Marbella volunteers are checking on 240 older people who live alone

A Marbella volunteer network is helping hundreds of vulnerable residents stay connected, with local shops even able to raise the alarm when an elderly customer suddenly stops coming in.

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 is at the heart of the work, currently supporting around 240 people, mainly older residents who live alone without close family nearby. Volunteers do far more than make occasional visits. They can accompany people to medical appointments, hospitals or tests, visit them at home, go for walks together and keep in touch by telephone.

Marbella Voluntaria president Maria del Carmen Bertomeu said volunteers can provide both practical assistance and regular human contact, helping people who might otherwise spend much of their time alone.

Local shops can help spot vulnerable residents

An unusual part of Proyecto Faro involves local businesses in Marbella’s neighbourhoods. Shopkeepers and other traders who know their regular customers can contact Marbella Voluntaria if an older person who normally visits suddenly stops appearing for several days.

That early warning can allow the association and local Social Services to check whether something has happened and whether assistance is needed. For older residents living without nearby relatives, that connection can provide reassurance as well as practical help.

Almost 900 pupils take part in intergenerational project

Marbella Voluntaria is also bringing older people and youngsters together through its intergenerational programmes. Nearly 900 pupils from local schools have taken part in workshops during the past year, giving older residents an opportunity to share their experiences while encouraging children to learn more about ageing, volunteering and social responsibility.

Other activities include social-skills workshops for teenagers temporarily excluded from school and educational sessions designed to help young people understand the challenges faced by older residents.

Weekly workshops led by a volunteer psychologist are also available for older people, while the association organises museum visits, theatre trips, walks and other social activities.

Support goes beyond companionship

Marbella Voluntaria also provides guidance when residents face social or financial difficulties. Help can include information about assistance and discounts linked to essential household supplies, with people referred to other organisations or municipal services when more specialist support is required.

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 will help the association continue these programmes, but the figures give a clearer picture of their reach: around 240 older people receiving support through Proyecto Faro and almost 900 schoolchildren involved in intergenerational activities.

For Marbella residents who have no close family network nearby, sometimes the most valuable service is simply knowing that somebody will notice if they stop answering the phone or fail to turn up at their usual shop.