Local volunteers needed to help combat loneliness

NATIONAL charity ALONE is urgently looking for volunteers in Galway to join their team and help enable older people to age at home.

ALONE volunteers play a vital role in supporting older people to age at home through regular visits, phone calls, companionship and practical support.

So far this year, the charity has supported 1,806 older people across Galway with the help of 623 volunteers, but the demand is outpacing supply, and the charity is now seeking more volunteers in the area.

Many older people in communities across Ireland continue to experience loneliness, ill health, housing difficulties, poverty and other challenges that can affect their wellbeing and independence.

“Loneliness remains one of the biggest challenges facing many older people in Galway,” said Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE.

“Our volunteers are on the frontline of supporting older people to age at home. They are often the first to notice when something isn’t right and can link an older person in with the right service,” he added.

The charity also provides training, ongoing support and flexible volunteering opportunities, making it easy for people to get involved in a way that suits their availability.

For more information or to register for volunteering with ALONE, visit: www.alone.ie.