One of the country's main organisations that works with older people has expressed its concern about the impact of cocooning on mental health.

According to ALONE, over the last 10 days, almost two-thirds of practical support requests made to its national COVID-19 helpline have been in relation to social isolation and loneliness.

The organisation said that older people who use its helpline are becoming "increasingly distressed" by the impact of cocooning. There has also been a major increase in the number of calls during which suicidal ideation is a factor - from two to three calls per week, to three to four calls per day.

ALONE has greatly expanded its services since the outbreak of COVID-19 in order to meet the needs of older people nationwide. This includes its helpline, which is run in collaboration with the Department of Health, the HSE, and local authorities.

Since it launched in March, the helpline has received over 16,000 calls. In addition to this, ALONE staff and volunteers have made over 46,800 calls to older people who need support.

Over 70% of older people who called the ALONE helpline in the last week were living alone.

"We are encouraging any older person who is struggling with their mental wellbeing at this time to get in touch with us and other support services. For many, these difficulties are directly linked to the impact of COVID-19 and cocooning.

"Loneliness is a common issue and long term, we need a strategy to combat loneliness across all age groups. Support is available to help to manage and overcome these difficulties," commented ALONE CEO, Seán Moynihan.

He urged people to keep in touch with the older people in their lives.

"For some of the older people that we are currently working with, loneliness is a new and temporary issue which will pass. Unfortunately for others, it is an ongoing situation.

"If someone calls or is referred to ALONE, we can arrange to contact the individual as often as is needed, and this service will continue after the current crisis. Our volunteers are continuing to provide telephone support to those who need it, and are making regular phone calls for reassurance and social support," Mr Moynihan said.

ALONE is encouraging older people who need advice or support to call its helpline on 0818 222 024, even if they have never used ALONE services before.

The helpline is open from from 8am-8pm, seven days a week. Further information can be found on www.alone.ie.