Galway Samaritans respond to 32,000 calls in 2006

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Written by Staff Reporter

Wednesday, 19 September 2007

The latest figures show the Galway Samaritans answered 32,000 calls in 2006. Of these calls, approximately half stayed on the line, and had a meaningful contact with a Samaritan volunteer. The calls were received by a combination of phone, email, letters, and visits to the centre.

On average in any 24-hour period, 60 per cent of calls to the Galway Samaritans are now received at night.

“Increasingly, Samaritans are used as an out-of-hours service,” said Nuala Dalton, the current Director of Galway Samaritans.

“People can phone Samaritans and discuss how they feel in confidence whenever they want, day or night, without having to make an appointment. This availability is what Samaritans is all about and it is our belief that listening and caring for people, even at unsociable times, can be very beneficial.”

The re-launch of an email support service during the summer of 2006 by Galway Samaritans has also proved very successful. Throughout the latter half of the year, the centre responded to over 270 messages, many from young people who had thoughts of suicide. A mobile phone texting support service is also in the pipeline.

Approximately 10 per cent of calls were received from people who expressed a wish to end their life in 2006, which is similar to 2005.

“Overall, the figures represent a busy Samaritan centre,” says Ms Dalton, “one in which the volunteers and their families have made great personal efforts to be there for and support people in crisis.”

If any person wishes to help, or find out more, about Galway Samaritans, they can phone the centre on 091-561222 or 561224.

Anyone in need of help can contact Samaritans 24-7 at 1850 609090, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by writing to Pat Smith, 14 Nuns Island, Galway. The Galway Centre is also open for callers most days during daytime hours.