‘He eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans' – Arklow charity director steps down
Taking on the busy position and learning as he went, Damien took the leadership role in his stride, working long hours on fundraising efforts, awareness campaigns and developing meaningful connections with communities on both sides of the Wicklow-Wexford border.
Although no longer the branch director, Damien is still working away in the background with the branch and will return in an increased capacity after a brief break. In the meantime, he will be kept busy by his new role as chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch – a cause very close to his heart.
Still on cloud nine after the 'amazing' reception he received at his celebratory bash, Damien said that it was a pleasure and an honour to work closely with so many like-minded and dedicated volunteers, adding that he is delighted that the charity is in the safe hands of new branch director Brigid Flynn.
'It was nice to see so many people there at the party, and I didn't expect to see such a turnout, with lots of volunteers and people who support Samaritans in attendance, and I'm so grateful to everyone at the branch,' he said.
'I enjoyed the role, and there were a lot of really positive things that happened over the last year, with lots of kindness and generosity from the community.
'It was just amazing to see what can come from an idea for an event, with people becoming more aware of it and our services, and the branch going from strength to strength because of it. Spreading the word about the charity and encouraging people to volunteer has been very rewarding.
'It is a busy role, but everyone's busy here, not just the branch director. All our volunteers give their role 100pc, and that's amazing to see.
'There's a kind of rule that you have to take a break and stay away for a little while after you step down, but I'll still be helping out here and there in the background, with the IT side and outreach activities, and I hope to return in an increased capacity in recruitment.
'I was offered the role of chairperson of the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, which I was already part of, so it works out in a way that I have more free time to commit to that,' he continued.
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'I'm not going anywhere, and will return to the Samaritans branch, which I'm delighted will now have Brigid as the branch director.
'She's very committed and has been involved in every area of the charity. She has given her all since day one, and I know she'll excel in the new role.
'I can see a bright future with Brigid at the helm, and I'll be very glad to be part of her team.'
Returning the compliment, Brigid expects Damien will do great things in his new role at the MS Ireland East Wicklow Branch, adding that she is delighted she and East Coast Samaritans will still be able to call on his broad skill-set and vast knowledge.
'Damien is one in a million – he eats, sleeps and breathes Samaritans and he's fully dedicated himself to us,' Brigid said.
'He led us brilliantly for three years, and is such an approachable guy who is so willing to help in every aspect of the branch. He puts everything into it, is very dedicated. He's a great communicator and speaker. No job fazes him, and if it does, he asks for help and digs in.
'I've worked with Damien for the past three years in outreach, fundraising and volunteer care. I am just so grateful that he's not leaving our branch, he's just changing roles, and he's staying with us on the board of trustees.
'I'm so delighted that Damien is staying with us. It's just wonderful for the branch that his expertise will still be here.'
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