45 older people went to Kilkenny on the annual ALONE holiday this year. Pictured left to right (with a combined age of 275 years!) are Vincent Halloway, Mollie Courtney and Tommy Keogh.

35 years after ALONE was set-up to support and befriend isolated older people the organisation is still independent and funded solely by donations and legacies from the public. The number of older people in crisis contacting the organisation continues to rise.

In 1976, during a very cold spell and within a few short weeks eight older people were found dead in their Dublin homes. Willie Bermingham (1942-90) - a Dublin fireman who discovered the remains of some of these forgotten older people ­ and a number of his friends, distributed posters to highlight that senior Dubliners were suffering cold, hunger, loneliness, depression and illness and dying alone. They began to collect and distribute donations of food, fuel, clothing and furniture. They initiated a ‘search that building’ campaign, drawing awareness to the plight of isolated older people who survived in derelict city centre buildings, where unscrupulous landlords often wanted them out to free sites for redevelopment.

 

ALONE was founded by this small group of volunteers in 1977 to provide friendship, housing and support to isolated older people. (The name was chosen as an acronym of A Little Offering Never Ends). The organisation is non-denominational and neither seeks nor receives any government funding. ALONE values this independence which leaves it free to act without delay to help older people in crisis.

 

The issues for older people in Ireland have changed since the 1970s. Advances in health care and improved social services mean that older people stay healthier for longer. But as times change so too do the challenges we face and innovative responses are called for now just as they were 35 years ago.

 

ALONE’s Chief Executive, Sean Moynihan is keen to point out that the majority of older people enjoy their senior years and play vital roles in their families and communities. ALONE’s current campaign emphasises; “Most of us enjoy our old age – some of us need a hand”. Sean tells us that, “ALONE works to maximise the independence of those older people who are at risk of homelessness, lack social supports or who need help accessing medical services”.

    

ALONE’s first housing complex was built in 1986. Today the organisation owns 97 housing units. The ALONE Housing Support Service sustains residents’ independence and quality of life for as long as possible. Staff develop flexible support plans based on the needs and interests of the service users.

 

ALONE is well known in the community for its Befriending Service which offers companionship to isolated older people through weekly visits by volunteers. 150 trained and Garda-vetted volunteers are active in this service, visiting more than 200 older people at any one time. This service also runs a very popular programme of events, holidays and socials.

 

ALONE’s Community Response service supports older people in crisis. ALONE is contacted for all kinds of reasons including poor housing conditions, loneliness, and health and financial problems. The service priority is always to identify the root causes of a crisis and to work with the individual to prevent similar situations arising in the future.

 

In the latter half of 2010 calls to ALONE for assistance rose by 50%. In the first three months of 2011 the trend continued to rise, with nearly half of the calls coming in the third month. Issues relating to benefits and finance have been increasing – from 7% of the total in January to 25% of the total in March.

 

As more and more older people contact ALONE for support, the organisation remains determined to respond to their needs with the continued support of the public. If you or someone you know needs a helping hand, or if you can volunteer your time, or can make a donation to ensure ALONE’s vital services continue please phone 01 679 1039 or visit www.alone.ie for more information. 

 

Olympic House
Pleasants StreetDublin 8
Telephone : 01-6791032
Email : enquiries@alone.ie
Web : www.alone.ie

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