Samaritans launch new email for people in need of emotional support

SAMARITANS Ireland have launched a new email address this week to reach people in need of emotional support.

Last year, Samaritans Ireland answered over 625,000 calls for emotional support and almost 25,000 texts.

They have 20 branches across Ireland with 12 in the Republic of Ireland and eight in Northern Ireland, with a total of 2,500 volunteers.

Cindy O'Shea, Irish Regional Director with Samaritans, said the volunteers will be available on the new email 24 hours per day, seven days a week, just like the charity's freephone helpline and text message service.

“Our vision is to reduce suicide and feelings of suicide by alleviating emotional distress and by being there for anyone who needs support 24 hours per day, seven days a week. We are looking forward to being able to offer our support service to those who prefer to email us.”

Samaritans volunteers can be contacted on Freephone 116 123, text 087 2 60 90 90

(standard text rates apply) or by emailing jo@samaritans.ie. You can also visit Samaritans

volunteers in your local branch. For details, visit www.samaritans.ie.