TRICK or treating
youngsters in Inishowen are being urged to respect
older people this Halloween.
Unplanned visitors, fireworks and bonfires can cause
fear and anxiety for the elderly, advocates say.
"Every year at this time we get a lot of complaints
from our clients about bangers and fireworks going
off in the night," said Frances Browne of the Good
Morning Service.
"They are very frightened by this and fear that
their homes could be damaged by fireworks or set on
fire.
"We ask parents, young people and individuals to
please consider their older neighbours when they are
planning their Halloween festivities,” added Ms
Browne.
The Good Morning Service supports more than 400
older people across Donegal making more than 1,000
phone calls to them per week.
Volunteers call people aged over sixty to ensure
they are safe and well. The service is free and
confidential. The calls are made at an agreed time
and can be daily or once a week, depending on the
preferences of the client. The service also
advocates for older people and refers clients to
health services and any other organisation that may
be of help in relation to each individual's
concerns.
The Good Morning Service has centres in Buncrana,
Donegal Town, Falcarragh, Letterkenny, Lifford, and
Burtonport.
To register for the service, contact the Buncrana
office on 074-9321598.
The organisation offers these Trick or Treat
tips:
Let older neighbours know if your children will
visit
Carry torches so you’re seen approaching
Tell children to be considerate of older neighbours
Respect that some people won’t want to answer the
door |