ALONE urgently seeks more volunteers in Mayo as demand for support grows

ALONE is urgently seeking more volunteers in Mayo as demand for support among older people continues to grow.

The organisation, which supports older people to age well at home, has supported 1,178 older people across Mayo so far this year, with the assistance of 293 volunteers.

ALONE says demand is currently outpacing the supply of volunteers, with many older people continuing to experience loneliness, ill health, housing difficulties, poverty and other challenges that can affect their wellbeing and independence.

Volunteers play a key role in helping older people remain connected and independent through regular visits, phone calls, companionship and practical support.

ALONE CEO Sean Moynihan said volunteers are often the first to notice when an older person may need additional help and can connect them with the appropriate services.

“Loneliness remains one of the biggest challenges facing many older people in Mayo and our volunteers are on the frontline of supporting older people to age at home,” he said.

He said practical support can include helping people keep track of appointments, learn how to use WhatsApp or video calls to stay in touch with family, find local activities, or complete small tasks that help them remain safe and independent at home.

“Those supports can have a significant impact on an older person’s quality of life, wellbeing and ability to continue living independently in their own home and community,” Mr Moynihan added.

ALONE provides training, support and flexible volunteering opportunities. Volunteers are also part of a wider network supporting older people with issues including housing, health, finance, social care and community services.

The organisation said recent surveys highlighted the impact of its Support and Befriending Service, with 93% of older people surveyed saying it had a positive impact on their lives, while 84% said their loneliness had decreased and happiness had increased.

Among volunteers surveyed, 98% said they enjoyed the social interaction involved in volunteering, while 96% felt they were making a positive contribution to their community.

One ALONE volunteer said: “Just putting a smile on the person’s face I visit is enough for me to know I am making a difference.”

People interested in volunteering with ALONE in Mayo can find out more on the ALONE website or by calling the ALONE National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024.