Work of Samaritans highlighted in report

VOLUNTEERS from the Dublin branch of the Samaritans
gathered in the city recently for the launch of the charity’s annual impact
report.

The report shows that, from October 2010 to November
2011, Samaritans recorded 400,357 calls to its helpline in the Republic of
Ireland.

Dialogue

As almost 135,000 of these calls lasted less than 10
seconds or were silent calls, only those calls where dialogue was established
were considered for the purpose of the impact report.

The number of dialogue calls to Samaritans was 265,445
representing a nine per cent increase on the previous 12-month period.

The charity’s volunteers spent a combined 55,611 hours
listening to callers. The average number of calls to Samaritans’ helpline each
day was 727. The largest volumes of calls were, on average, received between
6pm and midnight.

Busiest

The busiest day for calls over the 12-month period was
Saturday, May 14, when a total of 988 calls were answered.

Samaritans also experienced an increase in the numbers
of people calling into its 12 branches around the country for face-to-face
support, as well as increased communications through text, email and social
media platforms.

The number of callers seeking to reverse call charges
because they felt they could not afford to pay for the call also rose.

Samaritans was contacted over a wide range of issues
during the 12-month period to October. These included depression, loneliness,
alcohol, physical and mental issues, and suicidal thoughts or feelings.

One in eight calls were estimated to be
recession-related and very often concerned financial insecurity.

The report highlights the work of Samaritans’ 12
branches in the Republic of Ireland, including the Dublin branch, based on
Marlborough Street in the north inner city.

Following the launch of the impact report, Samaritans
volunteers met with members of the Oireachtas to brief them about their
work.

The Dublin branch was represented by Director, Eileen
Foley, as well as Dublin volunteer Orla McCaffrey, and Mary McMahon, who met
with a number of political representatives from Dublin, including Dublin North
Central TD, Finian McGrath (Ind), Dublin Central TD, Maureen O’Sullivan (Ind)
and Senator David Norris.

Stigma

Eileen Foley, Director of Samaritans Dublin, said that
while they were in no doubt the recession was big factor in the increase in
calls, the reduction of stigma around mental health and suicide was also a
likely factor.

Freephone

“We hope to move to a freephone number this year which
would open our service up even more to those who need it,

? stated Ms
Foley.

“Discussions have been ongoing between ourselves,
ComReg, the telecoms providers and the Department of Health about how this may
be made possible.

“Samaritans has been operating in Ireland for almost
50 years.

Emotional

“We have experienced periods of economic difficulty
before, and know the impact this has on people’s emotional well-being.

?

Ms Foley added:

“As an organisation, we are making
every effort to ensure our capacity is such that we can help more people if
demand continues.

?

?¢ Samaritans’ helpline number is 1850-609090. The
Dublin branch is located at 112 Marlborough Street and can be reached on
01-8727700.