ALONE urgently seeks volunteers to support older people in Donegal

ALONE, the organisation that enables older people to age well at home, is urgently seeking volunteers for their Support and Befriending services in Donegal.

Demand for their services continues to grow in the Donegal 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 their services. Almost half of this group reported feeling lonely while 16% had not been out socially in the last six months.

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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 has been shown to deliver significant benefits for both older people and those who give their time, according to the organisation’s latest volunteer and older person surveys. The findings reveal that 93 per cent of older people said the Support and Befriending Service had a positive impact on their lives, while 84 per cent reported a reduction in loneliness and an increase in overall happiness. The impact was also strongly felt among volunteers, with 98 per cent saying they enjoyed the social interaction involved in volunteering and 96 per cent believing they were making a meaningful contribution 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 0818222024. Together, we can ensure no older person feels alone.