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Thursday 30 November 2023 Dublin: 3°C

# Samaritans

Last month
October 2023
Over 1,000 calls made to Samaritans every day, up 10% on previous year
Volunteers at the 24-hour support helpline spent roughly 65,000 hours on the phone with callers.
Last year
2022
Samaritans received nearly 1,000 calls a day last year, with mental health the top concern
Its 24-hour helpline covers the island of Ireland and answered almost half a million calls and emails last year.
All time
Isolation and loneliness among key concerns raised by callers to Samaritans last year
Samaritans Ireland’s 2020 report is launching today ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day.
Opinion: Samaritans volunteers are a community of ordinary people who care deeply about others
A Samaritans volunteer details the daily dedication needed for such an important role.
'Enjoying the kids playing with presents will have to wait': Heading out to work on Christmas day
TheJournal.ie speaks to some of those who’ll be getting up to go to work today, and how Christmas is for them.
Suicide is killing the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Ireland
A new report highlights increased risks to individuals, like workers on zero-hour contracts or those who are facing losing their homes.
New Facebook tools allow you to help someone who might be at risk of suicide
The new features were designed with the help of Samaritans Ireland ahead of World Suicide Day this Saturday.
Want to support family or friends who may be having a hard time? Try some active listening
We all like to think we’re good friends and listeners but here are some tips to brush up on your skills, and really help someone in need…
"Problems feel smaller when you share them" - if you're not feeling OK, let someone know
Last time we spoke about listening – now it’s time to talk.
If you've got 99 problems, your relationship is probably one*
*Statistically speaking, it’s pretty likely.
'Just by being there for a friend, we can keep life itself'
The government wants to reduce suicide and self-harm by 10% over the next five years.
Man rescued after trying to hang himself outside Leinster House
The incident took place in the last hour.
More people were worried about their finances last year compared to 2013
A Samaritans snap survey found that more women than men contacted the Dublin branch and discussed financial issues.
Why getting enough sleep is vital - and how to get it
All over the festive season, TheJournal.ie is bringing you little things to help keep your mental health in check.
Samaritans seeks legal advice over controversial new 'suicide prevention app'
The ‘Radar’ app allows users to monitor people they follow on Twitter.
Is the new Samaritans app an invasion of privacy or will it save lives?
Perhaps both.
Opinion: The GAA and Samaritans both have an ethos of giving rather than taking
A Samaritans volunteer and GAA member writes about the people-centred spirit at the heart of both organisations.
Samaritans' volunteers will highlight their work at a location near you this summer
Calls increased by 20% in two months with the new free number 116 123.
The Samaritans is changing its phone number to a free one
The new phone number will replace the existing low-call number as part of a change being brought in across Europe.
Samaritans to focus on effect of the internet on people with suicidal thoughts
A new study, in connection with Bristol University, is to look at how people use content online when experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Samaritans received more than 10,000 calls over Christmas
Monday 30 December was the busiest day, while volunteers took 520 calls on Christmas Day.
Column: I volunteer with Samaritans every Christmas. Here's why...
Sometimes people call Samaritans at Christmas who might never normally do so. It could be the first Christmas they are bereaved, the could feel isolated, or they could have major money worries. We’re there to listen.
Calls to Samaritans helpline down but people "still hurting very much"
In total, the helpline received 381,128 calls in the last year.
Rouen, Robin Hood and Real Madrid: The week in numbers
Also, how many of Kerry’s councillors actually favour relaxed drink-driving rules? And just how rich is Apple?
Samaritans' SMS service reveals high levels of self-harm
The Dublin Samaritans service says one-in-three texts received in 2012 mentioned self-harm, a higher rate than calls or email.
Samaritans report rise in family and financial worries
Seventy per cent of respondents rated money and debt among their top five worries in 2012.
No concerns for Samaritans confidentiality under Children First bill
The organisation said that it is working with the Department of Children and relevant authorities to ensure its processes and procedures meet the proposed Children First legislation.
One in every six calls to Samaritans were recession-related
This was the busiest year yet for Samaritans, with longer calls to their helpline and more face-to-face contact at its branches.
Suicide helplines experiencing more calls from worried family members
Samaritans Ireland has recorded its busiest year ever.
Samaritans celebrates 10 years of prisoner listener scheme
Over the past year, Samaritans recorded 1,100 formal contacts within the six prisons in its Listener Scheme, an 83 per cent increase on 2011.
Major report explores reasons behind male suicide
The Samaritans report says that when men don’t reach a ‘gold standard’ they can feel a sense of shame, which in turn can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Samaritans to receive new freephone number from next year
The news comes as a result of a collaboration between the emotional support service and six telecoms companies.
Samaritans volunteer on cusp of completing 24:7 bike challenge
David Exley, whose brother and son took their own lives, is travelling between 201 Samaritans branches in the UK and Ireland to highlight the charity’s services.
Column: Suicide isn’t wanting to die. It’s not being able to bear living.
We have too many misconceptions about suicide. It’s not shameful – it’s the result of a fatal illness, writes Fine Gael TD Dan Neville.
Samaritans take to the streets of Dublin's north inner city
Volunteers will be available in public areas in the inner city to encourage people to talk about their problems.
Tragic death of marathon runner inspires over $1 million in donations
The sudden death of Claire Squires led to considerable funds being provided by a number of people.
Over €300k raised for charity after death of London Marathon runner
Claire Squires collapsed and died as she approached the final mile of the race on Sunday. More than 20,000 people have now donated to the Samaritans, her chosen charity, on her fundraising website.
London Marathon death: over £22k donated to Claire's charity
Over 1,800 donations have been made to Claire Squires’ charity page today.