"Make a difference to someone’s life" - Samaritans seeking new volunteers in Louth

Samaritans is searching for new volunteers to get involved with the charity and give something back to the local community, all while making a huge difference to people’s lives.

As we enter the New Year, now is the perfect time to do something you can be proud of, all while helping others.

Samaritans Dundalk & Newry are looking for men and women, of all ages and walks of life, to join their current volunteers in dedicating around three or four hours a week to those most in need.

Samartian Dundalk & Newry said they will meet with potential volunteers over the next few weeks with the aim to start the training process in March.

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The training will involve a mixture of online and in person learning in our branch in St Colman’s Park, Newry.

They said you don’t need to have any special skills to be a volunteer – all they ask is that you can listen without judgement and be able to empathise with people going through a difficult time.

Samaritans are best known for the vital support given to callers on its 24-hour telephone service and volunteers can also offer support by email and face-to-face in communities, festivals and outreach events.

The Director of the local Samaritans Martin Darling said: “Dundalk & Newry Samaritans offer round-the-clock emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope with whatever it is that life has thrown at them.

“Every day, volunteers around the country respond to around 10,000 calls for help. It is a real privilege to be there for somebody who is going through a difficult time.

“We are asking people across the South Down, South Armagh and Dundalk areas to consider making a difference to someone’s life by volunteering with us.

“It takes a huge number of volunteers to keep our service operational. We have volunteers from across Dundalk, the Cooley Peninsula and South Armagh so if you are thinking about volunteering and making a difference to people’s lives, please have a look at http://www.samaritans.org/volunteer to find out if you have what it takes to be a Samaritan.”

Established in Ireland in 1962, Samaritans is based in 21 towns across the island of Ireland, with over 1,800 active volunteers on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

One volunteer in the Newry branch, Stephen, who has been volunteering for almost 10 years, said: “People may have an idea on what types of calls we answer but the truth is, no two calls are the same.

“We speak to anyone who is going through a tough time. People might call us about a relationship problem, an issue at work or a million other reasons.

“We know how important it is to feel listened to so that’s why we do what we do.

“You aren’t expected to solve people’s problems, just to give them a listening ear and empathise with what they’re going through. You’ll be amazed at the positive impact this can have.

“If you are looking for a new experience in 2026, something that can help others and make yourself feel proud, give the Samaritans a chance.”

To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans of Dundalk & Newry email newry.branchrecruitment@
samaritans.org.

You can also check out their website for more information on what it takes to become a Samaritan on www.samaritans.org/
volunteer.

You don’t have to be suicidal to call Samaritans. Whatever you’re going through, call us any time from any phone on 116 123 (this number is free to call and will not appear on your phone bill), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch.