ALONE, the organisation that enables older people to age well at home, is urgently seeking volunteers for their Support and Befriending services in Clare.
Demand for our services continues to grow in the Clare region. Many older people in our communities are experiencing loneliness and isolation. ALONE’s volunteers play a vital role in offering companionship, practical support, and a friendly voice to those who need it most.
In 2025, ALONE supported almost 46,500 older people across our services. Almost half of this group reported feeling lonely while 16% had not been out socially in the last six months.
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said: “Loneliness can have a profound effect on a person’s health and wellbeing. Every day, ALONE volunteers make a life‑changing difference for older people across the country, and we are deeply grateful for their dedication. Just one hour a week can transform an older person’s life. By volunteering, you help build stronger, more connected communities where no one feels alone.”
Volunteering involves calling or visiting an older person regularly for companionship and practical support, providing help to solve everyday problems and linking them in with local events and activities.
Volunteering with ALONE is flexible, rewarding and has huge benefits for both the older person and volunteer. Our latest volunteer and older person surveys show that:
- 93% of older people said that the Support and Befriending Service positively impacted their lives
- 84% of older people believed that their loneliness had decreased and their happiness had increased
- 98% of volunteers said they enjoyed the social interaction,
- 96% felt they were contributing to their community,
“Just putting a smile on the person’s face I visit is enough for me to know I am making a difference.” said an ALONE Volunteer.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more, please visit www.alone.ie/volunteer or call 0818 222 024. Together, we can ensure no older person feels alone.