logo-500logo-500logo-500logo-500
  • Home
  • Our Work
    • Our Work
    • Campaigns for Change
    • Community Impact Network
    • Alone in Action
    • Press Releases
    • Publications & Resources
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved
    • Volunteers
    • Fundraisers
    • Corporates
    • Partner With Us
    • Career Opportunities
    • Leave a Legacy
  • Make a Referral
    • Make a Referral
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Contact
  • Donate
✕

#ChangeOneDay: Combat Loneliness being felt by older people with ALONE

June 21, 2021

Reach out to an older person in your life to tackle loneliness and #ChangeOneDay

Dublin, 21 June 2021 ALONE, the organisation which supports older people, is highlighting the dangerous effects of loneliness being felt by older people in lieu of Loneliness Awareness Week. The Loneliness Taskforce have remarked that they wish to raise awareness of Loneliness in June each year as they advance towards their goals. ALONE is similarly campaigning for members of the public to reach out to an older neighbour, friend, relative or someone they don’t really know that well in order to #ChangeOneDay.

ALONE encourage members of the public to get involved in this campaign to change one person’s day by reaching out to an older person in their lives and encouraging others to do the same. Using the catchy reminder to, ‘Call 1 – Nominate 1 – Change 1’ – call one older person, nominate a friend to do the same, and change one person’s day for the better. This campaign coincides with National Selfie Day on the 21st of June and you can nominate others through posting a selfie on your social media pages.

The organisation are encouraging those who participate to post a creative selfie or photo of themselves either on a phone call, on a FaceTime call with an older person, or a physical, safe visit in-person and post them to social media with the hashtag #ChangeOneDay. Remembering to tag ALONE in posts. Once you have done so, nominate another person to do the same and start the cogs turning in combatting the effects of loneliness.

Levels of loneliness have almost doubled in less than a year according to the CSO, increasing from 6.8% in April 2020 to 13.1% in February 2021. There have been significant and damaging impacts being experienced by groups most at risk, including older people, during this period. ALONE want to raise awareness of the negative effects that loneliness can have on older people, and are calling on members of the public to make small changes to their day-to-day lives that could help to combat loneliness among older people. Through this campaign, ALONE want to inspire people to think of older people throughout their day to day and check in or reach out. This could be something as simple as picking up the phone for a chat.

Loneliness has been linked to an increased risk of early death, with some studies highlighting that older people experiencing high levels of loneliness are twice as likely to die within six years compared to those who are not lonely[1]. Studies have linked loneliness and social isolation to higher risks of physical and mental conditions, including heart disease, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Since the beginning of 2021 to May of this year, ALONE made nearly 82,520 Support and Befriending calls to older people suffering from loneliness and social isolation. Also within this time frame, ALONE have received over 10,000 calls from older people to their National Support Line and in turn, have completed nearly 3,000 support plans for those who had an identified need for additional levels of support. Between 9th March and 31st December, ALONE supported almost 15,000 older people; of these callers, 31% were aged between 75-90 years and 75% were living alone.

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said, “Loneliness is a serious issue among older people which is not a new occurrence because of the arrival of COVID-19, really it’s only been exacerbated and we know the long-term impacts of loneliness will continue to affect older people long after the pandemic has passed. It is important that we begin implementing recommendations from the Loneliness Taskforce; currently, there are no structures in place for the protection of older people or funding to relieve the increasing effect of loneliness being felt across the Country.”

He continued, “We ask that members of the public continue to reach out and check in with older people. Just a few minutes out of your day, to make a phone call or safe visit, could absolutely #ChangeOneDay for an older person, particularly if they are struggling with loneliness. We are encouraging any older person who is experiencing loneliness to get in touch with ALONE. Our staff and volunteers are on-hand to provide ongoing telephone support for older people and make regular phone calls for reassurance and social support.”

Contact ALONE if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know. Their National Support Line is available seven days a week from 8am – 8pm on 0818 222 024. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.


[1] National Institute on Aging. 2019. Social Isolation, Loneliness In Older People Pose Health Risks. [online] Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks [Accessed 16 July 2020].

About Us

  • About Us
  • Covid-19 Resources
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Campaigns

  • The Alliance of Age Sector NGO’s latest report calls for an Independent Commissioner for Ageing and Older People
    January 25, 2023
  • Christmas Tree delivery in Willie Bermingham Place as part of ongoing effort to Share the Warmth.
    December 12, 2022
  • ALONE asks government to prepare for an older population
    December 5, 2022

Publications & Resources

  • Resources for Older People
    December 9, 2020
  • Strategic Plan
    December 9, 2020
  • Financial Statements and Annual Reports
    December 9, 2020
  • Research
    December 9, 2020
  • Quality & Transparency
    December 9, 2020

News & Media

  • ALONE celebrates International Day of Older Persons by highlighting the work we still need to do to support an ageing population.
    September 29, 2023
  • ALONE call for significant increase to Budget funding for Housing Adaptation Grants to make additional €85.3m a year available for older people
    September 27, 2023
  • Loneliness Taskforce calls for €5m funding to address loneliness in Budget 2024, as action plan remains on the shelf
    September 18, 2023

Independent, Transparent, Quality Assured

One of Ireland’s few Quality Assured charities: ISO 9001:2015

Charity Number: RCN:20020057/CHY 8259

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2021 ALONE. All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies on our website. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Privacy Policy
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
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

Andrew Connolly

[email protected]

Drumcondra, Donnycarney & Clontarf

Alan O’Hara

[email protected]

0818 222 024

Harmonstown, Raheny & Donaghmede

Sharon Cunningham

[email protected]

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

Maura O’Shea

0818 222 024

Balbriggan, Skerries & Lusk

Gillian Towson

[email protected]

086 059 1475

Telephone Support Coordinators

Telephone Support Coordinator

Michael Kennedy

[email protected]

086 440 2894

Telephone Support Coordinator

Jacob Shakespeare

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

Rachel Shaw

[email protected]

0818 222 024

Volunteer Support Officer

Angie Doherty

[email protected]

086 898 7715

Tech Engagement

Tech Engagement Manager

Erik Sopon

[email protected]

087 366 2786

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

Bernie Mc Connell

[email protected]

086 013 1055

South Louth & Bettystown

Shauna Mc Donald

[email protected]

Central Meath

Elizabeth Bates 

[email protected]

087 090 0932

North Meath & Ardee

Paula Boyce

0818 222 024

Southwest Meath

Leanne Rankin

[email protected]

0818 222 024

East Meath

John Stillman

[email protected]

0818 222 024

North Louth

Karen Coan

[email protected]

086 068 4718

Co. Louth

Eliza Kuchta

[email protected]

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

National Support Line Coordinators

National Support Line Coordinators

National Support Line Coordinators

Aoife Callaghan

Sarah kerr

Aoife Callaghan

Bridgeen Coyle

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

086 032 6801

087 179 3782

086 032 6801

086 014 6732

National Support Line Coordinators

Carol Mc Gahon

[email protected]

086 084 1881

Community Connector

Community Connector

Danielle Cooper Carroll

[email protected]

086 084 1320

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

Joe Sullivan

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

Annemarie Molloy

Patricia Scanlon

[email protected]

[email protected]

086 013 7256

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 

Sandra Ryan

[email protected]

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

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

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

0818 222 024

East Central Cork

Patricia O’Brien

[email protected]

086 084 1381

East Cork City

Liz Crowley

[email protected]

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]

Telephone Support Coordinator

Telephone Support Coordinator

Geraldine Commins

[email protected]

086 013 1570

Telephone Support Coordinator

Doreen McElligott Egan

[email protected]

086 013 1570

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officer

Mairead Egan

[email protected]

087 253 1380

Volunteer Support Officer

Maria O’Connor

Volunteer Support Officer

Tracey Kearney

[email protected]

086 440 9893

Volunteer Support Officer

Angela Cronin

[email protected]

Tech Engagement Officer

Innovation and Enterprise

Garrett Considine

[email protected]

[email protected]

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

South Limerick City

Deborah Blane

[email protected]

086 012 4956

Caroline Bradley

[email protected]

South Limerick

Saoirse Begley

[email protected]

North Limerick City

Irene Hanrahan

[email protected]

West Limerick

Margaret Collum

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

Ewa Fitzgerald

[email protected]

0818 222 024

North Roscommon & North-East Galway 

Carol Duffy

[email protected]

086 013 1569

East Mayo

Jacinta O’Malley

[email protected]

North Mayo

Breda Gilligan 

[email protected]

086 011 8570

West Mayo

Eileen McKeown

[email protected]

086 136 6717

Orla O’ Sullivan

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

Inishowen (CHN Learning Site)

Gráinne Hargan

East Donegal

Jennifer McCreery

[email protected]

087 909 2384

North Central Donegal

Michael Purtill

[email protected]

086 014 5831

Cavan

Natasha Quinn

[email protected]

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

Catherine Reilly

Telephone Support Coordinator

Kate Reilly

[email protected]

086 085 0885

Volunteer Support Officers

Volunteer Support Officers

Helena Campbell

[email protected]

086 014 5829

National Support & Referral Line

National Support & Referral Line Coordinator

Kathleen Bonner

Community Connector

CHO 1

Maureen Mc Nair

[email protected]