to age at home by creating individually-tailored support plans and aids.
Tuam resident Dan Regan (43) is one such volunteer who signed up to ALONE’s Befriender Programme late last year after stumbling across an advertisement.
Originally from Charlestown in Mayo, Dan came to Galway for a weekend 16 years ago and never left and he is now married and living in Tuam town – though he is keen to state he is most definitely not a ‘sham’.
In years gone by, Dan, who works in Human Resources for a hotel chain by day, was the go-to person for his grandfather should he require any assistance in his everyday life. Two years ago, however, his grandfather passed away and Dan felt a void in his life immediately afterwards…
For more, pick up this week’s Tuam Herald or log onto our digital edition HERE