Samaritans listen in confidence 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Samaritans mission is to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicide feelings and suicidal behaviour, by being available 24 hours a day to provide emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of emotional distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
The Samaritans reach out to high risk groups and communities to reduce the risk of suicide, by working in partnership with other organisations, agencies and experts. They also play a key role in influencing public policy and raising awareness of the challenges of reducing suicide.
Samaritans volunteers are committed to:
Listening, because exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them
Confidentiality, because if people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feelings
People making their own decisions wherever possible, because we believe that people have the right to find their own solution and telling people what to do takes responsibility away from them
Being non-judgemental, so that people can talk without fear of prejudice or rejection
Human contact, because giving people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair
Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email [email protected] and www. samaritans.ie
