This article is from page 11 of the 2006-07-25 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE WINTER Olympics Torch arrived in Ennis yesterday as part of a new campaign highlighting the Samaritans 24/7 service.
The Ennis branch of the Samaritans was one of twenty branches visited by members from the organisation’s headquarters.
A specially decorated car was dispatched from Dublin early on Monday morning with a team of volunteers who aimed to visit 20 branches from Coleraine to Cork. The team arrived in Ennis early yesterday morning where they were greeted by volunteers and other representatives including the Mayor of Ennis, Joe Reidy (FF).
The Samaritans chose July 24 to officially launch a fund-raising and awareness campaign entitled Open 24:7 . The date has been specifically chosen to remind people that as a registered charity, their branches are open 24 hours a day to offer confidential and emotional support to anyone experiencing emotional distress.
In the Ennis branch alone, there are over 80 volunteers on call seven days a week. The organisation hopes that by highlighting the extent of the service, they will be able to reach out to more people. There are 1,958 volounteers in branches nationwide.
According to a spokesperson for the Samaritans, “There are always volunteers on duty throughout the day and night, ready to support those in need of confidential and nonjudgemental support.”
Mayor of Ennis Joe Reidy (FF) paid tribute to the work being done at the Ennis centre.
“This is a very important awareness campaign that is needed throughout Ireland. Its important that a service such as this is highlighted as much as possible. The volunteers who maintain the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week are doing a fantastic job keeping the service going. They are providing a wonderful service.”
Mr Reidy (FF) said the Samaritans provided an essential service in Clare and across Ireland.
“It is important that the 24/7 service is highlighted as some people in need of help might be afraid to reach out”.
The campaign was launched in Dublin by the recently elected Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Vincent Jackson, who commended the Samaritans on the “wonderful work they do.”
The entourage also carried with them the Winter Olympic torch from the recent Turin Olympics.
A spokesperson added; “In many ways the Samaritans can often seem like a light in the darkness for many who may be sad or worried or despairing because of a time they are going through. That time could happen to anyone at any time and that is why the Samaritans will always be there.”