A dedicated volunteer with the Samaritans in Dublin reflects on five decades of providing emotional support to those in need. The organization is expanding its volunteer base to meet the growing demand for its services.
Vera, a 75-year-old volunteer with the Samaritans , has been answering calls and emails from people in distress for 50 years. She spends three hours a week at the Dublin Samaritan's center, ready to listen to anyone who needs to talk. Vera, known as Vera3 due to the charity's policy of not revealing volunteers' surnames, joined the organization in 1974. Over the decades, she's witnessed a wide range of issues, from loneliness and relationship problems to mental health concerns.
While some trends have remained constant, Vera has also observed societal shifts, particularly regarding the acceptance of diverse groups like the LGBTQ+ community. Vera's journey with the Samaritans began after she volunteered with the Simon Communities' soup run. The experience highlighted for her the human need for connection, leading her to join the Samaritans, a charity dedicated to providing emotional support to those in distress. She considers her decision to volunteer one of the best she's ever made, gaining invaluable insights into the human experience. Vera continues to be a vital part of the organization, relishing the opportunity to help others and expressing her intention to continue volunteering for as long as she is able.The Dublin branch of the Samaritans, established in 1970, has seen a dramatic increase in demand for its services. Last year, they responded to nearly 89,000 calls and emails, up from 83,000 the previous year. To meet this growing need, the organization is launching a new training scheme offering daytime slots in addition to the traditional evening and Saturday options. This initiative aims to attract retired individuals and those with shift work schedules. The Samaritans emphasize the importance of volunteers from all walks of life and ages, highlighting the profound impact they have on individuals in crisis. Mary McMahon, volunteer director at Dublin Samaritans, underscores the privilege of being there for people in their time of need, emphasizing the vital role volunteers play in providing free listening and emotional support nationwide.
Samaritans Volunteers Mental Health Emotional Support Dublin Ireland
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