SAMARITANS are launching a major volunteer recruitment campaign to encourage ‘night owls to get involved and help change people’s lives’.
Samaritans operate a 24-hour emotional support helpline, 116123, with Carlow volunteers among those answering calls overnight. The Carlow/Kilkenny branch is appealing to people to consider training to become a nighttime volunteer. To sign up, visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer.
Volunteer and fellow night owl Ann Barron said covering a night duty is very rewarding.
“Callers need to talk to someone, they often need to pour their heart out. Calls also tend to be longer because the caller is unlikely to be disturbed, and darkness also brings on dark thoughts,” she said.
Ann volunteers two overnight shifts a month – as opposed to a weekly day shift – because it fits around her work and lifestyle.
“Nights suit me better for lots of reasons. Traffic is very much lighter so it’s easier to get to the branch … and I’m in the lucky position where I can sleep day or night,” she added.
Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide, but only one in five calls to the charity are from people who are suicidal. The majority are lonely, feeling isolated, are facing problems at work or at home, or they may be struggling to cope more generally, including the cost of living.
Anne Lennon, a volunteer and branch director, said: “Volunteering late at night or into the early hours of the morning can be particularly rewarding, as you have the opportunity to be there for callers when they’re most in need of someone to listen and other supports are not available.
“I’d encourage anyone interested in learning more about Samaritans, or volunteering with us day or night, to visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer or email [email protected]
There are 16 Samaritans branches across Ireland with more than 1,500 active volunteers on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Anne added: “No qualification is needed to be a Samaritans volunteer. You don’t have to be an expert, just being there to listen and showing you care can help.
“People can always call Samaritans for support. Whatever you’re going through, call us free any time from any phone on 116123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), or email [email protected].”
