Is this the saddest Christmas Ad that has ever been made? It was released last Christmas by a company called Edeka. Although it’s a year old, we at Donegal Woman feel that it’s message will always be relevant.

Edeka are a German supermarket and the advert shows the Father/Grandfather getting ready for Christmas. Christmas with his family. He then receives the cancellations one by one. Poor “Papa” as he is called in the video is left to eat Christmas dinner alone. With no family or neighbors to call on him.

Loneliness among the elderly is a real problem across Donegal and Ireland. However, in Donegal we are very fortunate to have ‘The Good Morning Service’. The Good Morning Service is a free telephone link service to older people to promote health and well being in the home. Older people receive a friendly telephone call on a regular basis from a local volunteer. The purpose of the call is to ensure they are safe and well and to provide information on a range of local services and activities.
There are 5 outreach centres in the county and there is also an assistant befriending service that helps older people in the Buncrana area to do their shopping, visit the Post Office, get to appointments or take part in a social activity.

The Good Morning Service objective is to operate exclusively for the charitable purpose of providing a free countywide telephone link service for people in Donegal, thereby reducing their feelings of isolation, insecurity, loneliness and vulnerability by strengthening their sense of security and personal wellbeing. Part of their philosophy is to assist them in retaining a degree of independence and provide a caring and friendly link to their community.

There are many people living alone in all areas of Donegal who could benefit greatly from this service. Family members, friends or neighbors who know of someone who is living alone and over 60 should notify them or someone close to them about the service and how to get in touch. The Good Morning Service also receive referrals from care of the aged committees, social services committees, day centre supervisors, public health nurses, social workers and meals on wheels committee’s.  Alternatively you can make contact with any of their community partners who would be happy to give any information you need. When the Good Morning Service receive your call they will send out a referral form for you to sign and return and they will then ask you to choose the day and time of your call to suit your daily routine.

If you would like to avail of the service or know of someone who would benefit from The Good Morning Services befriending phone call, please do not hesitate to contact them. The service is also always on the look out for new volunteers.

Contact The Good Morning Service:

Tel: http://tel:074 93 21598

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gms.donegal/?fref=ts