Newry & Dunalk Samaritans mark ​fifty years of listening

Current volunteers were joined by former volunteers in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry, for a dinner and speeches telling the story of Samaritans in Newry.

Established in 1973, the Newry based branch has had thousands of volunteers over the years, each one helping to provide emotional support to people in distress. Operating with very little finance and borrowed accommodation in Marcus Square Newry, the branch opened in January 1973.

During the early Seventies ‘the Troubles’ were at their peak. The premises in Marcus Square was severely damaged by a bomb explosion in a nearby drapery store.

The branch moved to two rooms over what was then Brendan Gallagher’s shop, before the Mercy Sisters offered the Samaritans the use of a house at 25 Upper Catherine Street.

Over the years, the branch has faced many challenges and relocations but now, from their permanent base in St. Colman’s Park, they continue to offer an empathetic ear to anyone who needs to talk.

Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24-hour telephone service and volunteers can also offer support by email and face-to-face in communities, festivals and outreach events.

The Samaritans want to live in a world with less suicide. They believe that talking about how we feel can help ease the burden on our minds. Trying to deal with difficult situations on our own can be exhausting and can lead to more and more negative thoughts.

Every 10 seconds, somebody contacts the Samaritans looking for emotional support. Currently, over 70 volunteers in the Newry branch help to support these people through some of the most difficult times in their lives.

Oonagh Brown, Director of Samaritans in Newry said: “Newry & Dundalk Samaritans has offered emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope with whatever it is that life has thrown at them for over 50 years.

“As part of the wider Samaritans network, we continue to offer an empathetic ear to thousands of people a years. Every day, volunteers around the country respond to around 10,000 calls for help. It is a real privilege to be there for somebody who is going through a difficult time.

“We have been here for 50 years thanks to the support of the local community. We have only been able to do this thanks to the years of dedication from hundreds of volunteers. To every single person who has supported Samaritans over the years, we say thank you.”

If you are interested in finding out more about supporting your local Samaritans, please visit our website at www.samaritans.org/newry. They are always keen to have more supporters to help.

As one current volunteer said: “It is a real privilege to be the calm voice on the end of the phone and to have people trust you. No matter where you are in life, the need to be heard and the need for empathy are things that will be with us always.”

You don’t have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, call them any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find out more ways to help cope with emotional distress.