Latest news with #ShushForSamaritans'
Irish Independent
07-08-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
East Coast Samaritans highlight 24/7 service after caller inspires new campaign
After completing a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day on July 24 last year, to show Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 22-year-old Nathan inspired this year's 'Shush For Samaritans' – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity, along with challenges for gamers, crafters and Taylor Swift fans (details on Funds raised will support branches across Ireland, including East Coast Samaritans, which prevents suicide through the power of human connection, and had stands at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre in Arklow and Gorey Library on July 24 to raise awareness of the service. 'I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one - always trying to put a smile on people's faces,' Athlone man Nathan said. 'But that didn't mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there. 'They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. I never felt judged - only supported. 'Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I've become.' Noting how Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for the charity, East Coast Samaritans branch director Brigid Flynn said that they want to get the message out that Samaritans are there 24 hours a day for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope on freephone 116 123. 'It remains a challenging time for many people, and we want to remind the public that they are not alone – our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing,' Brigid said. Deputy director of outreach, Linda McCormick, added: 'We were delighted with the support shown to us in July, in the run-up to 24/7. 'Every time someone stops to talk to us at a stand, our message is spread - you are never alone when you can call Samaritans.' Local craftaholic, CJ Cassin from Arklow, took part in a 24hr crafting challenge raising additional funds and awareness, with East Coast Samaritans also kindly donated a tree by Dublin Samaritans to mark 24/7 2025 – a gesture of solidarity between branches, or 'A Tree of Hope'. You can contact Samaritans for free at any time, from any phone, even a mobile without credit, on 116 123. The number won't show up on your phone bill. You can also email jo@ or visit for more info. To volunteer with Samaritans visit
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Sligo Samaritans urging people to reach out for help as a caller inspires new campaign
Nathan Green said Samaritans 'helped me through the darkest moments' when he was struggling and going through a tough time. Last year he completed a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day, held on July 24th to show Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email jo@ It inspired 'Shush For Samaritans' this July – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity. Other challenges are for gamers, crafters and Taylors Swift fans. For details visit Funds raised will support branches across Ireland including Sligo Samaritans – who will be out and about on the streets of Sligo town on July 24th to raise awareness of the service. Nathan, 22, said: 'I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one - always trying to put a smile on people's faces. But that didn't mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there. 'They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. 'I never felt judged - only supported. Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I've become,' he added. Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. Christina Farrington, Branch Director with Sligo Samaritans, said: 'Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for us – we want to get the message out that Samaritans are here 24 hours a day for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope on freephone 116 123. 'It remains a challenging time for many people and we want to remind the public that they are not alone. Our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing. 'We also want people to support us on the 24th July when our volunteers will be out in force on the streets of Sligo for our Annual Street Collection. 'Ocean FM have kindly agreed to host their Afternoon Show (1:30-4:00pm) from O' Connell Street where a Bike-A-Thon will be taking place (sponsored by ROM). The aim is to cycle 247kms on the day to raise awareness of our 24/7 service. Thank you to the Innisfree Wheelers for supporting this event. 'Thank you to the Sligo Volunteer Centre for helping us with volunteers to do our collection on the day. We are very grateful for all the local support with sponsorship. We couldn't continue to provide our service without your generosity.'
