Dave and John, Befriending Case Study

Dave is an IT consultant from Dublin who volunteers with ALONE’s Befriending Service. He visits John, 67, every week.

Some older people are the most vulnerable in our society. By reaching out to someone who needs it and using my time to help someone has made me a happier person.

Dave and John enjoy a range of activities together, including having a chat in John’s home, going to a local café, driving to the countryside, sometimes spending an evening out in IKEA. Dave is aware of the benefits that not only John gets from the Befriending Service but also himself.

For me it’s about championship and trust. I consider John a good friend of mine now and I can really see the benefit our time together has had.