Samaritans' volunteers help more people in Northern Ireland to feel better understood

Figures released today, to coincide with the start of Volunteers’ Week, show that 757 volunteers responded to 145,226 requests for support from people struggling to cope.*

Across the UK, 21,007 volunteers for the suicide prevention charity responded to 5,331,295 requests for support in 2014, an increase of more than 100,000 compared with 2013.

Samaritans’ Executive Director for Ireland, Catherine Brogan, says its volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the lives of people in their communities.

“These figures show an increasing need for our services. I want to thank everyone who gives their time and expertise so that we can be there round the clock, every single day of the year, to help people find a way through their problems.

Our research shows that for almost everyone who contacts us, it’s the human interaction that’s important - getting a response from a real person.  And almost 3 out of 4 people tell us that they feel more understood, and less alone or anxious, after contacting Samaritans.”**

Samaritans wouldn’t exist without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers.  As well as listening to callers, responding to emails and texts, and offering emotional support face to face, there are lots of ways people can get involved. We need people who enjoy fundraising, marketing, helping with admin or IT, and who are happy to apply their skills in different roles.”

Volunteers’ Week is a national initiative running from June 1-7, celebrating and showcasing the work of volunteers in all sectors, across the UK.

Samaritans’ volunteers provide support to anyone who contacts them, whoever they are, however they are feeling, and whatever life’s done to them.  Volunteers based at its 201 branches across the UK and Ireland are also involved in outreach work in schools, colleges, workplaces and festivals including North West 200, Dalriada Festival and Belfast Pride. Samaritans also works with Accident and Emergency Departments to reduce deaths by suicide and support those affected by them.

For more information about the work of Samaritans, please contact Samaritans’ Press Office on 020 8394 8300 or email [email protected]

Find out more about volunteering for Samaritans by calling 08705 627282 or emailing [email protected] for more information. 

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*Calls for help include all contacts received by Samaritans in Northern Ireland, and includes helpline calls, emails, text messages and face to face support both inside and outside Samaritan’s branches.

**The statistics quoted relating to the views of those contacting Samaritans are taken from Samaritans’ Talking to our Callers, Samaritans User Survey (2012).

Notes to editors:

• Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year. We provide a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them. Please call 116 123, email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.
• Volunteers’ Week is an annual event that takes place on 1-7 June 2015. It celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. It’s run by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, NCVO, in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Now (Northern Ireland) and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.
• For more information about Volunteers’ Week, visit:  www. volunteersweek.org