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ALONE launch a COVID-19 support line for older people Working in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE

March 9, 2020

ALONE announce national support line and additional supports and outreach for older people

PRESS RELEASE

Dublin, 8 March 2020:  ALONE, the organisation that supports older people, has announced the launch of a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in Ireland.

On Tuesday 3 March, the National Public Health Emergency, chaired by Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer in the Department of Health, announced the establishment of a Vulnerable People Subgroup.

As a member organisation of the National Public Health Emergency COVID-19 Subgroup for Vulnerable People, ALONE is working in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE on a coordinated national response to support older people who have concerns, may be at risk or who have contracted COVID-19.

The supports offered include a new national support line launching tomorrow, Monday 9 March, and additional outreach and coordinated support. This support line is to complement the clinical advice and information being provided by the HSE through its website and helpline.

Professional staff will be available to answer queries regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line will be open Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm, by calling 0818 222 024, and hours may be extended to meet the demand.

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said, “The WHO advises us to be SMART and inform ourselves about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and to be kind and support one another. This support line provides additional information supports for older people who may have concerns or support needs; it is led by our voluntary sector who provide invaluable work with communities; and is working as part of our co-ordinated national response to COVID-19.”

“We are ramping up our response to COVID-19 to provide support to all older people nationwide working in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE,” he continued.

“As the situation develops, as well as advice, information and emotional supports, we will ensure every older person will have access to food, medication, fuel, daily contact, and any other support that may be needed. We want to emphasise that these supports are free, and available to all older people, including those who have not previously used our services.

“Should any older person need any advice or practical support, we encourage them to call us on 0818 222 024. We are also collaborating on our response with more than 100 other organisations in the community and voluntary sector working with older people, providing them with support where necessary, to create a surge in capacity and ensure a comprehensive and robust response. As the situation develops we may need to call on civic organisations to support our work.”

“Our message is clear, ALONE and its partner organisations are providing additional information and supports, however where older people consider that they have COVID-19 (Coronavirus) symptoms and meet the criteria set out by the HSE their first point of contact should be to phone a doctor in line with HSE advice.”

Moynihan continued: “At the moment the risk of contracting Coronavirus is low to moderate. In line with HSE advice older people should continue to carry out their daily activities as normal while taking the appropriate preventative measures, including regular washing of hands and practicing cough etiquette.”

ALONE has 2,000 volunteers who provide visitation and telephone Support and Befriending, and professional staff who offer coordinated supports to older people experiencing loneliness, financial and housing difficulties, and any other challenges they may face. 45% of the older people ALONE supports are over the age of 80.

ALONE advises that older people practice the following protective measures as outlined by the HSE:

·       Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

·       Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing/sneezing.

·       Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

·       Practice cough and sneeze hygiene – covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough/sneeze. Then dispose of the tissue immediately.

·               Stay informed: keep up to date on latest Covid-19 information on www.hse.ie. 

“The outbreak of COVID-19 will pose additional challenges for older people who may already be vulnerable and particularly those who struggle with health difficulties, loneliness, and other issues,” concluded Moynihan. “To the friends and family of older people who may have concerns, we are encouraging them to continue to support older people in the community as they have always done, while ensuring they are taking the same protective measures.”

Contact ALONE on 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.

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Publications & Resources

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CH04 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Siobhan Walsh

086 084 1674

Support Coordinators

North Kerry

Niamh Blackburn

[email protected]

086 084 1882

West Kerry (Killarney , Killorgan,Kenmare & Sneem)

Maria Willis

[email protected]

086 011 9901

South Kerry ( Dingle & Tralee)

Shannan Howe

[email protected]

086 081 2409

Northwest Cork

Irene O’Connell

[email protected]

087 613 5090

Northeast Cork

Vacant

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East Central Cork

Patricia O’Brien

[email protected]

086 084 1381

East Cork City

Vacant

0818 222 024

Central Cork

Veronica Reidy

Clare Seymour

[email protected]

[email protected]

086 075 3867

086 107 9433

West Cork 

Stefan Doods

[email protected]

086 011 9903

South East Cork City

Katie Siwek

[email protected]

086 127 7134

West Central Cork 

Clare O’Callaghan

[email protected]

086 013 5761

Bandon, Carrigaline, Kinsale

Eva Hannigan 

[email protected]

087 252 1603

South Cork City

Mary McCarthy

[email protected]

086 035 3902

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Geraldine Commins

[email protected]

086 013 1570

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Mairead Egan

[email protected]

087 253 1380

Volunteer Support Officer

Tracey Kearney

[email protected]

086 440 9893

CH03 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Martina Kinane

087 407 4085

Support Coordinators

West Clare

 Michelle Gallagher

[email protected]

086 127 6308

North Tipperary

Alison Kennedy

[email protected]

086 127 9660

East Clare

Steph Apsel

[email protected]

086 013 9720

West Limerick

Rosaline Normile

[email protected]

086 107 9432

East Limerick and Ballina

Orla Regan

[email protected]

087 069 7989

South Limerick City

Deborah Blane

[email protected]

086 012 4956

North Limerick City

Sarah Minogue

[email protected]

086 013 1055

South Limerick

Saoirse Begley

[email protected]

086 013 4037

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Amy McLoughlin

[email protected]

086 107 9431

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Aoife Dennehy

[email protected]

086 211 5307

Volunteer Support Officers

Vacant

0818 222 024

CH02 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Ciaran Gilligan

083 878 6080

Support Coordinators

Central Galway & East Galway City 

Ciara Groonell

[email protected]

086 013 9448

West Galway  

Eileen Keoghan

[email protected]

086 127 9573

West Galway City

Greta Klasaukskaite

[email protected]

086 108 5038

Tuam, Athenry & Loughrea (CHN Learning Site)

Mona Tillmans

[email protected]

086 012 5716

East Galway & South Roscommon

Vacant

0818 222 024

North Roscommon & North-East Galway 

Carol Duffy

[email protected]

086 013 1569

East Mayo

Sinead Reinhardt

[email protected]

086 108 5167

North Mayo

Breda Gilligan 

[email protected]

086 011 8570

West Mayo

Eileen McKeown

[email protected]

086 136 6717

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Susan Dillon

[email protected]

086 013 4041

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Karen Byrne

[email protected]

086 057 6401

Volunteer Support Officers

Paul Stafford

[email protected]

086 013 5043

CH01 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Frances Browne

087 751 6087

Support Coordinators

Inishowen (CHN Learning Site)

Bronagh Doyle

[email protected]

086 171 6984

East Donegal

Jennifer McCreery

[email protected]

087 909 2384

North Central Donegal

Michael Purtill

[email protected]

086 014 5831

Cavan

Vacant

0818 222 024

Monaghan

Mary Ginley

[email protected]

086 440 0667

Leitrim & West Cavan

Chantelle Devaney 

[email protected]

086 084 1315

Sligo, North Leitrim & Bundoran

Emily Griffin

[email protected]

086 014 6376

West Donegal

Emma Kennedy 

[email protected]

086 720 8686

West Donegal

Anthony Wingate

[email protected]

083 060 3871

Donegal inishowen

Vacant

0818 222 024

Telephone Support Coordinators

Telephone Support Coordinator

Deirdre Browne

[email protected]

074 932 1598

Telephone Support Coordinator

Kate Reilly

[email protected]

086 085 0885

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Helena Campbell

[email protected]

086 014 5829

Volunteer Support Officers

Vacant

0818 222 024

CH05 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Lola Fitzgibbon

086 084 1360

Support Coordinators

North Kilkenny & Kilkenny City

Mary Colclough

[email protected]

086 410 8902

Central Kilkenny & South Carlow

Tara Rice

[email protected]

086 013 1113

North Carlow 

Clare Mullins

[email protected]

086 031 5628

Waterford City 

Doireann Gough

[email protected]

086 013 6357

West Waterford & Tramore 

Maria Butfoy

[email protected]

086 136 4338

South Tipperary & North Waterford

Deidre O’Connor

[email protected]

086 011 8991

Central Tipperary

Catherine Power

[email protected]

086 108 5406

Central Wexford

Aileen O’Neill

[email protected]

086 108 5031

North Wexford

Mary Murnane

[email protected]

086 853 0994

Southeast Wexford

Joan Slattery and Sarah Kerr

[email protected]

086 076 3958, 087 179 3782

Southwest Wexford

Natalia Gembicka

[email protected]

086 014 4915

North Kilkenny & Kilkenny City(CHN Learning Site)

Liz Nolan

[email protected]

086 1086504

Waterford City

Conor O’Brien

[email protected]

086 084 7245

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Una Mc Grath 

[email protected]

083 102 6217

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Emma Heslin

[email protected]

0818 222 024

Volunteer Support Officer

Ciaran Fitzpatrick

[email protected]

083 417 7119

CH09 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Kevin White

089 409 0549

Support Coordinators

Northwest Dublin Inner City 

Anne Nolan 

[email protected]

087 053 5887

Northeast Dublin Inner City

Ellen Griffin

[email protected]

086 084 1320

Drumcondra, Donnycarney & Clontarf

Vacant

0818 222 024

Harmonstown, Raheny & Donaghmede

Michael McDonagh

[email protected]

087 269 0711

Beaumont, Coolock & Darndale

Margaret Walsh

[email protected]

0818 222 024

Poppintree ,Ballymun, Santry (CHN Learning Site)

Marie Claire Carney

[email protected]

083 415 5526

Swords & Malahide

Tracey Benney

[email protected]

086 010 9933

Balbriggan, Skerries & Lusk

Vacant

0818 222 024

Howth & Portmarnock 

Grace O’Driscoll 

[email protected]

086 107 9430

Clonee & Mulhuddart

Linda Murray

[email protected]

083 062 8209

Castleknock & Blanchardstown

Emma Lanigan

[email protected]

086 440 2408

St. Margaret”s, Finglas & Glasnevin

Vacant

0818 222 024

Telephone Support Coordinators

Telephone Support Coordinator

Michael Kennedy

[email protected]

086 440 2894

Telephone Support Coordinator

Anne Marie mc Allister 

[email protected]

086 440 7825

Telephone Support Officers

Telephone Support Officer

Louise Ellison

[email protected]

086 440 7829

Telephone Support Officer

Anne Marie mc Allister

[email protected]

086 440 7825

Telephone Support Officer

Vacant

0818 222 024

Telephone Support Officer

Sharon McManus

[email protected]

0818 222 024

Telephone Support Officer

Mary Mc Hugh

[email protected]

086 440 7823

Telephone Support Officer

Vacant

0818 222 024

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Vacant

0818 222 024

Volunteer Support Officer

Angie Doherty

[email protected]

086 898 7715

CH08 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Greg O’Reilly

083 385 1221

Support Coordinators

East West Meath

Gary Blanchfield

[email protected]

087 069 6284

Longford & Central Westmeath

Aisling Mulvhill

[email protected]

086 084 4095

West Westmeath & Northwest Offaly

Sandra Masterson

[email protected]

086 076 4587

Offaly

Christine Marten

[email protected]

086 011 5756

South Laois

Mary Deane

[email protected]

086 107 7890

East Offaly & North Laois

Aine Greaney

[email protected]

086 083 4386

North Louth

Joanne Finnegan

[email protected]

083 878 4529

South Louth & Bettystown

Laura Hanberry

[email protected]

086 013 8850

Central Meath

Elizabeth Bates 

[email protected]

087 090 0932

North Meath & Ardee

Paula Boyce

0818 222 024

Southwest Meath

Vacant

0818 222 024

East Meath

Vacant

0818 222 024

North Louth

Karen Coan

[email protected]

086 068 4718

Location tbc

Vacant

0818 222 024

Location tbc

Vacant

0818 222 024

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Anne Murphy

[email protected]

086 035 3904

Telephone Support Coordinator

Michael Mc Daid

[email protected]

086 014 6729

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Fiona Boyle

[email protected]

086 136 6539

Volunteer Support Officer

Frances Sheerin

[email protected]

086 108 5965

National Support Line Coordinators

National Support Line Coordinators

Aoife Callaghan

[email protected]

086 032 6801

National Support Line Coordinators

Carol Mc Gahon

[email protected]

086 084 1881

CH07 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Natalie Johnson

083 062 5854

Support Coordinators

Rathmines, Terenure & Templeogue

Jessica Beaton

[email protected]

086 014 4096

Drimnagh, Crumlin & Harold’s Cross

Carol Hughes

[email protected]

086 150 4127

South Dublin Inner City

Vacant

0818 222 024

Ballyfermot & Palmerstown

Emma Moloney

[email protected]

083 878 7007

Lucan

Rafael Guzman

[email protected]

086 013 7912

Northeast Kildare 

Annette Head

[email protected]

086 440 2893

Rathfarnham, Knocklyon & Ballyboden

Vacant

0818 222 024

Tallaght & Firhouse

Natasha Kinsella 

[email protected]

086 083 9097

Newcastle, Citywest & Saggart

Vacant

0818 222 024

Clondalkin

Rhonda Ryan

[email protected]

086 011 9265

East Kildare & Blessington 

Tara Phibbs 

[email protected]

086 084 7247

West & Central Kildare 

Deirdre Dunne

[email protected]

083 062 5966

South Kildare & West Wicklow 

Sinead Donnelly

[email protected]

086 128 2947

Northwest Kildare

Vacant

0818 222 024

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Emma Daly 

[email protected]

086 108 2211

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Theresa Maher

[email protected]

0818 222 024

Volunteer Support Officer

Ciara Holden

[email protected]

086 076 1083

CH06 Support Coordinators

Service Manager

Service Manager

Shelby Unger

083 060 2419

Support Coordinators

Southeast Wicklow

Mark Johnston

[email protected]

086 012 3837

Northeast Wicklow

Samantha Keane

[email protected]

086 440 0117

Ballinteer, Stepaside & Kiltiernan 

vacant

0818 222 024

Foxrock, Carrickmines & Shankill 

Kathryne McCabe

[email protected]

086 014 1628

Milltown, Churchtown & Dundrum

Justin Tennant 

[email protected]

083 419 4186

Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey & Loughlinstown

Eva O’Dwyer 

[email protected]

086 272 4823

Stillorgan, Booterstown & Monkstown 

Ciaran Cooke

[email protected]

086 013 8278

Donnybrook, Ranelagh & Ringsend 

Daragh McDonagh

[email protected]

086 011 6704

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Ciara Solan 

[email protected]

087 936 9936

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Grainne Kennedy 

[email protected]

086 108 2524

Volunteer Support Officer

Vacant

0818 222 024