Samaritans Ireland responds to call for help every minute

Samaritans Ireland has recorded a 30 per cent increase in the number of calls it received in the past year.

The charity, which provides emotional support for people feeling lonely or depressed, responded to one call for help every minute in the 12-month period from October 2014 to September 2015.

Samaritans branches across the State responded to 623,579 calls to its free helpline, 13,272 emails and 7,705 texts in the 12-month period from October 2014 to September 2015, according to an impact report published on Wednesday.

There were also about 8,600 face-to-face visits at Samaritans branches across the Republic.

The charity said it puts the increase in calls down to the introduction of a free helpline in March 2014. Volunteers have answered one million phone calls since then.

Extended commitment

The free helpline is supported by the main telecommunications providers in the State, who have agreed to extend their commitment until 2019.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Samaritans Ireland executive director Catherine Brogan said removing the cost of contacting the charity has been an important development in tackling suicide.

“The dramatic increase in calls to our service shows that many people in Ireland are struggling to cope and need a place to turn for support.

“Removing the barrier of cost has made it easier for people to access support as they no longer have to worry about call charges. This is particularly important for the groups in society who we know are at increased risk of suicide and for whom cost is a deterrent,” she said.

Consistent issues

Ms Brogan added: “While the methods that people use to contact us may change, the main issues people contact us about remain consistent. These include family and relationship problems, financial worries, depression and mental health problems, loneliness, and stress and anxiety.”

The report showed the busiest days of the week for the helpline were Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The busiest hours were from 8pm to midnight, when many other support services are unavailable.