Save the date! Samaritans to hold awareness event in Longford this week

Athlone Midland Samaritans are inviting members of the public to attend their awareness stand at Longford Shopping Centre this coming Thursday, July 24.

“We would be delighted to talk to anyone who would like to hear more about the work of Samaritans or who might be interested in becoming a Samaritan volunteer,” said a spokesperson for the organisation ahead of the event.

Athlone Midlands Samaritans is urging people to reach out for help after one recent caller revealed how he inspired a new campaign.

Athlone’s Nathan Green (pictured below) said Samaritans “helped me through the darkest moments” when he was struggling and going through a tough time.

Last year he completed a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day - held on July 24 - to show the Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or by email at jo@samaritans.ie.

The awareness day inspired 'Shush For Samaritans' – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity, this July.  Funds raised will support branches across Ireland including Athlone Midland Samaritans.

Nathan (22) said: “I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one - always trying to put a smile on people’s faces. But that didn’t mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there.

“They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. I never felt judged - only supported. Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I’ve become."

Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection.

Anne McGrath, Branch Director with Athlone and Midland  Samaritans, commented: “Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for us – we want to get the message out that Samaritans are here 24 hours a day, for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope, on freephone 116 123.  It remains a challenging time for many people and we want to remind the public that they are not alone. Our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing.”

You can contact Samaritans FREE at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.

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