Limerick and Tipperary Samaritans have launched ‘Talk To Us’ to raise awareness of its round-the-clock emotional support services and to encourage people to get in touch if they need support.
Limerick and Tipperary Samaritans have continued to provide emotional support throughout the pandemic at a time when listening to others has never been more important.
Since lockdown in March, Samaritans volunteers suggest that one in three callers talk about coronavirus with many people feeling more anxious and distressed than before the pandemic. Volunteer surveys which gathered over 3,000 responses, also found the most common concerns related to coronavirus are around loneliness, isolation, mental health and illness, family, finances and unemployment.
Catherine Slater, Branch Director at said: “Our volunteers have been working day and night to be there for anyone who is struggling in these uncertain and challenging times. Lockdown restrictions have had a huge impact on everyday life for many people, as we’ve been hearing over the past few months, and our volunteers have been a much-needed source of support for those whose networks haven’t been available during the pandemic.
“Our outreach work and fundraising activity remains on hold across the country until further notice, but we hope that the public can continue to support us in any way they can, to ensure that our volunteers can continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope.”
Anyone wishing to support us can do so by donating to Samaritans of Limerick and Tipperary by cheque to Samaritans, 20, Barrington Street, Limerick or via IDonate.ie
On a normal July, Samaritans of Limerick and Tipperary would be joining in the Pride Parade through the streets of Limerick, showing our support for the LGBT Community .
Also on the 24th of July we would have been at Colbert Railway Station, advertising the fact that we are here 24/7
Samaritans is also marking 24/7 across Ireland and the UK as one of the most important day in the organisation’s charity’s calendar which it uses to help spread the message that volunteers are available to listen to anyone who is struggling –day or night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or you can email jo@samaritans.ie.
For more information on how to get involved visit www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/talk-us/ or join in the conversation on social media using #TalkToUs.
