Local Samaritans service praised ahead of awareness day
The Samaritans provide a 24 hour, confidential service with centres across the country.
Ahead of Samaritans Awareness Day later this week, Athlone Midlands Samaritans is reminding the public that it is available 24/7 and is urging people to reach out for help.
Helping to inspire a new campaign, Athlone’s Nathan Green said the Samaritans “helped me through the darkest moments” when he was struggling and going through a tough time.
Last year he completed a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day, held on July 24th to show the Samaritans is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
It inspired 'Shush For Samaritans' this July – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity. Funds raised will support branches across Ireland including the Athlone Midland Samaritans.
Nathan, 22, said: “I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one - always trying to put a smile on people’s faces. But that didn’t mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there.
“They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. I never felt judged - only supported. Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I’ve become,” he added.
Samaritans helps prevent suicide through the power of human connection.
Anne McGrath, Branch Director with Athlone and Midland Samaritans, said: “Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for us – we want to get the message out that Samaritans are here 24 hours a day, for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope, on freephone 116 123. It remains a challenging time for many people and we want to remind the public that they are not alone. Our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing.”
The Samaritans can contacted for free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit and the number will not show up on the phone bill.
