One in 10 calls to the Galway branch of the Samaritans this year were from people who wished to end their lives.
That’s according to the charity’s annual review for 2009/2010. It reveals the Nuns’s Island based organisation received 40,000 contacts, including telephone calls, letters, e-mails and visits in 2009.
Nuala Dalton, its director, says the demand for the service continues to rise. It costs about €55,000 to fund its activities.
“Although we are an entirely volunteer based organisation our operating costs are still substantial. Telephone, light, heat and other bills make up the bulk of expenditure. Publicity and training also account for substantial amounts of money. The Galway branch raised funds last year from a series of events such as our church gate collection, from a series of table quizzes and from our flag days.
“Except for a small grant from the HSE we are totally dependent on the generosity of our benefactors, both private individuals and businesses. Without these kind donations Samaritans of Galway would not be able to continue. In the current economic climate we will be challenged to ensure we have adequate funds.”
One of the organisation’s continuing strengths is the commitment and dedication of its volunteers, she says.
“Every role in our branch is carried out by a volunteer. In the Galway branch we have approximately 120 volunteers. Each one is needed if we are to continue to offer the 24/7 service to our callers. As director I continue to be overwhelmed by the support that the volunteers give to our callers, to the branch and to the organisation. Thanks is a small word for the great work done by the volunteers.
“The Samaritans have been in Galway for 33 years. We are a community based organisation and are totally voluntary. We have about 100 volunteers who give their time each week to support our callers. All are trained to give people in crisis an opportunity to explore their feelings in total confidence.”
She believes offering a listening ear can help alleviate people’s despair and suicidal feelings.
“While we are never sure what happens when calls end we believe that listening can help alleviate the burdens that people endure which can help them to choose life over death.”
Suicide affects thousands of people, she says. “In Ireland each year more people die by suicide than in road traffic accidents. Sadly, the current figures for this year show a substantial increase in the numbers of people who chose to end their lives by suicide. In this climate there can be no complacency on the part of any organisation involved in suicide prevention. Suicide affects thousands of people, including families and friends who have their lives shattered by the loss of a loved one.”
People may be at greater risk of suicide following the recent loss or break-up of a relationship or when there is current or anticipated unhappy change in health and circumstances such as retirement or financial problems. Other potential triggers may be a painful or disabling illness, heavy use or dependency on alcohol or drugs or a history of earlier suicidal behaviour or history of suicide in the family.
“People can show suicidal feelings by being withdrawn, talking about being isolated and lonely, having definite ideas about ending their life and constantly dwelling on problems for which there seems to be no solution.”
The Samaritans can be contacted at (091 ) 561222 or call to 14 Nuns’ Island or e-mail [email protected]
