Volunteers from East Coast Samaritans are pleased to have visited Askamore Community Council in Askamore Community Centre for a talk titled "New Year New You"
Askamore Community Council is a dedicated community development group located in Askamore, North Wexford, Ireland. The council plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for residents by organizing various events, programs, and initiatives aimed at fostering community spirit and well-being. The council has been instrumental in several key projects, including the refurbishment of Local Facilities, They have transformed the local hall into a new meeting room and activity center, providing a space for community events and gatherings.
"New Year, New You began with speakers in January with insightful talks weekly from speakers from the following wonderful services and amazing causes: Wexford Women's Refuge, Wicklow Football Manager, Brid Murphy from Gerard Murphy Memorial Car Show and Road Run, Wexford Parkinson's Association, Alzheimer's Association and Michael Fortune on local folklore.
The penultimate round of the "New Year New You" talks took place on Tuesday, 4th of February 2025. Sean from Askamore Community Council said "Modern living is very stressful, and anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues are a part of modern life. The Samaritans have always been a great listening service, Volunteers from East Coast Samaritans were present to give a talk on the essential work Samaritans do."
We were invited to talk at this event part of a campaign by the Askamore Community Council. We extend our gratitude to Sean for the invite to speak with the amazing group about our work in the community and to emphasize the importance of feeling heard and listened to carefully and supporting each other.
Samaritans attended Askamore Community Centre to raise awareness about how Samaritans can support anyone in need of emotional support and discussed that East Coast Samaritans is part of 24 branches on the island of Ireland. East Coast Samaritans fully led by volunteers and we fundraise with support of volunteers to be here for our callers. The branch opened our doors in 2014 in Arklow Co Wicklow. We have volunteers coming to the branch from Co Wicklow and North Wexford areas. Volunteers emphasized the importance of feeling heard, supporting one another, and looking out for one another. There was a discussion with volunteers and attendees and people in attendance had the opportunity to ask questions about what Samaritans do. We also discussed how to be better listeners using the S.H.U.S.H. model of listening tips.
During the session, we offered Samaritan materials such as pens, wristbands, mouse mats, and important information cards with useful numbers and services to anyone in need. There were other speakers also on the night.
Susan Byrne, a locally based registered dietician discussed all things food-related. Ann Cushin shared her story from Operation Transformation last year. A wonderful chair yoga session and fantastic singing by Aylagh McCormick.
All roads lead to Askamore Community Centre on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM. Previous speakers throughout the month of January and February have set the stage for this enriching session.
We would like to introduce the next speakers for next week for 11th of February at 7:30 PM: Bishop Ger Nash on "Kindness" and "Your Health is Your Wealth" and Alice Doyle, IFA Deputy President.
Askamore Community Council are looking forward to seeing everyone there for an evening of insightful talks and community spirit.
