ALONE urgently seeks more volunteers in Longford to help older people at home

ALONE, the organisation that enables older people to age well at home, has supported 202 older people across Longford so far this year with the help of 82 volunteers

However, demand is outpacing supply, and loneliness remains the single biggest issue driving people to seek support in the area.

Many older people in communities across Ireland continue to experience loneliness, ill health, housing difficulties, poverty and other challenges that can affect their wellbeing and independence.

Loneliness is increasingly recognised as a serious public health issue, with growing evidence linking it to poorer physical and mental health outcomes. The right support at the right time can help older people stay connected, maintain their independence and continue living safely and confidently in their own homes and communities.

Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, commented:

“Loneliness remains one of the biggest challenges facing many older people in Longford and our volunteers are on the frontline of supporting older people to age at home. Often, they are the first to notice when something isn't right and can link an older person in with the right service.

“Volunteers also provide practical support that can make a real difference to everyday life. That might mean helping someone keep track of appointments, learning how to use WhatsApp or video calls to stay in touch with family, finding local activities, or carrying out small practical tasks that help someone remain safe and independent at home. These 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.”

ALONE volunteers play a vital role in supporting older people to age at home through regular visits, phone calls, companionship and practical support. They are often the frontline connection that helps older people identify emerging needs, access support, and continue living safely and confidently at home.

In 2025, ALONE supported more than 46,800 older people across its services, with volunteers contributing over 270,000 hours of support. A recent survey by ALONE found three in four older people felt less lonely through ALONE's support, demonstrating the vital role volunteers play in helping older people stay connected to their communities.

ALONE provides training, ongoing support and flexible volunteering opportunities, making it easy for people to get involved in a way that suits their availability. Volunteers are also part of a wider network of ALONE services that helps older people navigate issues such as housing, health, finance, social care and community supports.

The positive impact of these connections is reflected in ALONE's latest surveys with volunteers:

93% of older people said the Support and Befriending Service had a positive impact on their lives.

84% said their loneliness had decreased and their happiness had increased.

98% of volunteers said they enjoyed the social interaction.

96% felt they were making a positive contribution to their community.

An 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."

If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please visit https://alone.ie/volunteer or call ALONE’s National Support and Referral Line on 0818 222 024.