Kerry community groups unite to reach out to isolated elderly

A NUMBER of organisations in Kerry have joined forces to tackle rural isolation and growing suicide levels among elderly people.

Some of the groups involved in a new alliance include the Irish Rural Dwellers Association (IRDA), Rural Men’s Initiative, Kerry Community Transport, the GAA and Seancairde.

The move follows recent disclosures by the coroner for south Kerry, Terence Casey, that older age groups made up the highest number of suicides in his area over the past five years.

Four of the 12 people who took their own lives in the county in 2005 were over the age of 60; four between the ages of 30 and 50; three in the 20 to 30 age group and one under 20, according to figures released by Mr Casey, a Killarney solicitor.

In 2006, seven of the nine suicides were by people over 40, contradicting the perception that suicide occurs mainly among the young.

Kerry IRDA chairman John Kelly said rural men, in particular, had become more isolated, especially with the closure of public houses, creameries, shops and other social outlets that had always been part of the social infrastructure.

“We want to get these people out and active again. It’s time to find an alternative to the rural pub and to put structures in place that will enable people to have more social contact,” he explained.

“We’re trying to respond in a positive, constructive way to the increase in suicides among elderly men, in particular, and the link between suicide and isolation.

“We strongly believe that rural organisations, by working together and pooling their resources, can play a key role in tackling what’s a most serious issue. Human contact can make all the difference,” he added.

The Rural Men’s Initiative, which is supported by the South Kerry Development Partnership, is already active and has organised a number of outings and day trips for rural men.

“We’re further developing this work and, as well as outings, we’re also working on visitation to people’s homes and one-to-contact. This is taking place at ground level with the active involvement of people in the community,” said Kevin Griffin, of the Rural Men’s Initiative.

“We’ve had an average of 70 to 90 men going on the outings, but we’re trying to reach more men all the time, especially those who are not going out and don’t have any real contact with other people in their areas,” Mr Griffin said.

A day trip to Valentia, which will include a visit to the famous slate quarry and other landmarks on the island, is currently being organised.

The rural alliance is arranging a series of public meetings in Kerry, the next of which will be held in the Brook Lane Hotel, Kenmare, on Monday, March 28, at 8pm. Among the speakers will be Kerry’s 1975 All-Ireland football winning captain, Mickey Ned O’Sullivan.