Our Older People’s Community Project encompasses our Good Morning Telephone Support Service, our ongoing community development support to the community hubs, volunteer engagement opportunities for all ages, provision of training and development interventions, social & networking opportunities, and volunteer celebration & recognition events.
The Good Morning service is a confidential telephone service for people who are feeling isolated and lonely. It is funded by the Southern Health & Social Care Trust and PCSP Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon. The service is open to referrals from people and carers aged 60+ living across the Newry, Mourne & Down or the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council areas. The service is run by The CCG from Ballybot House in Newry; this is also our main volunteer base for this vital service alongside several community hubs across the two Council areas.
Loneliness and social isolation can have a serious and lasting effect on a person’s health, confidence and overall quality of life. For older people, these experiences may follow bereavement, retirement, reduced mobility, caring responsibilities, ill health or changes in family and friendship networks. When regular contact is limited, even ordinary days can feel long, and people may become less connected to their community.
Persistent loneliness is associated with poorer mental and physical wellbeing. It can contribute to low mood, anxiety and reduced motivation, while making it more difficult for someone to seek help or remain involved in activities they once enjoyed. People with small social networks or infrequent contact may also be less likely to hear about local groups, practical assistance and health or community services that could improve their independence and wellbeing.
The continuing demand for the Good Morning Service demonstrates the importance of accessible, regular support. Each year, we receive more than 120 referrals across the Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The referral process is straightforward and can be completed using the form at the top of this page, helping individuals, carers, families and professionals connect someone with the service quickly.
For some people, a Good Morning volunteer may be the only person they speak to all day. Each call provides friendly conversation, regular human contact and reassurance that someone is thinking of them. Over time, this dependable connection can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, improve mood, and support a stronger sense of wellbeing and belonging.
The service also offers practical support. Volunteers can listen, identify concerns and help connect service users with local organisations, community activities and other services that may improve their quality of life. Calls are tailored to each person’s circumstances and preferences, whether they would benefit from daily contact, a weekly conversation or calls on selected days.
There is currently no waiting list, and there is no fixed time limit for how long someone can receive calls. This means people can access support promptly and continue using the service for as long as it remains helpful. The positive difference made by the service is reflected in feedback from users, with 97% rating it as ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’.
The people we call are aged 60 or over and live within the Newry, Mourne and Down or Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The service is particularly suitable for people who feel isolated or lonely, have limited opportunities for regular conversation, live alone, have reduced mobility, or find it difficult to take part in social activities. It can also support unpaid carers, who may spend much of their time caring for someone else and have fewer opportunities to connect with others.
If you know someone who may benefit from a friendly and dependable telephone call, you can help them access the service. Referrals can be made by the individual themselves, a relative, friend, neighbour, carer, health or social care professional, or another community organisation. The person should be aware of and agree to the referral before their details are shared.
Once a referral is received, a member of the team will make contact to explain how the service works, discuss the person’s needs and preferences, and agree a suitable pattern of calls. This may be daily, weekly or on selected days. The process is welcoming and straightforward, helping each person receive support that feels comfortable, respectful and suited to their circumstances
Volunteering with our Good Morning Service is a meaningful way to support older people in your community while gaining valuable benefits of your own. By offering friendly conversation and a reliable listening ear, volunteers can make a visible difference to someone who may otherwise have very little social contact. Knowing that a simple call can brighten a person’s day, reduce feelings of isolation and provide reassurance gives the role a strong sense of purpose and personal fulfilment.
The role also provides opportunities to build confidence and develop transferable skills. Volunteers can strengthen their communication, active listening, empathy and relationship-building abilities, while gaining experience that may be useful in community work, health and social care, customer service or other people-focused roles. Regular conversations with people from different backgrounds can broaden perspectives, increase understanding and create genuine connections across the community.
Volunteering can also help people meet others, feel more connected to their local area and become part of a supportive team. The role is flexible, making it suitable for people with different schedules, including those who are retired, studying, working or looking to return to employment. Volunteers can enjoy the satisfaction of contributing their time in a way that is manageable, worthwhile and valued.
For more information, complete the volunteer registration form at the top of the page or contact one of the project coordinators below. They can explain the role, answer your questions and help you decide whether volunteering with the Good Morning Service is right for you.
The continuing demand for the Good Morning Service demonstrates the importance of accessible, regular support. Each year, we receive more than 120 referrals across the Newry, Mourne and Down and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The referral process is straightforward and can be completed using the form at the top of this page, helping individuals, carers, families and professionals connect someone with the service quickly.
For information about volunteering, referrals to the service, or any other inquiries contact one of our joint coordinators, Conor Keenan or Pat Quinn on:
