THE 80,000 people registered with the Seniors Alert Scheme have been invited to participate in a new befriending phone call initiative launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

The initiative will allow older people to receive a regular phone call to check on their wellbeing and needs during the current emergency.The befriending scheme will be operated in conjunction with Government agency Pobal and the charity Alone, which supports older people living at home.

The Department’s Seniors Alert Scheme provides monitored alarms for older people in their homes. The new befriending initiative requires users to test their alarms to ensure that they are still active. Once the user tests their alarm, they will be called back and asked if they would like to avail of a befriending call service.

Minister Michael Ring has urged older people who have the personalised alarms to ensure they are activated. He said: “Now is the time to make sure your alarm is working, and contact your local community organisation if you have any concerns. This initiative is an example of how we are adapting the way we work and using all tools at our disposal to ensure that everyone feels supported and connected at this time.

“Alone, Pobal and the Seniors Alert Scheme monitoring providers will deliver this service and the 670 registered groups will play a vital role in connecting participants to this service, as they are the groups that know their communities best.

“I would also take this opportunity to remind everyone that volunteering should be done in a safe way so that neither volunteers nor those in need are put at risk, and to always follow the latest HSE guidelines. “This befriending initiative complements the measures taken in the Covid-19 Action Plan to Support the Community Response, and I will commit additional resources as necessary to ensuring the success of the scheme.”

The Seniors Alert Scheme is operated locally by some 670 community groups throughout the State, and administered by Pobal on behalf of the Minister. The involvement of these community groups ensures that the service has a strong local dimension as these groups are embedded in communities throughout the country.

The involvement of Alone in this befriending phone-call initiative is critical. It has the nationwide capacity to provide this service, and it is part of their significant and vital contribution to the measures taken to respond to the Covid-19 emergency.

ALONE HELPLINE

Tel: 0818 222 024 if you have concerns about your own wellbeing, or the wellbeing of an older person you know.