BE a good neighbour to the old and vulnerable living alone - this was the message sent out with enthusiasm at the launch of a new "Reach Out" campaign yesterday.
This year's campaign, aimed at encouraging people to support elderly neighbours who are alone, was launched in Dublin by the EU Social Affairs Commissioner, Mr Padraig Flynn, before an audience including representatives of statutory bodies and local authorities, as well as voluntary organisations and elderly people's groups.
Veteran actress Maureen Potter presenting a "Reach Out" Callcard to Mr Flynn, drew loud applause when she asked why there was no minister for the elderly.
Mr Flynn said it was hard to believe the campaign was only four years old as its success was quite astounding. Credit must be given to the men and women who were dedicated to the campaign, which used modern support methods to build on something as natural as ordinary kindliness and neighbourliness, he said.
Yesterday's launch had an almost festive atmosphere created by Tommy Bolger and the Ringsend Variety Group, composed of retired people, who entertained and led a sing song.
The co ordinator of the campaign, Mr Michael Kelly, said it started after an elderly man was discovered to have been dead in his house for about four years before he was found.
The aim was to make people more aware of the needs of older or reclusive neighbours who lived alone. They could be the victims of burglars, fire, accidents, hypothermia or simply loneliness. The fear of being attacked was very real and could destroy their quality of life.
The campaign will include 200,000 10 unit Callcards, radio and business advertisements, posters, leaflets on hypothermia, safety and security, and a schools competition. Singer Ronnie Drew will be bringing out a "Reach Out" CD later in the year.