Samaritans volunteers in Louth celebrate Samaritans Awareness Day

This July, Drogheda & North East Samaritans will be celebrating Samaritans Awareness Day, highlighting the life-saving emotional support its volunteers provide.

Held on Wednesday 24 July – reflecting the fact the charity’s volunteers are available 24/7 – Drogheda & North East Samaritans is celebrating the day by encouraging the  local community to reach out for help.

Drogheda & North East Samaritans Branch Director, Margaret Fahey said: “Samaritans volunteers respond to a call for help every 61 seconds from people facing all sorts of challenges. Sadly, we also know that not everyone feels able to reach out for the support they need or may not feel they have someone to turn to. 

“That’s why Samaritans Awareness Day aims to remind everyone that our volunteers are here to lend a listening ear at any time of day or night, whatever you’re going through. It’s more important than ever that people don't wait until crisis point to seek support and share how they are feeling.

“We want to remind people that Samaritans’ volunteers are here around the clock to offer a listening ear to anyone who is struggling to cope. Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.ie or visit www.samaritans.ie.”

Samaritans is also challenging the public to get behind the cause and show your support by taking part in a 24 hour challenge – like giving something up or tsking something new on. For information visit www.samaritans.ie/24hours. Supporters have signed up for challenges, including 24 hours of silence, 24 hours of gaming, or 24 hours of listening to Taylor Swift!

Alternatively, donations can also be made to Samaritans branches by texting THANKS to 50300 to donate €4. (Samaritans Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY Helpline: 0766805278)