Local Samaritans awareness day to be held this Friday

Tomorrow, Friday, is July 24 (24/7), and the Samaritans will be marking the date by holding an awareness day highlighting its volunteers' availability to provide support around the clock.

Anyone who is experiencing a crisis or struggling to cope can reach the Samaritans seven days a week on freephone 116 123 or by emailing: jo@samaritans.ie

Locally, the Athlone & Midlands Samaritans branch will be marking the awareness day by planting a 'Tree of Hope' on Friday, July 11, at 11am in the fitness park at Athlone Regional Sports Centre.

Anne McGrath, Athlone & Midland Samaritans branch director said: "Samaritans Awareness Day gives us an important opportunity to remind people that Samaritans are here 24 hours a day for anyone in crisis or struggling to cope, on freephone 116 123.

"It remains a challenging time for many people, and we want everyone to know they are not alone. Our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever someone is facing."

The vision of the Samaritans organisation is that fewer people die by suicide, and that this can be achieved through the power of human connection.

Samaritans volunteers in Ireland answered almost 350,000 calls for help in 2025.

If you think you might be interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit: www.samaritans.ie/volunteer.