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Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk are hosting two information evenings in Newry this month for anyone interested in finding out more about their volunteer roles.
The evenings will be held at their main branch at 19 St. Colman’s Park, Newry, on Wednesday 8th May at 7.30pm and Saturday 18th May at 10.00am.
In order to make sure people in emotional distress have somebody to listen to them, the local branch of Samaritans are keen to sign people up for their upcoming September intake of new volunteers.
If you want to find out what it is Samaritans offer, how to join their team and how the training they provide can help you in your own life, all the information you need will be shared at this no-obligation event.
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.
Information Evenings
To find out more about their information evenings or how to become a volunteer with Samaritans in Newry, email them directly at newry.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org. You can also check out their website for more information on what it takes to become a Samaritan: at www.samaritans.org/volunteer
The Samaritans want to live in a world with less suicide. They 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 join us for one of our information evenings.”
“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.”
Contact Samaritans
You don’t have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, call us any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find out more ways to help cope with emotional distress.
