Public meeting on the effects of loneliness
FIANNA Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon is hosting a public meeting on loneliness later this month.
The meeting will take place in Doddy’s in Ballymote on Friday 23rd November at 8pm. Guest speaker on the night is Senator Keith Swanick, GP and founder of The Loneliness Task Force.
Deputy Scanlon commented: “Loneliness and rural isolation are two of the biggest issues facing people living in the country. While there has been an effort in recent months by various charities to raise awareness of the problem, it still remains largely hidden.
“Earlier this year my Fianna Fáil colleague in the Seanad Dr. Keith Swanick founded The Loneliness Taskforce alongside Seán Moynihan of ALONE. It has been working to devise a response to the issues facing people who find themselves alone or isolated.
“The impact of loneliness is felt not only emotionally, but also physically. Research has shown that loneliness can shorten life expectancy by up to 10 years. People living in isolated parts of rural Ireland are particularly susceptible, especially if they do not have family or neighbours to call to check in on them.
“Loneliness doesn’t discriminate – older people and teenagers are equally at risk, especially in this digital age. I am very pleased to have Senator Swanick as our guest speaker on the night. His work as a GP, Senator and founder of The Loneliness Taskforce affords him a valuable insight into this particular