Athlone samaritans to host volunteer information event

The Athlone branch of the Samaritans is set to host an information open evening for potential volunteers this evening (Wednesday) at 8pm in the Sheraton Hotel. 

Pierce Murphy, director of the Athlone Samaritans branch, explained that more listening volunteers are urgently required to deal with the 50% surge in calls since the introduction of a Free-to-Call number last year (116 123).

Over half a million calls were made to the Samaritans nationwide last year, said Pierce.

The Athlone branch alone received over 25,000 calls in 2014, compared to 17,000 calls the previous year, he explained.

Everyone is welcome at the information evening, said Pierce. People can find out more about the work of the Samaritans and ask questions about volunteering with the organisation.

Anyone who can’t attend the information evening on Wednesday is still welcome to contact the Athlone branch about volunteering opportunities, Pierce Murphy confirmed.

No formal qualifications or experience are required to volunteer with the Samaritans as comprehensive training is provided, assured Pierce.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and are asked for a time commitment of about three hours per week.

The Samaritans is a non-judgemental service and people do not need to be suicidal to call, explained Pierce.

Volunteering with the Samaritans is a very rewarding experience. 

“In my work as a Samaritan, if I just helped one person, it would be worthwhile,” he said.

Anyone interested in volunteering can call or text 085 284 5010, email athlonevols@gmail.com, or leave their name, address and telephone number into 3 Court Devenish, Athlone.

For 24-hour emotional support call the Samaritans on free phone 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or call into 3 Court Devenish.