B-Friending and Outreach Service to alleviate loneliness and isolation in the older generation.

Description

Our aim is to integrate the older person into the community so as to alleviate loneliness, depression, mental health issues and improve their standard of living. The coffee mornings which we run once a month is proving to be a great success and we now are following on with this by arranging a day’s outing for them during the summer months. We are arranging to have basic computer lessons set up for them by September to encourage them to get online and be able to handle their basic everyday needs re shopping, banking etc as we feel they are being left behind as regards technology. We are purchasing tablets, projector, screen and printer and will be supplying a tutor to give these lessons. We also run an information and resource office which helps them with all social welfare forms etc.

Aim of Initiative

To give the older person a more fulfilled life and by getting the computer lessons will give them the confidence and Independence to handle their private affairs. The social outings and gatherings will enhance their lives and will help to alleviate their loneliness, depression, isolation and their feeling of been worthless in this world. It will be a big bonus especially following the covid lock downs which made them very scared and are still struggling to get back out into the community. To help and assist them re filling in application forms for services they require. We also promote the pendant alarm system for the elderly.

Who is it aimed at

The older generation within the community.

3 Steps critical to success

1. To recognize the need for the services.
2. Do some ground work and see what was needed to get the services up and running.
3. To get trained by Alone re the B-Friending service and have Garda Vetting carried out. To Liaise with the relevant bodies re the services involved.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Getting the older person to admit they were struggling with life in general.
2. Encouraging them to get back out into society without fear.
3. To open their minds to the ideas of technology and getting them to see the benefits for them in the longer term.

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The outcome is we found a big need for the older person to be more integrated into the community.
2. It is benefiting the older person in a massive way as they feel needed and wanted as a result of the services we offer.
3. It is enhancing their lives and they look forward to their social gatherings and outings and are really looking forward to the computer lessons as this is a major drawback for them.