Donegal support initiative launched to combat loneliness

Connecting for Life Donegal has announced the launch of a new Loneliness Initiative.

In partnership with An Garda Síochána, An Post and ALONE, the initiative is aimed at supporting older people who may be feeling isolated, disconnected, or alone within their communities.

The launch will take place this Thursday, September 10, from 10 am to 12 pm in the An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny, and coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day and Green Ribbon Month.

The initiative highlights the important role that neighbours, community organisations, postal workers and other people who regularly interact with older residents can play in recognising the signs of loneliness and helping people reconnect with support.

It encourages Donegal communities to look out for one another and to act early when someone appears isolated. This initiative strengthens that commitment by ensuring older people know where to turn, who to call, and what supports are available.

Loneliness affects thousands of older people across Ireland. In 2025, more than 46,800 older people received support through ALONE services, and of those who received personalised needs assessments, 45% reported experiencing loneliness.

It can look like a quiet house, a phone that doesn’t ring, cancelled plans, and even feeling alone even when surrounded by others. Loneliness can affect sleep, mood, confidence, mobility, and overall wellbeing. It is not a personal failing; it is a human experience that can happen to any of us.

The Connecting for Life Donegal Loneliness Initiative focuses on early connection, community awareness, and practical support.

Key aims include encouraging neighbours, postal workers, Gardaí, and community members to notice when something has changed, promoting simple check‑ins such as “How are you?”, ensuring older people know what supports exist, and reducing isolation through social prescribing, befriending services, and community activities

An Garda Síochána has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting and supporting older people across Donegal. Community Policing members and Crime Prevention Officers regularly visit older residents, build trusted relationships, and provide reassurance.

Inspector Paul Tierney, An Garda Síochána, said, “Our aim is to continue to provide reassurance and support to the older people within our community who live alone, and so we are delighted to be involved with this fantastic initiative in conjunction with HSE Connecting For Life and An Post.

“It is vitally important that elderly people who live alone are aware of the vast amount of support and services that are available to them and to feel assured that they are not alone. This initiative highlights many local support services, and it also highlights the message that we wish to convey to anybody who is feeling vulnerable or alone. We are here for you on a 24/7 basis. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to help.”

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said, "Loneliness is not a matter of individual resilience or simply being more socially active. It is a public health issue with very real consequences for mental and physical wellbeing. When loneliness goes unaddressed, people’s health deteriorates more quickly, their independence is undermined, and pressure on health and social care services increases.”

John Lafferty, An Post Operations Manager for the West North Region, commented, “An Post is delighted to support this important initiative to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older people living alone. Through our presence in communities across Donegal, we are proud to help raise awareness of the support services available and encourage people to reach out for assistance when needed.

“The support and engagement of our trusted postmen and postwomen is particularly appreciated, as they provide important points of human contact for people living alone. By working together with community partners, An Post is committed to helping people feel connected, supported and aware of assistance available within their local community.

“Postal workers may be the only person an older resident sees regularly. Gardaí may notice when someone becomes withdrawn. Neighbours may realise someone hasn’t been seen in a while. Sometimes we simply need to ask, ‘How are you?’ And then stay long enough to listen to the answer.”

Ciara Wray, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention, stated, “Loneliness can quietly take the colour out of a person’s life. It can make ordinary days feel heavy, and it can leave people feeling unseen, even in the middle of a community. What matters most is that none of us face it alone. The Connecting for Life Donegal Loneliness Initiative is about reminding people that someone cares enough to notice, to ask, and to stay present.

“A small conversation, a gentle check‑in, a moment of kindness- these can be lifelines. If you are feeling lonely, or worried about someone who is, please know this: your feelings matter, and there is support here for you. Reaching out is a brave step.”