Loneliness Awareness Week: the daily phone calls tackling loneliness

A community-based project in Antrim is helping to address loneliness and isolation experienced by older people with daily phone calls and support.

Good Morning Antrim, which is funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA), is a telephone befriending service where volunteers make daily phone calls to older people in Antrim and surrounding towns. This Loneliness Awareness Week (9-15 June), the PHA is highlighting the work of the organisation and the positive impact it has in the community.

Libby Higham, Coordinator of Good Morning Antrim at the Family Caring Centre, said: “These calls offer more than just friendly conversation. They are a vital connection, a source of comfort, a listening ear and a gateway to helpful local services. We can also signpost to other organisations that may be of support, depending on individual needs.

“In addition to easing loneliness, we offer an essential alert system. If we’re unable to reach someone, we immediately contact a pre-approved nominated person to help ensure everything is okay. This potentially life-saving aspect of our service provides peace of mind for both recipients and their families, knowing that someone is looking out for them.

“Since 2008, Good Morning Antrim has been powered by our dedicated, award-winning volunteers. Their warmth, commitment, and genuine care shine through every conversation.”

Libby Higham

One of those volunteers is 78-year-old John Robinson. A retired milkman, John has been with the service for nine years and volunteers every Friday which he says is something that helps him as much as the people he’s calling.

“Honestly, it’s the best day of my week,” John said. “I get to spend time with my fellow volunteers, share a few laughs and enjoy great company.

“Making my calls is such a rewarding experience. Over my years of volunteering, I’ve built real connections with the people I speak to. Many of them tell me how much they enjoy our chats – some even call me “son,” which I think is brilliant, especially at 78 years old!

“Coming here every Friday makes me realise just how lucky I am. When I leave, I always feel like I’ve done something worthwhile with my day – and hopefully made a difference in someone else’s.”

John Robinson

Good Morning Antrim provides the service to older people in the town as well as Randalstown, Toome, Crumlin, Templepatrick and Parkgate.

Antrim resident Heather Gillespie who is 70-years-old, receives phone calls from volunteers Monday to Friday.

Heather said: “I love my morning calls and we chat about all sorts of things. I especially enjoy talking to some of them about my football team, Manchester United – even if it's just to have a bit of a moan about them at the moment!

“I'm blind and use a wheelchair, so I can’t leave the house without assistance. But that doesn’t hold me back. I absolutely love going to football matches, and with the help of a haptic device, I can hear what’s happening on the pitch and feel the atmosphere all around me.

“I also really enjoy hearing about what the volunteers are up to in their own lives and learning about events happening in my area. The COVID pandemic was the hardest time for me and I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through it without Good Morning Antrim. They do a fantastic job and are truly wonderful people – I consider them my friends. Their morning calls give me something to look forward to and I feel less lonely and isolated.”

Heather Gillespie

The PHA provides funding to the Good Morning Antrim Service, as well as similar services in Newtownabbey and Mid Ulster.

Victoria Creasy, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: Over the last 10 years there has been increasing recognition of the huge impact that loneliness has on wellbeing, causing both mental and physical health to deteriorate. While people can be lonely at any stage of life, older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness. Physical changes such as decline in vision, hearing and mobility, as well as diminishing social networks, can contribute to this. 

“We all have a part to play in addressing loneliness, and older people themselves can have a valuable role in this.  

“The Good Morning Antrim service is an amazing example of not just a service reaching out to help older people like Heather, but also showcases the valuable contribution that older people like John make in our communities through his volunteering role. Older people play an integral part in strengthening our communities and neighbourhoods – as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. Supporting this service is part of the PHA’s ongoing work to promote a society which is age-friendly and looks at ageing in a positive way.” 

Ends

Notes to editors

• Good Morning Services across Northern Ireland are funded by a range of organisations. The Public Health Agency provides funding to support Good Morning Antrim, Good Morning Newtownabbey and Good Morning Mid Ulster.
• You can find out more about these services at www.northerntrust.hscni.net/services/good-morning-services