Coleraine calling

Several agencies have been working hard to establish the service and the hard work has paid off.

West Bann Development Ltd who will house and manage the service to Neighbourhood Renewal areas, initially with a view to expanding throughout borough soon.

The service came about through the work of Causeway Volunteer Centre, West Bann Development Ltd, Age Concern Causeway, Good Morning Ballycastle, the Northern Health & Social Services Trust and Good Morning Northern Ireland Network. Coleraine Borough Council Community Safety Partnership provided financial support to help fund the necessary telephone equipment and telephone support line and start up costs.

Good Morning Coleraine offers a friendly voice and support and guidance on the phone, to people living alone. This free telephone support and alert scheme is aimed at reducing fears of vulnerability, isolation and fear of crime experienced by many people in our communities.

Speaking at the launch Eugene McFeely said: “Good Morning Coleraine is a free confidential community-based telephone support service for older and vulnerable people.

“It will provide a daily call at a pre-arranged time and is aimed at reducing the fear of crime, isolation and vulnerability as well as helping people to remain independent in their home.”

Marie-Louise McClarey from Causeway Volunteer Centre added: “Good Morning Coleraine can alert family members and others if a call is not answered and can provide service users and their families with peace of mind.

“The service can enable users to share worries and concerns whilst connecting people with local services & community activities and providing a local support network. The service is offered in other areas and works very successfully and it is fantastic that after a long wait we have managed to provide Coleraine residents with this service. ”

The service is always seeking referrals from people who would benefit. There is a referral form which can be completed if you or someone you know would find this service useful. Please contact West Bann for a form.

Causeway Volunteer Centre has trained four volunteers to take calls and these volunteers are ready to start. Good Morning Ballycastle offered the training and mentoring support which has been fantastic.

There are two Social Work students operating between Ballycastle and Coleraine to investigate an efficient referral system which is user friendly for the volunteers.

If you know of anyone who would benefit from Good Morning Coleraine please contact Eugene McFeely at West Bann 028 7032 7859, or call at the office between 9am and 1pm, Monday to Friday