What inspired you to volunteer with ALONE?

I became an ALONE volunteer after my mother passed away. I wanted to give back to my community and support an older person who would appreciate friendship and company.

Can you tell us about your role as a Visitation Support and Befriending Volunteer?

I visit Patricia, a local woman in my area, every Wednesday afternoon. My role is to provide friendship, a listening ear and regular company. I always take my lead from Patricia. The length of each visit depends on how she is feeling and what she needs that day, but we generally spend between one and two hours together.

What are your visits like?

Every visit starts with a catch-up about Patricia's week and how she's been getting on. Depending on how she feels, we might head out for a cup of tea, take a drive to Blackrock Castle or visit a local café.

If she'd prefer to stay at home, we'll sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy a chat. The visits are always relaxed and enjoyable, and we usually spend around an hour and a half together.

What do you enjoy most about spending time with the person you visit?

I really enjoy her company. We can chat about all sorts of things, but one of our favourite topics is family. Patricia's grandchildren are around the same age as my daughter, who recently moved to Australia, so we often swap stories and updates. We even have our own name for these conversations: “Steph Stories”.

What does volunteering give back to you personally?

Volunteering has given me a real sense of community and gratitude. It's rewarding to know that I can support an older person while also gaining a genuine friendship in return.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with ALONE?

I would strongly recommend it. Spending time with someone who genuinely values your company is a wonderful way to give back. Patricia has given me so much in return. Her wisdom and life experience have taught me a great deal, and I always look forward to our visits. She may be grateful for my friendship, but I am equally grateful that she welcomed me into her life. If you have time to volunteer, I'd encourage you to do it. You may find that you receive just as much from the experience as you give.

What brought you to work with ALONE?

I came to ALONE after a significant career change. I had worked as a senior HR professional in both public and private settings, but I felt I had achieved all I wanted to, so I decided to take on a new challenge. I completed a degree in Community Development followed by a postgraduate diploma in Social Policy.

During the pandemic, I worked in youth and family services, where I was able to bring many of my existing skills into a completely different setting. That experience reinforced how transferable skills such as communication, advocacy, problem-solving and relationship-building can be.

When the opportunity to work with ALONE came along, it felt like a natural next step and a chance to use those skills in a role where I could make a direct difference to people's lives.

What has surprised you most about the role?

What has struck me most is how different every older person is. I strongly believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to supporting older people.

People's experiences of ageing are shaped by their family, relationships, health, housing, finances, community and life experiences. There can be an enormous difference between someone experiencing deprivation and isolation and someone who is financially secure and well connected, and both may need quite diverse types of support.

My background in social policy has also made me very aware of the wider issues that can affect people's lives. At ALONE, you see those issues at an individual level, as well as the importance of understanding the person rather than simply focusing on the problem.

Can you share a moment that has stayed with you?

Some of the moments that stay with me are not necessarily dramatic. They include seeing the difference that a relatively small intervention can make to someone's day-to-day life, such as helping someone navigate a housing issue, access a service or simply have someone to talk to through a befriending match, community group or Telephone Support.

That is what I have come to appreciate most. Sometimes, what appears to be a small thing from my perspective can be incredibly significant to an older person. Those moments reinforce the importance of active listening and understanding what matters to each individual.

I love it when I pass the local coffee shop and see a volunteer and an older person I matched enjoying a cup of tea and a chat.

What has working at ALONE taught you?

Working with ALONE has taught me that sometimes the most important thing we can do is simply listen, build trust and work alongside someone, rather than telling them what they need. This is the approach I take in my work.

Can you tell us about Colin's story and how ALONE became involved?

Colin was 89 when ALONE received a referral following a five-month hospital stay. When we first became involved, he was in a very vulnerable situation. He couldn't access his own home, had no electricity, his phone wasn't working and he no longer had valid bank cards. His accommodation was also unsuitable for his needs. There was limited family support available, and concerns had been raised about his cognitive health. It quickly became clear that Colin needed immediate support and a coordinated response to several complex challenges.

What was the first priority?

Our first priority was to make sure Colin was safe. Working alongside colleagues and partner organisations, we secured a respite placement for Colin in Cobh Community Hospital while a longer-term plan was put in place. This provided immediate stability and gave us time to address the practical issues affecting his ability to return home.

How did other organisations become involved?

What stands out most about Colin's story is the number of organisations that came together to support him. St Vincent de Paul provided essential clothing and toiletries during his respite stay. Although these may seem like simple items, they made a real difference, helping to restore Colin's dignity and confidence at a particularly difficult time. We also worked closely with healthcare professionals, community Gardaí, local banks, Sage Advocacy, Intreo and other community services. Each organisation brought different expertise and resources, helping us address the wide range of challenges Colin was experiencing.

What difference did that partnership make?

The partnership approach meant that multiple issues could be addressed at the same time. Together, we helped Colin regain access to his home and restore his electricity supply. We supported him in organising his finances, replacing expired bank cards and securing his pension income. We also helped him access the supports and entitlements available to him. No single organisation could have resolved these issues alone. By working collaboratively, we were able to put the right supports in place quickly and effectively.

What happened when Colin returned home?

Returning home was an important milestone, but it was only the beginning of the next stage of support. ALONE coordinated home support services and arranged a falls alarm for Colin. We also requested an occupational therapy assessment, supported medication reviews and helped connect him with a range of health and social care supports. The goal was not only to help Colin return home, but also to ensure he could continue to live there safely and independently.

How is Colin doing now?

Today, Colin lives independently in his own home and remains connected to his local community. He attends his local day centre each week and continues to receive regular telephone support from ALONE. The transformation has been significant. When we first met Colin, there were serious concerns about his safety, accommodation, finances and access to essential services. Now, he has the support network he needs to remain safe, connected and well at home.

What does Colin's story tell us about partnership?

Colin's story is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations work together around one person's needs. No single service could have achieved this outcome alone. The shared commitment of ALONE staff, healthcare professionals, advocacy services and community organisations made the difference. By listening to Colin, understanding his individual circumstances and bringing together the right supports at the right time, we were able to help him remain independent in the community he calls home. Ultimately, that is what person-centred support is all about.