East Coast Samaritan volunteers were delighted to be at Bray Institute of Further Education (B.I.F.E) on December 7th to talk about what Samaritans do and hear a factual presentation from a student.
East Coast Samaritans is a branch of Samaritans based in Arklow, Co. Wicklow in Ireland. The branch provides emotional support to anyone who is feeling isolated or suicidal. The branch offers a helpline and email support service. The branch also works with prisons, schools, and workplaces to promote mental health and suicide prevention to encourage positive methods of mental health care in areas it may not be discussed often or openly.
Volunteers visited B.I.F.E, a center of excellence in the field of further education, on Thursday 7th of December to showcase what Samaritans do and hear a student’s presentation on their health promotion day.
Volunteers from East Coast Samaritans were invited by a student in B.I.F.E, which is located on the Dublin, Wicklow border in Bray, to share the work of Samaritans with the students and staff.
Niall Brohan, Niall is studying Personal Training Strength and Conditioning and chose his presentation on mental health awareness and suicide.
Three volunteers from the branch attended the event. Niall set up a stall with information and leaflets about Samaritans. Niall identified Samaritans rely on volunteers and fundraising ideas, he kindly offered to take a donation bucket for the duration of the health promotion day and raised € 25.30. Thank you for your kind donations.
Niall Brohan showcasing a Samaritan stand in B.I.F.E
Volunteers also heard a excellently researched presentation by Niall on mental health issues and suicide rates in Ireland. The presentation highlighted the importance of seeking help and support when feeling low or suicidal, and the role of Samaritans in providing a listening ear and a safe space. The branch thanked Niall and the college for their invitation and interest in their work. In the words of one of the volunteers in attendance : “We are very happy to visit B.I.F.E and talk to the students and staff about what Samaritans do and how we can help. We are also very impressed by Niall's presentation and the research he did on mental health and suicide. We hope that this event will raise awareness and encourage more people to reach out to us or to someone they trust when they need to talk.”
B.I.F.E is a leading provider of further education courses in a variety of disciplines, such as business, art, media, health, and social care.
There were many other presentations on the day and students showcased their chosen causes from the importance of regular physical activity to talks on the food pyramid. It was so nice to see chosen presentations on mental health supports raising awareness that support is available.
Samaritan volunteers with students from B.I.F.E
Samaritans are available anytime day or night every single day of the year please contact free phone on 116 123 or email [email protected]