Samaritans appeal for local volunteers

Samaritans’ helpline is available 24 hours a day seven days a week for those who are distressed and finding life difficult to cope.

Samaritans is a critical service, needed now more than ever and Limerick and Tipperary branch are recruiting volunteers to help answer the more than 30,000 calls a year they receive.

Branch Director Lorraine Thornbury explains: “You don’t need to have been through a particular life experience or be from a certain walk of life. Anyone who wants to help others, is tolerant and open-minded is welcome to apply.

“Volunteers receive full training to prepare them for the kinds of conversations they’ll have. Starting out they will have a mentor to give them the confidence they are doing the right thing.

“As a listening volunteer you get the chance to make a real difference to someone’s future.”

What it’s like being a listening volunteer:

• You will gain a range of new skills and the confidence to use them, including the ability to understand people and manage difficult conversations.

• It’s always different and interesting – no two conversations are the same.

• It’s a privilege to have people confiding in you.

• You’re never on your own, and there is a fun, supportive atmosphere in our branch.

• You can take a break between conversations whenever you need to.

• Spending a few hours helping other people can make you feel good about yourself.

Pat Shortt, Ambassador for Limerick and Tipperary Samaritans, kindly gave his time and expertise with film maker Simon McGuire to create a video for the branch to help with their recruitment drive.

You can find the video by searching Samaritans Limerick Tipperary on Youtube.com

Open evening

If you want to be part of an amazing group of people, there is an open evening on August 31 at 7.30pm at the Samaritans Centre, 20 Barrington Street, Limerick.

You can also email limerick.branchrecruitment@samaritansorg or log onto www.samaritans.ie/Limerick (volunteer with us).

Side panel if required:

What can help you feel and others cope better with difficulties:

Make time for yourself to relax and do things you enjoy, like reading, listening to music or going outdoors

Have a healthy, balanced diet

Spend time with family and friends

Get plenty of sleep and exercise regularly

Work out a plan to get through trickier time