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Guernsey man develops friend-finding app after mother's experience with loneliness
Overview
Ian Price has created a companion-finding app called Alongside for people in Guernsey, inspired by his 76-year-old mother Marlene's struggles with loneliness following the death of her partner. Aimed primarily at over-55s or those experiencing isolation such as through mid-life divorces, the app seeks to bridge the gap for individuals who may feel uncomfortable attending large organised events. Safety features include ID checks, public meeting arrangements, reporting tools, and the option for relatives to oversee accounts.
Key points
- Ian Price developed the 'Alongside' app in Guernsey after witnessing his mother Marlene struggle with loneliness following her partner's death.
- The 2023 Guernsey and Alderney Wellbeing Survey indicated that 21.7% of islanders reported being intensely lonely.
- The app is designed for people wanting companionship based on shared interests, rather than functioning as a dating app.
- Safety features on the app include mandatory ID checks, scam warnings, reporting tools, and arranged meetings in public places.
- The platform also allows relatives to set up and oversee accounts for family members who struggle with technology.