The Galway Samaritans which offers a listening ear to the distressed and anxious is seeking vounteers.
The Nuns Island based charity received more than 100 contacts (telephone, letter, email and visits ) per day during the last year.
Nuala Dalton, its local director, says more and more people are using the service.
“Galway Samaritans offer a confidential 24-hour listening service which provides emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. We are asking people in Galway and the surrounding areas to consider becoming listening volunteers. The demand for the service continues to increase each year and new volunteers are always needed to maintain the service.
“We require people who are good listeners and are free to give approximately three hours support per week. No experience is necessary as training is provided. The dedication and commitment of new volunteers is vital to ensure that we can continue to provide to our callers the service that we offer.”
The selection and training of volunteers is a crucial part of Samaritan activity, she explains. “Volunteers who wish to join will receive comprehensive training which will enable them to become listening volunteers. If you think you can be a Samaritan volunteer please come along to our information meeting on Monday September 7 at 8pm at the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, or on Monday September 14 at 8pm in the Maldron Hotel in Oranmore. For further information telehone the centre at (091 ) 561222 or 561224 for enquiries.”
