News
“We sit, have a cuppa and chat about everything and anything”
Volunteer says befriending the elderly can make all the difference to their lives
By Michelle Crean
The incoming winter might seem never ending for many elderly in our community - but one charity is helping to break the loneliness through companionship.
ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home is urgently calling for volunteers in the Killarney area for their befriending service.
Their Support and Befriending service is designed to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, provide assistance to solve everyday problems and enable older people to feel secure at home.
The service matches older people who would like extra social contact with volunteers in their area, who provide companionship through a weekly visit. They ask that all volunteers commit to at least one year to give the volunteer the opportunity to have a meaningful experience while ensuring continuity of service for older people.
One kind-hearted local woman, Elaine Shine, became a volunteer with ALONE as she wanted to do something to help others.
"As I was registered with Kerry Volunteer Centre, I received an email last October that ALONE were looking for volunteers," Elaine, who works at the Killarney Advertiser, said.
"I applied and began the process with them. It took just a simple class during the pandemic, filling out a garda vetting form and talking to the relevant people at ALONE to determine who would be best suited to match with me."
Not long after Elaine was matched with a local lady whom she visited once a week for two hours in the evening.
"We sit, have a cuppa and chat about everything and anything. This means so much to my lady as she has no family or close friends here in Ireland. Her sister and extended family live in the USA and England. She has one other person calling to take her for a drive or some shopping as she is in her 80s and wouldn’t feel comfortable driving to some places as it is too busy with other cars and people. These visits mean the world to her and she would have the cups and plates ready, and be waiting for me to get there after work," she said.
"There are many, like my lady, who are alone the majority of the time, if not all the time, and feel so isolated from the world. It only takes one to two hours per week and is very rewarding. They may need help with technology, or help to make lists of things to get them through the winter, help to book or pay for something online and many other things."
Volunteers must be over 18 years of age, and be able to provide support and companionship to an older person by visiting them at least once a week. To become a volunteer, contact volunteer@alone.ie who will link you in with the local Volunteer Support Officer.
Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney
Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.
The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.
Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.
Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:
“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”
Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.
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