Good Samaritan from district is praised at launch of new campaign

Gerard McEvoy, who works with Newry man Harry Stewart at in the Samaritans local branch, travelled to Dublin for the event.

The “Men on the Ropes” campaign is targeted at men in their 30s, 40s and 50s - the age group in which suicides are increasing at the fastest rate.

Mr McEvoy’s work was praised alongside his fellow volunteers by the Republic’s Health Minister John Moloney.

The new Samaritans campaign aims to reduce the number of male suicides by persuading men in distress to talk about their problems and consider calling the 24-hour Samaritans helpline.

The campaign will see posters displayed in almost every train station across Ireland and Britain over the coming months. The posters feature an image of British boxer, David White, and the campaign is also being supported by international rugby referee, Nigel Owens. Both sportsmen have experienced downturns in their lives.

The Newry branch of the Samaritans is located at 19 St. Colman's Park, Newry. The Samaritans can be contacted by telephone at any time on 08457 909090.