The Zoo Crew Chats To Alone Ireland About Their Work With Older People In Isolation

Alone Ireland

Isolation is a huge problem for our country currently.

Alone is working with older people in need who have difficulty with loneliness, ill-health or poverty.

There are many volunteers who work with Alone, and one of these is Eamon.

 

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A post shared by ALONE Ireland (@alone.ireland) on Jul 8, 2020 at 4:00am PDT

Eamon has been visiting Joan for the past five years.

This week, the Zoo Crew’s Jaz and Laura caught up with both Eamon and Joan over the phone.

Speaking about volunteering with Alone, Eamon said, "I visit Joan every Wednesday."

 

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He continued, "She’s full of wisdom and advice and always keeps me on my toes."

"She knows my family at this stage. She has met most of my family."

"Everyone is very fond of her and she is always very welcoming in the house."

 

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ALONE's National Support Line stats from the last two weeks. #YouAreNotAlone

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The two share a great friendship and spend a few hours a week with one another sharing stories and communicating.

Joan revealed they, "talk about life," and share stories with one another.

Eamon joked that Joan is very good at sharing the, "wild stories as well."

 

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Joan reaches a milestone birthday

Joan recently celebrated her one hundredth birthday.

Speaking about reaching her milestone, Joan said that she celebrated, "very quietly," with a select few neighbours who came to wish her well on the street.

"A few neighbours came and some old friends."

 

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Joan also revealed that she received a letter from President Michael D Higgins on the day of her birthday.

President Higgins congratulated her and sent her well wishes.

"I got a nice letter."

 

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Margaret* called to advise that Sarah* her Befriender had called yesterday evening and they had went for a walk and got an ice cream. Margaret advised that all went well and we spoke for a good while. She was glad for the chat. #YouAreNotAlone

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Hear their full chat below.

To learn more about volunteering and Alone click here.