As part of our 50th Anniversary year, the Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk are recruiting new volunteers who might like to get involved with the charity and give something back to the local community,
Established in 1973, the Newry based branch has had thousands of volunteers over the years, each one helping to provide emotional support to people in distress.
Over the years, the branch has faced many challenges and relocations but from their permanent base in St. Colman’s Park, they continue to offer an empathetic ear to anyone who needs to talk.
Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24-hour telephone service and volunteers can also offer support by email and face-to-face in communities, festivals and outreach events.
The local branch is looking for volunteers of all ages and walks of life, to join their current volunteers in dedicating around three or four hours a week to those who need somebody to talk to.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans in Newry, email us directly at [email protected]. You can also check out the Samaritans website for more information on what it takes to become a Samaritan: http://www.samaritans.org/volunteer.
The Samaritans want to live in a world with less suicide. We believe that talking about how we feel can help ease the burden on our minds. Trying to deal with difficult situations on our own can be exhausting and can lead to more and more negative thoughts.
Every ten seconds, somebody contacts the Samaritans looking for emotional support. Currently, over 70 volunteers in the Newry branch help to support these people through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Oonagh Brown, the Director of Samaritans in Newry said: “Newry & Dundalk Samaritans offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope with whatever it is that life has thrown at them.”
“Every day, volunteers around the country respond to around 10,000 calls for help. It is a real privilege to be there for somebody who is going through a difficult time.
“We have been here for 50 years thanks to the support of the local community. To help ensure we can continue to be there, we are asking people across the South Down, South Armagh and Dundalk areas to consider making a difference to someone’s life by volunteering with us.”
“It takes a huge number of volunteers to keep our service operational so if you want to find out what it takes to be a Samaritans, please visit http://www.samaritans.org/volunteer.”
“Whether you are a student, working or retired, all we ask is that you can listen empathetically to people in need, are over 18 years of age and have 3 or 4 hours a week to spare.”
One local volunteer, Stephen, has been volunteering since 2017: “Anyone can be a Samaritan as long as you’re willing to listen without judgement,” he said.
“It’s amazing how really listening to someone and giving them the space to talk can turn their day around. I’ve tried to take these skills I’ve learnt as a volunteer into my own personal life.”
“It is a real privilege to be the calm voice on the end of the phone and to have people trust you. No matter where you are in life, the need to be heard and the need for empathy are things that will be with us always.”
Throughout 2023, the Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk will have a number of different events to celebrate their 50thyear. To keep up to date, you can follow them on Facebook www.facebook.com/Samaritans.Newry.Dundalk and Twitter www.twitter.com/samaritansnewry