A HIGHLY regarded charity which provides a lifeline service to elderly and vulnerable people across the district via a telephone befriending service celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Since it launch in 2005 Good Morning Down — based at the Down Business Park in Downpatrick – has supported over 450 people with a wide range of disabilities and needs.
Staffed by 22 volunteers, the charity currently has 145 people on its books, with a number of others on the waiting list. The volunteers, who work one or two days a week, make over 350 telephone calls to people between Monday and Friday.
Many of those contacted live alone and are delighted to get their weekly call, with some even contacted on Christmas morning.
Good Morning Down was established to help reduce loneliness and isolation through the unique service it provides, with volunteers also signposting those who need further support to other agencies.
They include the PSNI, Fire and Rescue Service, Social Services and organisations which specialise in home security and home safety.
Representatives from these organisations also attend special events Good Morning Down organises during the year to provide information relating to reducing the fear of crime and providing the elderly and vulnerable to ensure they are safe in their homes.
The charity’s manager, Linda Baker, said people which the organisation supports are transported to and from the get-togethers which provides those with limited mobility or poor mental health with an opportunity to socialise and make new friends.
“We can tailor the service we provide to meet the needs of the individual,” she explained. “When the service was launched we had two volunteers helping 18 people. We currently contact 145.
“We do have a waiting list at present and the number of calls that we can make in a week is limited to the number of volunteers. We would love to do more.”
The volunteers build up a rapport with the people they telephone and if someone fails to answer, they can help in a number of ways, with Linda grateful to all the group’s funders.
Volunteer Aidan Harris recalled a recent incident in Newcastle where a lady had fallen in her bedroom and ended up lying on the floor all night.
“I rang the lady at her normal time the following morning but there was no answer. Within a short time, I was able to get in contact with her relatives who went to her assistance. We were delighted to be able to help and the woman’s daughter who lives in Australia, subsequently contacted us via social media to say thanks,” he added.
One lady who looks forward to her weekly call described the service provided by Good Morning Down as “invaluable”.
Killyleagh woman Bernadette Hodgson, who celebrates her 74th birthday later this year, has benefited from the charity’s service since June 2018.
The former mill worker said that she cannot praise the volunteers enough and knows from speaking to other service users at the regular get-togethers of all the clients which are organised that everyone feels the same way.
“The service is nothing short of excellent,” beamed Bernadette. “I would be lost without the service and know that many other people feel the same way. Someone recommended that I should use the service and I haven’t looked back.
“Good Morning Down provides a vital service to the local community and has turned my life around. I now know that I am not alone. Before the volunteers started to ring me I felt down and very much alone. The volunteers are always prepared to go the extra mile for you.”
Bernadette, who received a call on Christmas morning, said all the people who use the service receive birthday cards and Christmas cards, gestures which she says mean so much.
“Good Morning Down is a brilliant community asset. It really has changed my life,” she said.
“I cannot thank the volunteers for all that they do. The service has made a positive impact on my life.”
Bernadette added: “I have no doubt that every single person that Good Morning Down has contacted over the years is so grateful for that friendly voice at the end of the telephone line. The service is literally a lifeline for many people.”
The charity’s funders include the Trust House Charitable Foundation, Halifax, Garfield Weston Trust, Enkalon, The Community Foundation, Nothern Ireland Housing Executive, Newry, Mourne and Down Council and the South Eastern Health and Social Services Trust.