Our new Volunteer Check-In Call process is now live, and early feedback has been very positive. The updated process supports more consistent engagement with volunteers, improved oversight and clearer recording of check-in conversations.

To meet National Vetting Bureau requirements, all volunteers must now complete an in-person Garda Vetting verification with a Volunteer Support Officer.

Thank you to everyone who has adapted so quickly to this important change. Additional support and training resources will be available through the LMS shortly.

New Learning Platform for CIN Members
Work is underway to launch a new Learning Management System for CIN members, giving organisations easier access to training, resources and development opportunities. The platform is due to go live in October.

Energy Bill Workshops Continue Nationwide
Our Saving Money by Understanding Your Energy Bill workshops remain in high demand, with sessions scheduled across the country throughout the autumn. Feedback from participants continues to be extremely positive, helping older people feel more confident managing energy costs. If you know an organisation that would be interested, ask them to email [email protected].

Hi Digital Grows Through New Partnerships
The Hi Digital programme continues to expand, with schools and universities signing up for the new academic year and training sessions due to begin from September. The team recently attended the Senior Times 50 Plus events in Limerick and Sligo, promoting digital inclusion, volunteering and ALONE services.

Working with Partners to Improve Access to Support
Progress continues on the HSE Attend Anywhere pilot (see more information here), which will support older people to access virtual healthcare appointments. ALONE is also developing new referral pathways with a range of national organisations, including the Irish Hospice Foundation, Irish Cancer Society and Mental Health Ireland, helping more older people access specialist supports when they need them.

AIB Better Ireland Programme – ALONE is delighted to have progressed to the second stage of the AIB Better Ireland Programme, a corporate social responsibility initiative that provides funding to charities, community groups and flagship projects across Ireland.

New Corporate Partnerships – We're delighted to welcome LinkedIn and SEI Investments as new corporate partners, supporting ALONE's work with older people.

ALONE Walk 40th Anniversary – Thank you to Tate Kingspan for sponsoring the 40th anniversary celebration of the ALONE Walk in Artane, bringing together older people, the local community and colleagues to celebrate 40 years of supporting older people to age well at home.

Bray Air Show – ALONE was proud to be a charity partner for this year's Bray Air Show.

PwC One Firm One Day – As part of PwC's One Firm One Day initiative, more than 70 older people from ALONE and East Wall were welcomed to PwC's offices on North Wall Quay for a day of laughter yoga, candle making and lunch.

Celtic Camino fundraising event in September – Event details

School Talks – Community Fundraising offers talks for secondary schools, giving students an overview of ALONE's work and how they can support older people by fundraising for the organisation. To arrange a talk, contact Niamh O'Kelly.

We're looking forward to a series of upcoming events with PwC, Tate Kingspan and Cobh Golf Club. More details will be shared soon.

Presented to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health on ageing at home. Read the Opening Statement .

Met with members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection.

Delivered parliamentary staff training sessions nationwide, increasing awareness of ALONE's services and the challenges facing older people.

Launched ALONE's Pre-Budget Submission on June 24th in Leinster House.

Progressed plans for a cross-party Loneliness Oireachtas Working Group.

Influenced national policy discussions through submissions to the CRU (Commission for Regulation of Utilities) and Department of Housing, advocating for stronger protections against energy poverty and more age-friendly housing design.

Shared ALONE's expertise at the Age-Friendly Futures Workshop at the IVI Summit, highlighting our work to support independent living, tackle loneliness and promote positive ageing.

Enhanced Community Care (ECC) – Q1 2026 – ALONE's Q1 2026 Enhanced Community Care Report highlights the impact of our services nationwide, with 26,897 older people supported, including 4,215 new individuals, during the first quarter of the year. The report also showcases the invaluable contribution of 8,797 volunteers, who provided more than 71,000 hours of support to help older people stay connected, independent and supported in their communities. Read the full report.

Volunteer recruitment materials updated with QR codes.

Enhanced volunteer escalation and support processes.

Improved oversight of Telephone Support waiting lists.

Updated referrals guidance and stronger risk assessment processes.

Successful launch of the Volunteer Check-In Calls project.

Onboarding and offboarding improvements progressing through final approval.

Enhanced oversight of Improvement Actions to support accountability and timely resolution.