Good Morning Antrim: Lifeline for older people, tackling loneliness with daily calls

Libby Higham, Coordinator at the Family Caring Centre

A heartfelt telephone befriending service in Antrim is making a significant difference in the lives of older people by offering vital daily contact, companionship, and support – all while addressing the growing problem of loneliness across the community.

Good Morning Antrim, funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA), is a volunteer-led service that delivers daily phone calls to older individuals in Antrim and surrounding areas, including Randalstown, Toome, Crumlin, Templepatrick, and Parkgate.

As Loneliness Awareness Week (9–15 June) brings attention to the impact of isolation, the PHA is highlighting the importance of the initiative and its positive effect on the wellbeing of older residents.

Libby Higham, Coordinator at the Family Caring Centre, which runs the service, explained:

“These calls offer more than just friendly conversation. They are a vital connection, a source of comfort, a listening ear and a gateway to helpful local services. We can also signpost to other organisations that may be of support, depending on individual needs.”

Beyond companionship, the service also functions as an informal welfare check.

“In addition to easing loneliness, we offer an essential alert system,” Libby said.

“If we’re unable to reach someone, we immediately contact a pre-approved nominated person to help ensure everything is okay. This potentially life-saving aspect of our service provides peace of mind for both recipients and their families, knowing that someone is looking out for them.”

Since launching in 2008, Good Morning Antrim has been powered by its dedicated team of volunteers – individuals who donate their time and energy to provide warmth, empathy and reassurance to those in need.

Among them is 78-year-old John Robinson, a retired milkman who has been volunteering for nearly a decade.

78-year-old John Robinson

“Honestly, it’s the best day of my week,” John shared. “I get to spend time with my fellow volunteers, share a few laughs and enjoy great company.

“Making my calls is such a rewarding experience. Over my years of volunteering, I’ve built real connections with the people I speak to. Many of them tell me how much they enjoy our chats – some even call me ‘son,’ which I think is brilliant, especially at 78 years old!

“Coming here every Friday makes me realise just how lucky I am. When I leave, I always feel like I’ve done something worthwhile with my day – and hopefully made a difference in someone else’s.”

The impact of the service is deeply felt by those on the receiving end of the calls.

Heather Gillespie, aged 70 and living in Antrim, looks forward to her phone calls every weekday morning.

Heather Gillespie, aged 70

“I love my morning calls and we chat about all sorts of things,” she said. “I especially enjoy talking to some of them about my football team, Manchester United – even if it’s just to have a bit of a moan about them at the moment!

“I’m blind and use a wheelchair, so I can’t leave the house without assistance. But that doesn’t hold me back. I absolutely love going to football matches, and with the help of a haptic device, I can hear what’s happening on the pitch and feel the atmosphere all around me.

“The COVID pandemic was the hardest time for me and I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through it without Good Morning Antrim. They do a fantastic job and are truly wonderful people – I consider them my friends.”

Support available in Ballymena

Residents of Ballymena can also benefit from a similar service — Good Morning Ballymena — which offers the same daily check-in calls, listening support, and signposting to services.

This sister service is part of the same network of befriending projects funded by the PHA and works with local partners to reduce isolation and build stronger community links for older people.

Both services share the same core values: connection, safety, and dignity. Volunteers with Good Morning Ballymena are similarly trained and supported to make meaningful contact each day with local residents who might otherwise feel forgotten or alone.

A wider impact on health and wellbeing

According to the PHA, loneliness is increasingly recognised as a major public health concern.

Victoria Creasy, Senior Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, commented:

“Over the last 10 years there has been increasing recognition of the huge impact that loneliness has on wellbeing, causing both mental and physical health to deteriorate.

“While people can be lonely at any stage of life, older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness. Physical changes such as decline in vision, hearing and mobility, as well as diminishing social networks, can contribute to this.

“The Good Morning Antrim service is an amazing example of not just a service reaching out to help older people like Heather, but also showcases the valuable contribution that older people like John make in our communities through his volunteering role.

“Older people play an integral part in strengthening our communities and neighbourhoods – as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. Supporting this service is part of the PHA’s ongoing work to promote a society which is age-friendly and looks at ageing in a positive way.”

How to get involved or access support

For those living in Antrim or Ballymena who would like to receive support from the Good Morning service, or for individuals interested in volunteering, more information is available through local community centres or the PHA website.

These vital services are a testament to the power of connection – showing that even a simple phone call can have a profound impact on someone’s day, and indeed, their life.