Public buildings and businesses are urged to light up in green for the Longest Night on December 21. Samaritans in Galway are calling on the public to support its Longest Night campaign which reminds those struggling to cope that its helpline is open during their darkest hours this Christmas.
Anyone in need of emotional support can call Samaritans anonymously on freephone 116 123 or email [email protected] . Volunteers will be on duty throughout the holidays, including Christmas Day.
Businesses and landmarks are being urged to light up in green on Saturday 21st December – the Winter Solstice - to show people Samaritans are here for them during the long dark nights. Members of the public can also support by lighting a candle on the night or turning their lights green.
Samaritans want to remind anyone who is finding the festive season difficult to reach out and not struggle in silence.
Damien, Branch Director at Galway Samaritans, said: “While December is marketed as the ‘happiest time of the year’, we know that’s not the case for everyone. This time of year can be difficult for all sorts of reasons.
“On top of the challenges people face throughout the year – which don’t just take a break for Christmas – there’s an added financial burden, expectation to appear happy, spending time with people we’re not necessarily comfortable around, while feelings of loneliness and bereavement may be heightened.
“It is vital that, with regular support services often closed, people know our volunteers are there, available 24/7, if they are struggling.”
Almost 30,000 calls for help were answered last December, with mental health concerns, loneliness and isolation, and family and relationships issues among the main concerns raised by callers.
Longest night
The Samaritans are calling on everyone to support the Longest Night campaign on the winter solstice by lighting up a public building or space in green or lighting a candle in their window, to show people we are there for them during their darkest hours.
Last year, almost 200 sites supported the campaign, including ATU Connemara, ATU Galway, Bar 1520, Bonham Quay, Bon Secours Hospital, Bowne Doorway, Claregalway Castle, City Hall, City Museum, An Pu?ca?n, St Nicholas Collegiate Church, and Terryland Castle and council offices and universities nationwide.
Images can be shared on social media by tagging Samaritans Ireland on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn, using the hashtags #SamaritansLongestNight. All information is available on www.samaritans.ie/longestnight
