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For someone who lives alone this is a wonderful way to have daily contact with someone. Its a comfort to know that someone is calling to have a friendly chat. (Moira, Blanchardstown).
The words of this client sum up the aim of the Friendly Call Service. The Friendly Call Service formerly the Good Morning Blanchardstown Project which was established in 2005 to provide a free Telephone Alert Service to those who live alone or feel isolated or vulnerable.
The key points of the service are:
- The service offers a free telephone call five mornings per week to check that people are well and kept informed of other services that are available to them.
- The service can also remind clients of Hospital and Doctors appointments if they wish. This aspect of the service is very popular and has reduced the number of missed appointments by the services clients.
- If there is no response to the telephone call within a set period of time the Service can advise their contact person and if necessary call the emergency services.
- The service is totally free of charge.
In June 2007 it has expanded to include Ballymun.
The project has the full support of the HSE, Community Gardai and Local Authorities, all of whom are members of the projects Governing Committee and with whom it liaises with daily/weekly on a needs basis.
The service offers a friendly chat up to five days a week thus helping to reduce the sense of isolation and loneliness experienced by many older people. The service is not just limited to those living alone and will accept applications from elderly couples, those who have someone living with them who is out during the day or carers.
This is an initiative of the Older Persons Network. For further information please contact Catherine or Mirn on 8423612 or drop in to the Partnership, or speak to your local priest or public Health Nurse.
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