Leo, Befriending Case Study

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 depressed but I didn’t know it.

After ALONE was suggested to Leo by a public health nurse he was introduced to ALONE volunteer Eamon.

That was the turning point that broke the momentum.

Eamon helped Leo regain his confidence and now they regularly get coffee together and go to the cinema. Leo is very grateful he was introduced to ALONE Befriending. He is now much more active and has begun cooking for himself again.

Had I not been put in touch with ALONE I dread to think where I’d be now. It’s shown me a door to a way back into society. Instead of isolating myself I now want to get out.