Volunteers sought to visit the elderly
By Echo Reporter
A CALL for volunteers throughout Tallaght and Clondalkin has been made by voluntary organisation Friends of the Elderly.
Friends of the Elderly aims to alleviate social isolation amongst the elderly by linking volunteers with an older person in their home or nursing facility to improve the lives of those experiencing loneliness and isolation.
It is an opportunity to develop new friendships and gain some invaluable experience in the field of aging and aging-sensitive issues.
Volunteers will also gain an increased sense of belonging to their community, with ongoing training and support.
Those interested in volunteering with Friends of the Elderly need to be aged 18 or older and have fluent English, along with good and effective communication skills and be a good listener with the ability to emphatise.
Enthusiasm and a desire to improve the lives of older people in your area is also essential, along with the ability to commit to one hour a week for a period of one year to visit an older friend. There are currently over 130 dedicated volunteers throughout the great Dublin area who have been matched with an older friend.
If you are interested in becoming a Friend of the Elderly, contact programme co-ordinator Lisa O’Connor at 8731855 or by email at lisa.friendsoftheelderly@gmail.com
