Samaritans Supported 1,200 People at Festivals Last Year

The Samaritans' outreach program at festivals and events in Ireland has provided vital support to over 1,200 people in 2025, demonstrating the charity's commitment to being present where help is needed most. These volunteers offer a crucial 'face-to-face listening service' at large gatherings, addressing issues like mental health, loneliness, and isolation, which can be amplified in crowded environments.

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It is thanks to the dedication of our amazing volunteers, staff, and supporters that we are always here to listen.

This initiative is part of a broader effort highlighted in Samaritans Ireland's 2025 Impact Report. The report details the organization's extensive work, including answering almost 350,000 calls for help nationwide—an average of 1,000 calls per day. The dedication of over 1,500 volunteers, who provided 70,000 hours of emotional support, underscores the significant demand for their services.

Sarah O'Toole, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, emphasizes the core mission: "behind each call, email, or conversation, someone is looking for a connection, often in their most difficult hour." She also stresses the importance of ensuring young people are aware of the available emotional supports as the busy summer festival season approaches. The charity's expansion, with its 25th site opening in Monaghan town, and its involvement in developing suicide prevention toolkits, further illustrate its proactive role in mental health support across the island of Ireland.

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We will be at several major events over the summer to support those struggling to cope.

While the article notes concerning suicide statistics, particularly among young men, the focus remains on the proactive and supportive role of the Samaritans. Their presence at events and their continuous availability via phone and online channels offer a lifeline to those struggling, reinforcing the message that help is always accessible.

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behind each call, email, or conversation, someone is looking for a connection, often in their most difficult hour.