Help an Older Person feel amazing this Valentine’s Day

Dublin, 10th February 2023: ALONE, the national charity that helps older people age at home, is looking for volunteers to match up with older people across Ireland for support, conversation, fun and generally helping people to feel amazing.

Valentine’s Day should be a day where we celebrate the special person in our lives. The day is an opportunity for us as an organisation to reflect on the friendships that have been allowed to grow through our Support and Befriending Service, where volunteers are matched with an older person who has sought some companionship to combat loneliness.

ALONE has almost 5,000 volunteers engaged with its services and there is a huge need still, both in-person and over the phone. We know that nearly 30% of over 70’s loneliness during the pandemic, and there is a practical solution.

The friendship given by volunteers to older people is needed now more than ever. ALONE has helped facilitate long-term friendships that have become some of the most valuable relationships in the older person’s life, as well as in the life of the volunteer.

ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan commented, “This is a perfect opportunity to celebrate the great bonds that are built through our volunteering service throughout Ireland. The benefits of a support and befriending service are only starting to be measured in how they improve the health and wellbeing of both the older person and volunteer. We have evidence of improved health metrics across a range of measures but more importantly we have the evidence of great friendships that can happen. We want everyone to revel in the great friendships and kinships that exist across generations this Valentines Day as we know that older people are thankful for the younger people in their lives and vice versa, so why not celebrate it!”

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, this is a unique opportunity to spread warmth and kindness to those who need it the most. If you’re interested in volunteering a few hours a week to make a big difference, please visit our website (www.alone.ie/volunteer) or contact us at 0818 222 024.