I rely on my chats with the volunteers

I rely on my chats with the volunteers

14 January 2015

A BALLYHORNAN pensioner has issued an impassioned plea for ring-fenced funding to be provided for the Good Morning Down charity.

The organisation provides a telephone care and befriending service for vulnerable adults across the district, but concerns are mounting about the charity’s long term future.

Finances are in place to steer the organisation towards the end of the financial year, but charity officials and those who use the service are concerned what happens then.

The charity provides a free service for adults who feel vulnerable or at risk with those who use the service hoping it can secure the cash it needs to remain in business.

Launched exactly 10 years ago, the service is provided by dedicated staff and volunteers who are committed to keeping the service going. But they need support to help the organisation through a difficult financial period.

Angela Hamilton — who has been using the service for the past eight years — has this week issued an appeal on behalf of Good Morning Down seeking financial support for a group which has over 30 vulnerable people on its waiting list.

“Many people across the district rely on the telephone care and befriending service and I know how much I rely upon my three calls each week. This is an invaluable service and to know someone rings me every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning is both comforting and reassuring,” she said.

“I would be lost without the weekly contact with the volunteers; they are really terrific, caring and lovely people to speak with. The Good Morning Down service is literally a lifeline for me.”

Angela explained she has established a rapport with all the volunteers who ring her and looks upon them as part of her extended family.

The Ballyhornan pensioner, who suffers from mobility problems, said it was “reassuring and comforting” to know the volunteers were always there for her.

She continued: “I do not get out that much which does not bother me because there is always someone on the other end of the telephone to talk to. I could not do without my contact with the volunteers.

“There are other people on a waiting list for the service and I would appeal to any organisation which can provide financial support for Good Morning Down to do so. It plays such a vital role in the lives of many people.”

Angela added: “If I did not have Good Morning Down I would have no-one and no contact with others apart from my family. The charity provides an invaluable service and I could not do without it.

“Anyone who can help the charity plan for the long term future and expand the service it provides, please help. There is a clear need for this service. It must be allowed to continue and grow.”