The elder care charity ran a pop-up shop in St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre in Dublin over Christmas.

Alone says there's a long month ahead with over 10,000 lonely older people in need of a visit or a kind word.

Elderly people who are feeling isolated or lonely are being urged to contact the charity ALONE.

Charity organisation Alone saw a doubling in the number of older people availing of its services last year.

A charity that supports older people has begun a three-month pilot scheme to match those who live alone and need support with students and young professionals who cannot afford a home.

Three new housing reports are out today.

The Government is being urged to appoint one department to battle loneliness and social isolation.

Update 2.41pm: ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, has today launched a campaign to raise awareness of the hidden housing crisis among older people.

ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home, released its 2016 Annual Report today which showed a 42% increase in the number of people availing of ALONE’s Befriending Service.

7.30am

ALONE is encouraging older people to ask for help over the Christmas period.

A toddler was found alone and scavenging for food and water in his home after both his mum and baby brother tragically died.

And as everyone else was coming from a different location, he waited patiently for them to arrive at the airport.

The Alone charity has today urged the Government to stick to its plans of supporting people who wish to stay at home.