Loneliness was the main factor in calls to the ALONE National Support & Referral Line in 2023 according to the organisation's annual report, which has just been published.

ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. Its work aims to improve physical, emotional and mental well-being of older people.

Older people and other agencies are encouraged to call 0818 222 024 to access services, advice, and information seven days a week, from 8:00a.m–8:00p.m.

The National Support and Referral Line aims to provide support to:

Older people calling for support and access to our services, and
helps to resolve issues such as housing, health, financial concerns;
Older people calling with feelings of loneliness, isolation, and fear;
Older people and general public calling for information;
ALONE volunteers querying about support and befriending visits or
raising concerns for the older people they visit.

The organisation which uses the motto, 'You're' not alone', helped more than 30,000 people last year.

7,188 volunteers delivered 218,497 hours of volunteer support to older persons and made a total of 91,188 visits to older people, providing support, practical assistance and social prescribing.

86% of all supports requested of ALONE by older people were delivered – 78% within three weeks of the request, according to the annual report.

The equivalent value of its volunteers’ support hours came to €6,211,869 (based on rate of €28.43 per hour).

In relation to the calls received by the ALONE's support and referral line, about one-third of individuals experiencing loneliness did not have someone visit them.

9% reported not having been out socially in over a year.

Increasing energy prices had a significant impact on older people throughout 2023. 1,054 people (38%) reported utility issues to ALONE. Assistance with energy credits was the most prevalent utility intervention provided by ALONE.

30% (2,775) of older people engaged reported legal/financial issues and there was a 198% increase in legal/financial interventions.

871 people (31%) reported issues with benefits, while 488 (18%) reported issues with entitlements.

Mental health challenges remained consistent among older people across 2023, according to the report. 41% had attended a health professional in 2023.

Emotional and mental health interventions increased by 122% compared to 2022.