The Senior Alerts Scheme is to be used to offer additional support for older people during the COVID-19 crisis.
The scheme, which is run by my Department, offers a pendant-based alarm system which is monitored in case of emergencies.
The new initiative encourages people with the alerts scheme to check in to the system to ensure it is working correctly.
Alert scheme providers and those monitoring, such as local community groups, will call back to ask the person testing their alarm if they require help or assistance. They will then offer the befriending call service run by ALONE, the organisation which supports isolated older people.
The caller will then either be given the contact number for ALONE or will be asked for permission to give ALONE their number to be included in the befriending service.
Eighty thousand people currently use the Senior Alerts Scheme so this is a great way of expanding its usage at an increased time of need.
The initiative also encourages people to make sure that their alert system is working correctly in order to deliver the service.
The Senior Alerts Scheme service is run by 670 community groups around the country.
The befriending scheme is being run jointly by ALONE and the community development agency POBAL.
The number for the ALONE Helpline is 0818 222024.