04/06/2026
📞 Volunteer Spotlight: Eric Johnston
Role: Telephone Befriender and Board Member
As part of , we're shining a spotlight on one of our wonderful volunteers, Eric Johnston.
After retiring, Eric wanted to find a meaningful way to give something back to his community. Through Connect Fermanagh, Eric found an opportunity to support people experiencing loneliness and isolation through our telephone befriending service.
Eric’s motivation comes from personal experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he cared for a family member whose life changed dramatically due to isolation.
"I saw first-hand the impact loneliness and isolation can have on someone's physical and mental health," Eric explains. "Before COVID, she was active and social, but when everything stopped, it was very upsetting to see the real impact on her health."
Today, Eric makes regular weekly calls to two befriending participants. Although their circumstances are very different, he says both benefit from having someone who genuinely listens and cares.
"I enjoy making the calls. One conversation might be 25 minutes and another nearly an hour, but that's a small amount of time that can make a massive difference to somebody's week."
Eric believes volunteering is just as rewarding for the volunteer as it is for the person receiving support.
"You get as much back as you give. You're helping someone else, but you're helping yourself too."
When asked if he would encourage others to get involved, his answer was simple:
"Oh yes, absolutely. If you can have a chat and enjoy a bit of craic, that's really all the qualification you need."
If you'd like to get involved with Connect Fermanagh, we'd love to hear from you. Call 028 66 320 230 or email [email protected]
