Volunteers needed in Louth to help support older people

Age & Opportunity, the national organisation working to create opportunities that empower older people to enhance individual and community wellbeing, is recruiting volunteer mentors in Louth for its telephone mentoring service FitLine. 

FitLine, which can be contacted at 1800 303 545, is a volunteer-led service that supports people aged 50+ to be more active. It is designed to help people who want to feel healthier, but who may not have the motivation, confidence or information to get moving

FitLine Mentors must have an interest in physical activity and overall health and wellbeing of older adults. As part of their volunteer role, they will give information, advice and gentle encouragement to participants on how to get moving over the phone.

Sue Guildea, Active Programme Manager at Age & Opportunity said: “We are launching a call out for FitLine volunteer mentors who can provide support to those aged 50+ who want to become more active. FitLine is a telephone-based motivation line where participants are encouraged to introduce or increase physical activity in their daily lives.  

"Our FitLine mentors have an interest in physical activity and overall health and wellbeing and are based all over the country as part of this nationwide service.

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"FitLine mentors make regular calls to our FitLine participants and discuss life situation and preferences, as well as offering suggestions and support on how to get more active.”

Fitline Volunteer Mentors will receive training and will complete Garda Vetting and Child First Training before undertaking the role. Volunteer mentors should be able to commit two to three hours a fortnight to make calls and provide support to FitLine participants. 

FitLine is a free initiative of Age & Opportunity, funded by Sport Ireland and the HSE. To find out more about FitLine and how to become a Volunteer Mentor, visit www.ageandopportunity.ie. The FitLine Information Leaflet, FitLine Mentor Role Description and Application Form can be found here.