Donate - ALONE

Your donation helps ensure that older people like Anne can call ALONE for help whenever she needs to.

In 4 years time there will be 1 million people aged 65+ in Ireland. Today, 30% of older people who live alone in Ireland are experiencing poverty, tens of thousands are making impossible choices every week, whether to heat their home, eat properly, stay connected or pay healthcare costs.

Anne, 70 years

Anne was putting on the heating for only an hour a day as she could not afford any more.

Anne is a 70-year-old woman living alone. She contacted ALONE through our National Support and Referral Line (NSRL) as she was struggling to keep up with her bills and was very worried about falling into arrears. This was causing Anne a high level of anxiety and she was finding it difficult to sleep. Anne also has a number of physical health issues including COPD and uses oxygen and a Nebuliser daily.

Anne was referred to a Rachel an ALONE Support Co-Ordinator who carried out an assessment the same day. It was determined that Anne’s only area of support needed at this time was around financial issues. Anne disclosed she was only putting the heating on for an hour a day as she could not afford any more.

Rachel carried out a brief intervention and advocated for energy credits for Anne through an ALONE partnership with Anne’s utility supplier. Rachel also provided Anne with emotional support. Anne was awarded an energy credit payment of €300 which helped to heat her home for the winter months without worry.

Regular Giving

By donating €21 or more per month, ALONE is able to claim a tax refund on the donation.

By making a regular monthly donation, you can support older people who are lonely, isolated, homeless, living in poverty, or are facing other difficulties. With the Irish population dramatically ageing, we anticipate that the demand for our services will significantly increase in the years ahead.

Your planned monthly donation ensures that we can continue to help the increasing number of older people who come to us for support, now and long into the future.

Meet Margaret

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 the bus stop occasionally. Margaret’s life wasn’t always like this. Before she retired she worked in a busy office. She had many friends, and enjoyed an active social life.

Margaret is now matched with a trained Befriending volunteer. “I now look forward to every Monday when my volunteer Amy visits me. I always feel ten feet taller after she visits. It’s so lovely to see a friendly face.

READ MARGARET’S STORY HERE