Carelocal says its priority is ‘to identify frail and housebound older people who are experiencing social exclusion, as these are one of the most invisible and neglected groups of vulnerable people in our community’.

When Jonny Hobson moved to Dublin from Northern Ireland he was eager to integrate himself into the local community and saw involvement in charity work the ideal avenue. “I always had a great relationship with my Granddad and was interested in working with older people and contacted Carelocal. The way they work is they meet you for an interview first, get to know you and your interests and then match you with someone older who has the same kind of interests as you.”

So Jonny met seventy-nine year old Tommy Flood, pictured above, who he has now been visiting for a few years. The pair initially met every Monday evening but bonded so closely that they now meet a little more and share a close friendship. “In the beginning volunteers were told that we just visit the older person for an hour on the given day and our job was just to sit there and chat to the person but as the relationship builds we can do a bit more like jobs around the house or buy them biscuits or do bits and pieces,” points out Jonny.

Jonny says it is something he would encourage people of all ages and occupations to become involved in. “It’s extremely rewarding and I get as much out of it as Tommy does. I’ve been able to help him with errands around the house, I’ve been to visit him in hospital and we sit down and watch football together. We’ve become really close friends. He used to play golf and we chat about that too. Tommy also loves to watch Friends”

According to Jonny, Carelocal is a well-run and close-knit organisation and he has made many friends there too. “We meet bi-monthly and gather together to chat about how things are going.”

Respect for the dignity of the person is all-important, with acceptance of their way of life. Some people require more attention, for example those whose mobility is restricted and involvement in life is impaired. With time, good relationships are formed and lasting friendships are made.

Jonny Hobson for one would have no hesitation in encouraging others to become involved. “Everyone knows someone who gets lonely from time to time and would like a friend so please do get involved. It’s very rewarding for both people.”

Growing old can be a long and lonely process and doing so alone makes it even harder. Having friends and family around makes it easier and the presence of the Dublin based organisation Carelocal makes the transition a lot less troublesome. Carelocal aims to assist older people to remain living in their own homes, with dignity, security and company, for as long as possible, and to help ensure that they remain in good health, both mentally and physically. Their services include one-to-one visitation in the person’s home and in nursing homes, the provision of day trips and social outings, live musical entertainment in community centres and residential homes, home repairs and financial assistance, and information and advocacy.

Carelocal has been providing these services on a voluntary basis for over thirty years in the Dublin City Council area.

Volunteers visit an older person in their local area once a week, in the older person’s home, and this forms the foundation of a relationship that builds and strengthens over time. As an advocate and friend, the volunteer can contribute dramatically to increasing the quality of life of an older person who is experiencing social isolation.
If you wish to find out more information about Carelocal, have an elderly relative visited or become a volunteer, you can contact them at Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7. Tel: (01) 878 2358 Fax: (01) 872 7855 Email:info@carelocal.com