Senior Help Line provides a confidential listening service for older people by older people for the price of a local call anywhere in Ireland, telephone 1850 440 444. Established in 1998, the service has logged over 5,000 calls in the first six months of this year alone. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and 7 -10 pm.

There can be an element of loneliness in almost all the calls, though the presenting problem could be a health worry or a family difficulty. A minority of calls involve elder abuse, of which the financial abuse of older people becoming a worrying problem.

"We have over 250 trained volunteers, older people themselves who can really relate to many of the problems they hear. We listen, we help people explore their options, and we know from both new and regular callers that our service is of value.

Callers tell us how much better they can feel after a chat, and our volunteers also feel part of something very worthwhile, " she says.

With 13 centres round the country, and currently looking at expanding the service into Northern Ireland, Senior Help Line is actively seeking volunteers. Each volunteer will receive a full training programme before joining a well supported team. Interested? Contact Mary Nally at Senior Help Line 0469557766.