Dublin Samaritans invites public to join ‘Hand of Friendship Walk’ inspired by Charlie Bird

Samaritans are calling on the public to join them on a special walk inspired by the late broadcaster, Charlie Bird.

The Samaritans Hand of Friendship Walk will take place at 12 pm on Sunday, September 28th, in Avondale Forest Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.

All are welcome to join the free event.

Charlie Bird led volunteers and supporters on the first Hand of Friendship Walk in April 2023, almost a year before he passed away.

This year, his friend Brent Pope, Samaritans’ ambassador and mental health advocate, is taking up the mantle to lead the community walk on September 28th.

The well-known rugby pundit is looking forward to the event in the Vale of Avoca, he commented, “This year I’m especially honoured to be leading the annual friendship walk inspired by my late great friend Charlie Bird.

“I hope people will join me and all the other Samaritan volunteers for a wonderful 5K in beautiful Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow. Join us and show your support for the Samaritans who are saving lives every day.”

The walk is hosted by Dublin Samaritans and supported by Coillte, which will have a 5km River Walk route with magnificent River Avonmore views against the backdrop of the Wicklow mountains.

The 1.2 km loop is age-friendly with benches along the way and suitable for wheelchairs or families with young children.

Mary McMahon, Volunteer Director of Dublin Samaritans, said, “Hundreds of people came to our last Hand of Friendship Walk with Charlie, and we are encouraging walkers of all abilities to come and join us again.

Charlie used his platform to extend ‘The Hand of Friendship’ to everyone he met and, like Samaritans, he used the power of human connection to support others in need. We want to remind people that Samaritans are available 24 hours a day for anyone in need, on freephone 116 123.”

Hand of friendship between north and south

Together, the volunteers from across all of Ireland’s 24 Samaritans branches, in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, will all come together, in person for the first time, to extend a hand of friendship and raise awareness of the vital work of Samaritans.

Together they want to remind everyone that Samaritans are available 24/7 365 days a year, to listen without judgment on free phone 116 123.

Free, even from a landline with no credit; the number will not appear on a phone bill.

The event is free of charge with no registration necessary, dog-friendly and open to all who wish to extend a hand of friendship and support the work of Dublin Samaritans.

For more, visit: www.dublinsamaritans.ie