Local in charity show

A DUNDALK man has been photographed for a national exhibition entitled ‘24/7’, which aims to highlight the work of the Samaritans charity.

Originally from Dundalk, Mike Fay currently lives in Drogheda and has been a volunteer with the Drogheda Branch of Samaritans for three years.

Mike was photographed for the exhibition along with fellow Samaritans volunteers to raise awareness that Samaritans’ services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.

Each year around July 24, Samaritans highlight the 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week nature of its work. As 2011 is the European Year of Volunteering, the organisation made a particular effort to mark the date this year.

Speaking at the launch of ‘24/7’ Director of Samaritans Ireland Suzanne Costello said: “Our volunteers in Louth and the rest of the country undertake extensive training before they are permitted to take calls or meet with people who require emotional support.

“Following initial training, each one of our 2,000 volunteers around the country commits to providing a minimum number of volunteer hours each month, and they must take part in continuous training.”

All photographs in the exhibition were taken by photographer Derek Speirs. Over the coming months, ‘24/7’ will be showcased in various locations throughout Ireland.

Anyone interested in volunteering for The Samaritans should telephone 01-6710071 or email g.phillips@samaritans.org.