Margaret is 79 . For fifteen years I didn’t laugh or have a real conversation with anyone. I had a seven day week with no one to talk to. Margaret was never married and had little contact with family. Her only friend was a lady that she bumped into at […]

Joe is 63. After his marriage broke down, he went through a difficult time, lost his job and ended up living on the streets. I was living rough for a year or two. Then moved between hostels for a few years. But it was the loneliness that nearly killed me. […]

Leo, 73, has been living alone in Dublin for the past 14 years. When Leo retired he found himself feeling increasingly isolated and lonely. I was just sitting in, smoking. I had no exercise. I needed help to look after my daily chores. I wasn’t cooking. I wasn’t doing anything. I was probably […]

Owen, 85, lives by himself in Dublin city centre. Owen has lived happily in the same house for most of his life. He is quick with a joke and is a proud supporter of Liverpool F.C. Owen was first connected to ALONE through the Befriending service, where he enjoyed the company and companionship through […]

Joan, 95, is a former author and artist who lives by herself in Dublin. Joan, a widow, was first referred to ALONE in 1998 due to feelings of loneliness and isolation. The support Joan needs to continue living independently have changed over the years. ALONE ensures to meet these needs, enabling her […]

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 […]

Fiona visited the ALONE website after seeing a poster which made her think about what she could do to help older people suffering from isolation and loneliness. Fiona decided that she wanted to give back and connect with an older person through the Befriending Service. I was matched with Mary in April 2013. […]