Estepona and the Cudeca Foundation will train volunteers to combat loneliness among the elderly

The City Council of Estepona and the Cudeca Foundation have reached a collaboration agreement to launch a social volunteering program, aimed at assisting elderly people who suffer from unwanted loneliness, as reported by the Council this Tuesday.

Thus, the City Council has highlighted in a statement that the initiative addresses one of the most urgent social challenges of our time, such as "the aging of the population and the progressive disconnection of many elderly from their family, neighborhood, and community environment."

The councilor for Senior Citizens, Daniel García, pointed out that “unwanted loneliness is a public health issue that directly impacts the physical, mental, and emotional health of older people,” regretting that “despite its severity, it remains a silent reality that affects many elderly in their daily lives.”

The councilor indicated that volunteering has always had essential relevance in the city, emphasizing that the collaboration reached with Cudeca aims to train volunteers who accompany, listen, and are actively and respectfully present alongside those who need it most, offering a meaningful connection.

Daniel García highlighted that “this agreement with Cudeca represents an important step in the comprehensive care of our elderly.” “We cannot allow anyone to age feeling alone or unsupported. Through volunteering, we strengthen the community network and highlight the importance of accompanying with sensitivity and respect,” he remarked.

He also invited the citizens to participate in this program, noting that “anyone who has a bit of time and a strong desire to help can make a real difference in someone else's life.”

Training of Volunteers

Regarding the training of volunteers, Eva Víbora Martín, from Cudeca's volunteer and research department, explained that the training program will address both practical and emotional aspects of accompaniment, including affective communication skills, the design of meaningful activities, handling complex situations, and knowledge of local resources. “All this with an ethical perspective committed to human dignity,” she emphasized.

In turn, Inmaculada Ruiz, head of Cudeca's volunteering program, highlighted that this program is increasingly necessary due to the change in the family model in our society. “Therefore, it is necessary to create a solid network of volunteers to attend to those in need,” she stated.

Additionally, the councilor for Social Welfare, María Aguilar, has announced that there will be 30 places available for this volunteer training, encouraging both associations and individuals to enroll by writing to voluntarios@estepona.es.