Galway Samaritans responded to more than 1,000 cries for help every week in the past year.
The charity said that it has experienced its busiest year ever since it first opened 39 years ago, answering 56,525 calls in Galway over the last twelve months.
The issues which people contact Samaritans about have remained consistent over the last number of years including family and relationship problems; financial worries; depression and mental health problems; loneliness; and stress and anxiety all of which can lead to suicidal thoughts and outcomes.
Details of the increase in use of Samaritans service were revealed in the 2014-2015 Impact Report covering Samaritans’ work in Ireland, which was launched this week.
According to the report, over 653,161 calls for help were answered by Samaritans volunteers across Ireland in the last year.
Calls to Samaritans have increased by 60% since Samaritans launched a free to caller number (116 123) in March 2014.
A partnership between Samaritans, the telecommunications industry, Government and the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has made it possible to call Samaritans at no cost to the caller.
William Brown, Director of Galway Samaritans said: “The increase in calls shows that many people in Ireland are struggling to cope and need a place to turn for support. Removing the barrier of cost has made it easier for people to access support as they no longer have to worry about call charges.
“It is important that people know that they can talk to us at any time of the day or night about whatever is getting to them. We are here for anyone who needs to talk. It doesn’t matter what kind of problem our callers have, however big or small it may seem compared to the problems other people have.”
The Samaritans are gearing up for a busy Christmas and New Year period, he said.
“We know that many people find the Christmas period hard. Problems don’t go away just because it’s Christmas, so if you’re finding it hard to look forward to the festive season, we’re here for you. If it’s too difficult to open up to friends or family, or you feel you have no one who will listen, talk to us. We’ll keep whatever you say safe, we won’t judge and we’ll help you find a way through,” added Mr Brown.
Samaritans Galway has temporarily re-located to 12 Dock Street, Galway, while its home at No 14 Nun’s Island is under renovation. The organisation will be moving back to its renovated branch in 2016, a year it will celebrate 40 years serving Galway City and County.
Samaritans of Galway is run entirely by volunteers and relies heavily on public donations to maintain the service. Anyone who wants to help or make a donation can do so by post to Galway Samaritans, 12 Dock Street, Galway.
Samaritans volunteers will be there round the clock for anyone who feels they need to talk, in confidence, about whatever’s getting to them – on Christmas Day, Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Day, and every other day of the year.
For emotional support, Freephone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or call in to the branch at 12 Dock Street from 9am to 6pm to talk to a Samaritan Listener, in person.
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