Night Owls wanted by Samaritans service in the Midlands

ATHLONE and Midlands Samaritans are launching a major volunteer recruitment campaign to encourage Night Owls to get involved and help change people’s lives.

Samaritans operate a 24-hour emotional support helpline, 116 123, with volunteers in Athlone among those answering calls overnight. The branch is appealing to people to consider training to become a night-time volunteer. To sign up visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer.

Volunteer and fellow night owl Ann Barron said covering a night duty is very rewarding. “Callers need to talk to someone, they often need to pour their heart out. Calls also tend to be longer because the caller is unlikely to be disturbed and darkness also brings on dark thoughts,” she said.

Samaritans vision is that fewer people might die by suicide, but only one in five calls to the charity are from people who are suicidal. The majority are lonely, feeling isolated, are facing problems at work or at home, or they may be struggling to cope more generally, including the cost of living.

Anne McGrath, a volunteer and Athlone Branch Director, said: “Being a volunteer is very rewarding and you really feel like you are giving something back. Just to be there in someone’s hour of need is a special experience.

“Volunteering late at night or into the early hours of the morning can be particularly rewarding, as you have the opportunity to be there for callers when they’re most in need of someone to listen and other supports are not available.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in learning more about Samaritans or volunteering with us day or night to visit www.samaritans.ie/volunteer or email athlone.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org .”

There are 16 Samaritans branches across Ireland with over 1,500 active volunteers on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Athlone and Midlands Samaritans opened in 1992, over 32 years ago, and its volunteers answer approximately 24,000 calls a year.

Anne McGrath added: “No qualification is needed to be a Samaritans volunteer. You don’t have to be an expert, just being there to listen and showing you care can help. We let people know they’re not a burden and there’s always someone they can turn to, day or night.

“People can always call Samaritans for support. Whatever you’re going through, call us free any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), or email jo@samaritans.ie.”