Samaritans is encouraging people to get involved with the charity to give something back to the local community and help make a difference to people’s lives. Men and women of all ages and walks of life are among those who dedicate three hours a week to those most in need. Some overnight shifts are also required.
Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24-hour telephone service, but volunteers are also on hand to offer support by SMS, email and face-to-face in communities, festival, outreach events and in prisons.
People call Samaritans for a variety of reason like depression, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, job loss and bereavement. One in five callers have suicidal thoughts.
Regional Director for Samaritans Ireland, Cindy O’Shea, urged people to consider becoming a Samaritans volunteer. She said: “As the New Year begins, we call on people to consider making a difference to someone’s life by volunteering with Samaritans in one of our 21 branches nationwide. As well as supporting people emotionally, there are a wide range of roles which ensure the running of the service 24/7, from administrative support to fundraising, so please contact your local branch to find out more.”
Mary, a carer, began volunteering with Samaritans over 12 years ago. “During my time with Samaritans I have learned so much. I’ve grown and developed as a person and the sense of satisfaction I get from knowing I was able to help and support someone is the best feeling,” she said.
To find out more about volunteering with Samaritans visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer Details on information are also on Samaritan Ireland’s @SamaritansIRL Twitter feed.
And if you need support through anything you’re going through you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, text 087 260 9090, or email jo@samaritans.ie.