HSE Connecting for Life Donegal launch Loneliness Initiative to help support older people stay connected, safe and seen

On Thursday, 10th September, HSE Connecting for Life Donegal, in partnership with An Garda Síochána, An Post and ALONE, are proud to launch a new Loneliness Initiative aimed at supporting older people who may be feeling isolated, disconnected, or alone within their communities.

The launch will take place on Thursday, 10th September from 10am to 12pm in the An Grianán Theatre, Letterkenny and coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day and Green Ribbon month.

The initiative highlights the important role that neighbours, community organisations, postal workers and other people who regularly interact with older residents can play in recognising the signs of loneliness and helping people reconnect with support. It encourages Donegal communities to look out for one another and to act early when someone appears isolated. This initiative strengthens that commitment by ensuring older people know where to turn, who to call, and what supports are available.

Understanding Loneliness: A Human Experience

Loneliness affects thousands of older people across Ireland. In 2025, more than 46,800 older people received support through ALONE services, and of those who received personalised needs assessments, 45% reported experiencing loneliness.

Loneliness is not always visible. You can be surrounded by people and still feel completely alone. 

It can look like:

• A quiet house

• A phone that doesn’t ring

• Cancelled plans

• Feeling alone even when surrounded by others

Loneliness can affect sleep, mood, confidence, mobility, and overall wellbeing. It is not a personal failing, it is a human experience that can happen to any of us.

Why This Initiative Matters

The Connecting for Life Donegal Loneliness Initiative focuses on early connection, community awareness, and practical support.

Key aims include:

• Encouraging neighbours, postal workers, Gardaí, and community members to notice when something has changed

• Promoting simple check‑ins such as “How are you?”

• Ensuring older people know what supports exist

• Reducing isolation through social prescribing, befriending services, and community activities

None of us have to be mental health professionals to notice that something has changed. A small conversation can be the first step toward reconnection.

Voices from the Community

An Garda Síochána has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting and supporting older people across Donegal. Community Policing members and Crime Prevention Officers regularly visit older residents, build trusted relationships, and provide reassurance.

Inspector Paul Tierney, An Garda Síochána said, “Our aim is to continue to provide reassurance and support to the older people within our community who live alone and so we are delighted to be involved with this fantastic initiative in conjunction with HSE Connecting For Life and An Post. It is vitally important that elderly people who live alone are aware of the vast amount of supports and services that are available to them and to feel assured that they are not alone. This initiative highlights many local support services and it also highlights the message that we wish to convey to anybody who is feeling vulnerable or alone. We are here for you on a 24/7 basis. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are always here to help.”

Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE said, "Loneliness is not a matter of individual resilience or simply being more socially active. It is a public health issue with very real consequences for mental and physical wellbeing. “When loneliness goes unaddressed, people’s health deteriorates more quickly, their independence is undermined and pressure on health and social care services increases.”

The message is simple: you are not alone, and it is okay to reach out.

This initiative recognises that connection looks different for everyone, a weekly phone call, a local group, a walk with someone, or simply knowing there is someone to talk to.

A Shared Responsibility

John Lafferty, An Post Operations Manager for the West North Region commented, “An Post is delighted to support this important initiative to reduce loneliness and social isolation among older people living alone. Through our presence in communities across Donegal, we are proud to help raise awareness of the support services available and encourage people to reach out for assistance when needed. The support and engagement of our trusted postmen and postwomen is particularly appreciated, as they provide important points of human contact for people living alone. By working together with community partners, An Post is committed to helping people feel connected, supported and aware of assistance available within their local community.

“Postal workers may be the only person an older resident sees regularly. Gardaí may notice when someone becomes withdrawn. Neighbours may realise someone hasn’t been seen in a while.

“Sometimes we simply need to ask, ‘How are you?’ And then stay long enough to listen to the answer.”

This initiative encourages Donegal communities to look out for one another and to act early when someone seems isolated.

Support for Older People

Ciara Wray, Resource officer for Suicide Prevention stated, “Loneliness can quietly take the colour out of a person’s life. It can make ordinary days feel heavy, and it can leave people feeling unseen, even in the middle of a community. What matters most is that none of us face it alone. The Connecting for Life Donegal Loneliness Initiative is about reminding people that someone cares enough to notice, to ask, and to stay present. A small conversation, a gentle check‑in, a moment of kindness, these can be lifelines. If you are feeling lonely, or worried about someone who is, please know this: your feelings matter, and there is support here for you. Reaching out is a brave step.”

If you are aged 60 or over, or if you are concerned about someone who may be feeling lonely, support is available.

Older people can contact ALONE for advice, connection, and practical assistance at:

0818 222 024

Sometimes one conversation is all it takes to begin reconnecting.

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, help is available 24/7:

• Emergency Services: 999 or 112

• Pieta: 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444

• Samaritans: 116 123

• 50808 Text Service: Text HELLO to 50808