This article is from page 24 of the 2007-08-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 24 JPG
THE Ennis and Clare branch of the Samaritans is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is looking for new volunteers. It will be holding two information/selection evenings for potential volunteers at the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis on Thursday, September 6 and Monday, Septem- ber 10. Both information/selection evenings will begin at 8pm and any- one who might be interested in get- ting involved is asked to come along
on one of the nights.
The Samaritans exist primarily to offer confidential, emotional support to people who are experiencing feel- ings of distress or despair, including those who may be having suicidal thoughts. Its vision is for a society Where fewer people die by suicide and it believes that offering an oppor- tunity for people to talk about their feelings in a non-judgemental envi- ronment can help to achieve this.
Over the last quarter of a century thousands of people have contacted
the Ennis & Clare branch, which 1s based on the Kilrush Road in Ennis. As well as taking telephone calls, the Clare branch of the Samaritans also welcome callers to the door between the hours of 10am and 10pm and re- ply to emails.
The Samaritans operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are total- ly dependent on the work of its vol- unteers. With many people working to very hectic schedules nowadays, keeping things going sometimes isn’t always easy.
At the information/selection eve- nings the work of the Samaritans will be explained in detail and what is involved in volunteering for the group will also be set out.
Samaritans volunteers can come from any walk of life and they are a diverse group. No previous experi- ence is required but an aptitude for listening (the “big ears’) and a non- judgemental outlook are important. People who do go forward to become Samaritans volunteers will be given very comprehensive training.