Good Morning Ballymena making more than 700 calls each week to tackle loneliness

Jon Burrows MLA pictured with Good Morning Ballymena volunteers at their office on Queen Street

A Ballymena service is making more than 700 telephone calls every week, providing companionship, reassurance and a vital point of contact for people who may be living alone, experiencing poor health or feeling isolated.

Around 40 volunteers are behind the calls from Good Morning Ballymena, offering members a friendly voice and listening ear while also helping connect people with activities, community groups and other support available locally.

The scale and human impact of the service were highlighted during a recent visit by North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, who described its work as “remarkable” and said a simple telephone call should never be underestimated.

Mr Burrows was welcomed by Service Co-Ordinator Debbie Chestnutt BEM, who outlined how Good Morning Ballymena operates and the support provided by its volunteer team.

More than 700 calls every week

Debbie Chestnutt BEM talking Jon through the telephone call system

Good Morning Ballymena provides free and confidential daily telephone calls to people who may need reassurance, companionship or additional support.

For someone who is isolated or going through a difficult period, that regular contact can mean knowing there is somebody checking in, ready to listen and able to help them stay connected with their community.

Following his visit, Mr Burrows said:

“Good Morning Ballymena is one of those services that quietly makes an enormous difference to people’s lives every single day. I was very warmly received by Debbie Chestnutt BEM, who gave an exceptional presentation on the work of Good Morning Ballymena and the wide range of support they provide.

“What struck me most was the genuine care that sits at the heart of everything they do. More than 700 calls are being made every week by around 40 volunteers. Behind every one of those calls is a person who knows that somebody is thinking about them and is there to listen.”

The service does more than provide regular conversation. It can connect members with local community groups, activities and other support services, while working alongside Health and Social Care provision.

That can include helping people remain connected after formal care has ended, as well as providing continuing support through periods of good health and illness.

Young volunteer makes an impression

Jon Burrows MLA with 13-year-old volunteer Danika

Among the volunteers Mr Burrows met during his visit was 13-year-old Danika, whose involvement particularly impressed the North Antrim MLA.

He said:

“I particularly enjoyed having the opportunity to speak with some of the volunteers who were on duty during my visit, including 13-year-old Danika.

“Danika is an outstanding young lady with a real heart for people in her community. To see someone of her age giving her time to help others was genuinely inspiring. She is a credit to herself, her family and the wider community.”

Mr Burrows said the calls can have particular significance for people experiencing loneliness, illness or difficult circumstances.

“The importance of a simple telephone call should never be underestimated. For someone who is living alone, feeling isolated, experiencing poor health or going through a difficult period in their life, hearing a friendly voice can provide reassurance, reduce loneliness and give them the knowledge that somebody cares.”

Part of wider Northern Ireland network

Good Morning Ballymena forms part of the wider Good Morning Northern Ireland Network.

Jon Burrows MLA chatting to Debbie Chestnutt BEM, Service Co-Ordinator, Good Morning Ballymena

According to Mr Burrows, there are 23 Good Morning services across the network, eight of which operate within the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area.

He said the Ballymena service both complements health and social care provision and responds to the wider challenge of loneliness and social isolation.

“Good Morning Ballymena complements the work of our health and social care services while also tackling one of the biggest challenges facing many people in our communities – loneliness and social isolation.

“It is also part of something much wider. There are 23 Good Morning services across the Good Morning Northern Ireland Network, including eight within the Northern Trust area.”

Reflecting on his visit, Mr Burrows added:

“I left today with an even greater appreciation for the work being done here in Ballymena. Debbie and the entire team of volunteers deserve enormous credit for the kindness, commitment and compassion they show every day.

“My sincere thanks to everyone at Good Morning Ballymena for the warm welcome and, more importantly, for everything they continue to do for people across our community.”

With around 40 volunteers collectively making more than 700 calls each week, the figures underline the considerable amount of regular human contact being provided through the Ballymena service — often through something as straightforward as making sure another person hears a friendly voice that day.