Last Friday saw the launch of a new initiative to reach out to the older members of the community in Mayo with the launch of the first befriending service. From next Monday October 20 the service will come on stream with 14 trained volunteers based in the Social Services Centre, Castlebar offering a regular phone call service to those in the greater Castlebar area who would like one.
Over 18,000 people over 65 live in Mayo and two thirds of that population live in rural areas. Edel Burke of HSE West, who are one of the partners in the programme, explained: “Many old people live happy fulfilling lives, but many others live alone and this can lead to loneliness and social isolation. We are trying to reach those people. This service is aimed at people who may not have regular contact with people and may feel isolated.”
The theme of loneliness was echoed by PJ Lally, the chairman of Castlebar Voluntary Social Services, who told the launch that “Almost 97 per cent of older people who use their home alert buttons do so just for human contact.” The service will be on offer for two hours a day for three mornings a week and will offer those who may feel isolated and lonely the opportunity to just have a chat if they feel like it. There are two more groups in the east of the county who are currently in training to start a programme there and there are also two groups in north Mayo who are looking at starting a similar programme. The programme in Castlebar is being funded by Castlebar Rotary Club.
