“Let love lead, always” / ALONE
5th November 2025
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ALONE’s Support & Befriending service supports older people in Ireland to find companionship, solve their everyday problems, and attend local events and activities through social prescribing.
ALONE is also accredited with our Quality in Befriending Excellence Award, the only award in the UK specifically tailored for befriending services.
In this case study, Zandile shares the enjoyment she gets from volunteering with ALONE and connecting with older people in Galway.
When Zandile moved from Zimbabwe to Galway City, she never imagined that a simple Instagram post would change her life, and the lives of many older people, in such a meaningful way.
“I started volunteering with ALONE in 2022,” she recalls. “I saw the application on social media and decided to give it a try. It’s been really lovely.”
Her inspiration to volunteer came from a deeply personal place. Zandile grew up without her parents, raised by the woman she called her mother until her passing.
“Before she died, she told me, ‘Wherever you go, whoever you meet, they’re your family. The more you give, the more you receive back. If you help, help with all your heart.’ I’ve carried that with me ever since.”
Taking the First Step
Like many volunteers, Zandile admits she was nervous at first.
“On my first visit, I was scared, I didn’t know how to interact with an older person. But ALONE’s training really helped. We had sessions on how to sit, listen, and respond. That made all the difference.”
It was only a one-day training, but it gave her the confidence she needed.
Zandile describes her visits as warm and simple:
“Whenever I visit, they’re smiling. We sit, chat, maybe they offer me a cup of tea or water. Sometimes we talk about their travels, look at family photos, or even make jam together. One lady taught me exactly how she makes hers, two spoons of sugar… and lots of patience!”
Her relationships go beyond light conversation. Zandile fondly remembers Noel, an older man she used to visit in Galway.
“He always remembered Zimbabwe. He had been there before and loved to tell me about it. He was a painter and once showed me the piece he did of a fisherman in Galway – he’d won an award for it. Losing him was very hard for me. ALONE checked on me several times afterwards and even sent a sympathy card. That showed me they care not just about the older people, but about us volunteers too.”
Matching, Connecting, and Caring
After Noel passed, Zandile was matched with a “wonderful lady, always smiling.” They bonded over baking scones, sharing stories, and a genuine warmth towards each other. “She always remembers my name, even calling me ‘Z’ when she couldn’t pronounce it at first.”
“Many older people’s relatives live far away. Even one hour together makes a difference. It’s about being there, listening, and showing love.”
Zandile’s perspective has changed:
“Before, my care was focused on children. Now I care deeply for older people too. Even just a ‘Hello, how are you?’ from an older person can brighten your day. They never pass you without greeting you, I wish more young people were like that.”
Advice for New Volunteers
Zandile encourages anyone hesitant to “just try.” She explains, “Older people aren’t difficult to be with — they’ll share their memories, tell you stories from years ago. You learn so much. It’s about love, not just for yourself, but for others.”
“If I had to sum up my time with ALONE in one sentence,” Zandile says, “I will never stop being a volunteer with ALONE. No matter what.” To her, ALONE means companionship for anyone without it, whether they’re 50 or 80. “When someone is alone, they need someone to talk to. That’s what ALONE gives.
“Let love lead… always.”
This blog is part of Befriending Week (1 – 7 November), the annual campaign to raise awareness about befriending and celebrate social connection. Find out more on our Befriending Week microsite.