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Marbella’s volunteer network helps vulnerable residents remain connected. Shops can raise the alert when elderly customers suddenly stop coming into their shops.
Marbella’s volunteers tackle loneliness
Marbella Voluntaria is continuing its work with older and vulnerable residents after Marbella Town Hall renewed its annual agreement with the association, providing over €40,000 to support its social programmes.
Proyecto Faro, which supports around 240 residents, mostly older people who live alone and without family close by, is the core of the project. Volunteers go beyond making occasional visits. Volunteers can accompany patients to appointments, hospital or test, visit them in their homes, go on walks with them and stay in touch via telephone.
Maria del Carmen Bertomeu is the president of Marbella Voluntaria. She said that volunteers can offer both practical help and regular human interaction, helping those who may otherwise spend a lot of time alone.
Local shops are a great way to spot vulnerable local residents
Proyecto Faro has a unique component that involves businesses in the Marbella neighbourhoods. Shopkeepers or other traders who are familiar with their regular clients can contact Marbella Voluntaria when an elderly person stops visiting for several days.
This early warning allows the association to contact local Social Services and determine if something has occurred and if assistance is required. This connection can be a source of comfort and practical assistance for older residents who do not have nearby relatives.
Nearly 900 students take part in an intergenerational project
Marbella Voluntaria’s intergenerational programme also brings together older people with younger people. In the past year, more than 900 students from local schools took part in workshops. This gave older residents a chance to share their experience while encouraging children learn more about social responsibility, volunteering, and ageing.
Other activities include social-skills sessions for teenagers temporarily expelled from school and educational workshops designed to help younger people understand the issues faced by older residents.
The association also offers weekly workshops for older people led by a psychologist volunteer. It also organizes museum visits, theatre excursions, walks, and other social events.
Support extends beyond companionship
Marbella Voluntaria offers guidance for residents facing financial or social difficulties. Information about discounts and assistance for essential household items can be provided. People may also be referred to municipal or other services when they need more help.
Ten Centros de Participación Activa across the city are also being used for talks and activities designed to explain available resources and encourage older residents to stay involved in community life. Marbella Council’s renewed funding for the association will help it continue these programmes. But the figures show their impact. Around 240 older people receive support via Proyecto Faro, and nearly 900 schoolchildren are involved in activities that involve intergenerational interaction.
Marbella residents without a close family network can find comfort in knowing that someone will notice when they don’t answer the phone or show up at their regular shop.
