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.