New buddy scheme to help tackle loneliness in older people

A walk, a cuppa and a bit of banter are being used to tackle loneliness in older people in Northern Ireland.

Age NI has said Northern Ireland’s social care system is “broken, invisible and forgotten”.

The absence of care packages, longer hospital waiting lists and fewer community services has left the elderly feeling isolated and vulnerable, the older people’s charity has said.

It hopes its new service will help keep older people safe and part of their own community.

Through the scheme, Michael Lawson, 90, was matched with Mark Logan, who at 64 is semi-retired.

They meet up two or three times a week, which can include a walk, a visit to a local attraction and definitely a cuppa.

Michael, from Larne, described the match as “very good” as he can share with Mark, who lives in nearby Whitehead, his love for orchestral music, books and the theatre.

Within minutes of meeting them, their bond is obvious.

Likening themselves to Morecambe and Wise, the banter never stops as they chat over coffee with Glenarm Castle in County Antrim in the background.