Write a commentNewry Samaritans based at St Colman's Park in the city are gearing up for Christmas, a time of the year that can be difficult for many people.
New figures reveal one in three calls to Samaritans on Christmas Day are from people who feel lonely and isolated.* The festive period can be a challenging time for some and that’s why Samaritans volunteers in Newry are helping to keep the service running for those in need throughout the Christmas break, even on Christmas Day.
Samaritans responded to more than 400,000 calls for help during December 2017, by phone, email and text across Northern Ireland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. Despite all the festivities, more than 11,000 of those calls for help and emotional support came in on Christmas Day.*
Eileen and Stephen, two volunteers in Newry Branch, told us, “For most people, Christmas is a time of excitement and happiness, spent with family and friends. But for many people in and around Newry, Christmas can be extremely difficult. Whether it’s bereavement, loneliness, relationship problems, depression, abuse or drug and alcohol misuse, Christmas can make everything feel more stressful. With over 100 volunteers, Newry Samaritans are here for anyone feeling distressed now and at any other time of the year. Simply listening to someone can be the gift they most need”.
Anyone can contact Samaritans on Freephone number 116 123. This number is free to call, will not show up on your phone bill and could be answered by any of our volunteers across the country. If you don’t feel like talking, you can email jo@samaritans.org or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of the Newry branch drop in hours.
* Source Samaritans 2018
