Cork Samaritans Awareness Day shining the spotlight on life-saving service

Cork Samaritans are celebrating Samaritans Awareness Day by highlighting the life-saving support its volunteers provide to people. 

Cork Samaritans volunteers were at Cork’s Kent Station today, letting people know how they can help others who are lonely, distressed, depressed, or suicidal.

Branch director, Jon Spencer, 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.”

Contact

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free at any time from any phone by calling 116 123. 

People can also get in contact via email at jo@samaritans.ie or visit www.samaritans.ie.

Samaritans is also challenging the public to show their support by taking part in a 24-hour challenge, such as giving something up or taking on something new.

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.

• Visit https://www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland.