The Samaritans are there to help

JULY is a busy month for Samaritans. The 24th of the month is the charity's national day of awareness and fundraising. This day has been chosen in recognition of the 24/7 service offered by Samaritans across the UK and Ireland. A number of local events will take place around this date including a flag day in Londonderry on July 23.

Volunteers provide emotional support to people who are in distress or despair or who are feeling suicidal. Any number of reasons can cause people to feel this way such as relationship problems, financial worries, loneliness, unemployment, exam pressure, illness or bereavement. No matter what the issue, Samaritans listen to callers and provide emotional support. They create a safe environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their feelings and options in confidence, without being judged or given advice.

Callers can drop into the local branch at 16, Clarendon Street, Londonderry between 10am and 10pm, ring 028 71 265511 (or from Donegal 0749120999 ) or email [email protected].

Samaritans aim to respond to all emails within 24 hours of them being sent.

If you are having trouble coping with life at present why not contact Samaritans and talk through your feelings.

Alternatively if you think you would make a good volunteer get in touch. The qualities that are looked for in a Samaritan are someone who is a good listener, who doesn’t judge people and who really cares.

By offering emotional support to callers Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. Find out more about Samaritans on www.samaritans.org.