Warm the heart of an older neighbour this winter

PRESS RELEASE

Lord Mayor launches ALONE and Dublin City Council Cold Weather Initiative

Repro Free: Dublin, 5th December 2018 Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, launched Dublin City Council and ALONE’s cold weather campaign outside the newly opened Butlers Chocolate Café, on Dawson Street today. Dublin City Council’s Community Development Section, in association with ALONE, the Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade, is urging members of the public to check in on older people in their community this winter. To support the initiative, Butlers Chocolates Café is distributing 500 hot drink vouchers to encourage people to bring an elderly neighbour out for a chat and a cup of tea to any of their Dublin cafés. Pictured are: Gráinne Kenny, aged 81, ALONE service-use with John Burke, aged 77, ALONE service-user and Kevin Mann, aged 71, ALONE service-user. Picture Jason Clarke

Dublin, 5^th December 2018  The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Nial Ring, launched Dublin City Council and ALONE’s cold weather campaign outside the newly opened Butlers Chocolate Café, 51 Dawson Street today. Dublin City Council’s Community Development Section, in association with ALONE, the Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade, is urging members of the public to check in on older people in their community this winter. Butlers Chocolates is also supporting the cold weather initiative by giving away 500 hot beverage vouchers for their network of Chocolate Cafés throughout Dublin.

Lord Mayor Nial Ring said, “The colder, dark winter months can be a difficult time for many people who are vulnerable and may be feeling isolated. We are appealing to all Dubliners to be mindful of older people in our communities who may live alone, have no family or may be at risk of suffering from fuel poverty, illness or loneliness. This campaign hopes to brighten the winter experience of many older people this year, who often face worries about warmth, shelter and essentials such as food and medication, with even a friendly word, a friendly smile or a friendy call. I know Dubliners will respond with our usual kindness, compassion and goodness.”

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE commented, “Cold temperatures can have a serious impact on the lives and health of older people, particularly those living alone and those with limited mobility. This year, we want older people to remember to keep the HEAT on: have enough fuel supplies to keep your home warm, eat hot meals regularly, ask for help if you need it, and take extra care in icy and slippery conditions. We hope that by spreading this message, more older people will stay safe and well this winter.”

Moynihan continued, “We would encourage anyone concerned about their own wellbeing to reach out for assistance from ALONE if needed. TILDA have reported that around 1 in 4 older people have problems heating their home, and nearly half have experienced problems with damp, mould or moisture. We want people to know that ALONE can help with any winter problems they may have, from housing conditions to loneliness.”

Michelle McBride, Retail Director of Butlers Chocolates said, “We are delighted to assist Dublin City Council and ALONE’s cold weather campaign this year in any way that we can. To support today’s launch, Butlers are distributing 500 hot beverage vouchers to encourage people to reach out to an elderly neighbour and bring them along to a Butlers Chocolate Café in Dublin for a chat over a warming cup of coffee!”

ALONE is encouraging older people to prioritize their spending on heating during the winter months. For those who are struggling to keep up with utilities bills, you can contact your utilities company to set up a payment plan. ALONE has volunteers and staff ready to act on requests for assistance and can advise on issues relating to food, heat, or medication. Further information, including advice and tips for older people in cold weather conditions, can be found on www.alone.ie.

For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of a vulnerable older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted on (01) 679 1032 or visit www.alone.ie.

The campaign is part of Dublin City Council’s commitment to an Age-Friendly City.

ENDS

About ALONE

Established in 1977, ALONE supports older people to age at home. ALONE works with those who have issues with loneliness and social isolation, lack of services, poor health, poverty, homelessness or housing.  ALONE provides Support Coordination, Housing with Support, Befriending and Campaigning services to over 1,000 older people nationwide every week. ALONE’s services are quality approved and are delivered 365 days a year.

For more information contact:

Lauren Freir, Limelight Communications, lauren.freir@limelight.ie, 01 668 0600, 087 238 0853

Kathryn Byrne, Limelight Communications, kathryn.byrne@limelight.ie, 01 668 0600, 085 233 6033

*Photos will be issued to your photodesks by Jason Clarke Photography*