History
History
In 1976, during a very cold spell and within a few short weeks eight older people were found dead in their Dublin homes.
Willie Bermingham (1942-90) – a Dublin fireman who discovered the remains of some of these forgotten older people – and a number of his friends, distributed posters to highlight that the over-60′s in Dublin were suffering cold, hunger, loneliness, depression and illness and dying alone. They began to collect and distribute donations of food, fuel, clothing and furniture. They initiated a ‘search that building’ campaign, drawing awareness to the plight of isolated older people who survived in derelict city centre buildings, where unscrupulous landlords often wanted them out to free sites for redevelopment.
ALONE was founded by this small group of volunteers in 1977. The name was chosen as an acronym of the words; A Little Offering Never Ends. We are now in our 35th year of providing friendship, housing and support to isolated older people. Although we have a small staff team to ensure continuity of service, we are still led by volunteers.
The organisation (which is non-denominational) remains totally dependent on donations and legacies from members of the public because we neither seek nor receive any government funding. We value our independence which leaves us free to act quickly to help older people in crisis without any bureaucratic delays.
ALONE’s first housing complex was built in 1986 (ALONE Walk, Artane) and the second (Willie Bermingham Place, Kilmainham) was opened in 1990. Including these purpose built units there are now more than 90 ALONE-owned and maintained homes where residents benefit from life-long tenancies with a minimal rent covered by the state rent allowance. Residents can avail of the Housing Support Service which aims to maximise their independence through flexible support plans.
Through our Befriending Service 150 ALONE volunteers visit more than 200 otherwise lonely and isolated people. ALONE Community Response Service supports and advocates for older people in crisis situations. We also work to raise awareness of issues concerning older people, through statements in the media and a programme of presentations in schools and for community groups, clubs, services and businesses.
ALONE works to maximise the independence of the people we support and we frequently call the government to account for neglecting the needs of older citizens who lack housing, warmth, food, medical care and necessary social services. ALONE has always been clear that as long as its support is needed the state is not doing its duty.
The context of issues for older people in Ireland has changed since the 1970s. Advances in health care and improved social services mean that older people stay healthier for longer. ALONE has pressurised successive governments to take action on the housing rights of older people and over the years chanegs have come. But as times change so too do the challenges faced by older people. Innovative responses are called for now just as they were 35 years ago.
Statistically the over-65’s are the most content people in Ireland and play vital roles at family and community level. But as a recent ALONE awareness campaign emphasised: “Most of us enjoy our old age – some of us need a hand”. With a range of often complex needs, 1 in 10 people aged 65 and over are classed as ‘vulnerable’ and these are the people served by ALONE.
As more and more older people contact ALONE for support, the organisation itself remains dependent on the support of the public. If you or someone you know needs a helping hand, or if you can volunteer your time, or can make a donation to ensure ALONE’s vital services can continue please phone 01 679 1039 or click here to contact us.
As the ALONE slogan goes “Don’t leave to to others, they may have left it to you”.
