Support service for older people launched in Kilkenny by Minister Boxer Moran

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran launched ALONE’s services in Carlow and Kilkenny in the Parade Tower last week.

The launch, which is as a result of a merger with local organisation Kilkenny-Carlow Contact, will allow ALONE to expand their services to the people of Carlow and Kilkenny.

“The launch of ALONE’s Carlow and Kilkenny services is an important step to recognising and tackling the issues facing older people in our area,” said Minister Moran.

“Loneliness and social isolation in particular can have a major impact on a person’s life and wellbeing, but with the help of ALONE, more individuals can reach out and receive the help they need. I would encourage any older person who is feeling lonely or is looking for support to get in touch with ALONE.”

Speakers at the launch included Minister Moran, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Eamon Aylward, HSE Manager of Services for Older People in CHO Area 5 Stephanie Lynch and ALONE CEO Seán Moynihan.

“We are delighted to be expanding our services to older people in Carlow and Kilkenny with the help of our fantastic staff here, Eleanor Doyle and Mary Colclough,” said Mr Moynihan.

“ALONE’s work with the HSE has previously been described as a fine example of reimagining service provision by Minister Paschal Donohue. We look forward to seeing this develop in Carlow and Kilkenny, building on the great work and community spirit already in place locally.

“ALONE hopes to bring greater sustainability and resources to the existing services for older people across both counties in line with our national strategy for supporting older people to age at home.”

Mr Moynihan also said Ireland was facing an ageing demographic, and ALONE and other agencies are providing essential Supports.

“According to the 2016 Census, there are over 5,000 people over 65 in Carlow and Kilkenny,” he said.

“We need to ensure that there is consistency of services across both urban and rural areas. Many more older people will be experiencing issues such as loneliness or homelessness in the coming years and we hope that expanding our ground-level supports will help to make a positive impact on the lives in Carlow and Kilkenny.”

Founded in Dublin in 1977, ALONE is now a merger of five organisations offering support to older people to age at home. It helps those facing loneliness, social isolation, poverty, housing difficulties, homelessness and health difficulties, by providing Befriending, Support Coordination, Housing with Support, and BConnect assistive technology.

ALONE’s recently released 2017 Annual Report cited a sizable growth in the demand for its services, echoing Ireland’s rapidly changing demographic and the continued difficulties faced by older people across the country.

Support services for older people including befriending visits, housing supports and events can be accessed by contacting ALONE’s Carlow office on 059-913 6340 or the Kilkenny office on 056-777 2151.

For those who have concerns about their own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person in the community, ALONE can be contacted on 01- 679 1032.