A MONTAGE of nine friendly faces that makes up part of a Dublin photo exhibition which aims to celebrate the contribution of more than 2,000 Samaritans in Ireland was opened by broadcaster Claire Byrne last night.
“Up until about six years ago it was mandatory as a Samaritan to retain your anonymity so you could tell no one you were a Samaritan . . . so that was lifted and now it’s optional,” said national director Suzanne Costello.
The exhibition aims to highlight the range of services the organisation provides for those in despair or distress or who may be suicidal. Its title, “24/7”, aims to raise awareness that the organisation’s services are at all times available.
“It is to open up the service, to show that our people are friendly and open and really non-judgmental and really very ordinary,” Ms Costello said. It was important to break the stigma surrounding helplines such as that of the Samaritans to ensure those in need use the service, she added.
As well as featuring photos of ordinary volunteers in Sligo and Dublin, the images show muddy-footed volunteers in attendance at this year’s Oxegen festival, one of several festivals where the organisation has a presence.
Others capture images of those involved in listener schemes, which are in operation in five Dublin prisons. Samaritans-trained prisoners have become “listeners”, essentially an in-house Samaritan service that prisoners can avail of.
The exhibition runs at European Union House and Fixx Coffee House on Dublin’s Dawson Street until Friday, July 29th.
Those wishing to avail of the services of the Samaritans can do so by calling 1850 609090, via text on 087 2609090 or by e-mailing jo@samaritans.org