Samaritans take time to talk at Dalriada festival

Volunteers from the charity were present to hand out contact cards to the large crowd in attendance.

Samaritans festival director, Catherine Slater, said: “We, as Samaritans, are delighted to have attended the Dalriada Festival for the first time this year, and to have provided discreet face-to-face emotional support to anyone who needed it over the weekend.”

“Having the chance to talk about your feelings is as important as ever, particularly as people are trying to cope with the present economic downturn. Samaritans provided a unique opportunity at the Dalriada Festival for anyone in need of emotional support to talk to our volunteers.”

Events such as this allow Samaritans to go direct to those in emotional need who wouldn’t ordinarily come directly to them.

The charity believes that at any event where there are thousands of people having a great time, there are inevitably some who are not.

“Sometimes people can arrive hoping to forget about their problems, but the sight of so many happy people can make them feel even worse.Others can arrive feeling relatively OK, but something happens during the event which leaves them feeling low.

“This is where Samaritans’ festival volunteers fit in, by providing a non-judgmental, face to face listening service throughout the event, callers can discuss anything that’s getting them down, no matter how serious or how trivial and the conversation is completely confidential.

“Whether people feel suicidal or not, they are given the opportunity to talk through whatever is on their mind with a non-judgemental volunteer who is trained to listen.”

Jane Jenkins, events co-ornator for the Dalriada Festival, commented: “We were delighted that Samaritans used the Dalriada festival as a platform to provide information and emotional support.”

Samaritans festival director, Catherine Slater, said: “We, as Samaritans, are delighted to have attended the Dalriada Festival for the first time this year, and to have provided discreet face-to-face emotional support to anyone who needed it over the weekend.”

“Having the chance to talk about your feelings is as important as ever, particularly as people are trying to cope with the present economic downturn. Samaritans provided a unique opportunity at the Dalriada Festival for anyone in need of emotional support to talk to our volunteers.”

Talking can be a great relief it is because Samaritans recognise this that they offer to be there to listen 24hrs 7 days a week.

Phone them on 08457 90 90 90. Samaritans listen without being judgmental, without telling someone that they shouldn’t feel like that which only demeans their feelings and will stop them talking. Samaritans don’t offer advice but will support you to find your way forward your way - no matter how long you may need us the support will always be there.

Margaret Black, director of Ballymena Samaritans, added: “It is a myth that you have to be suicidal before contacting us, Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. If you are feeling that life is getting to you, it is important to talk to someone.

Samaritans are always available so “Talk to Us” a time you need us.”

The charity believes that at any event where there are thousands of people having a great time, there are inevitably some who are not. Sometimes people can arrive hoping to forget about their problems, but the sight of so many happy people can make them feel even worse. Others can arrive feeling relatively OK, but something happens during the event which leaves them feeling low.

This is where Samaritans Festival volunteers fit in, by providing a non-judgemental, face to face listening service throughout the event, callers can discuss anything that’s getting them down, no matter how serious or how trivial and the conversation is completely confidential. Whether people feel suicidal or not they are given the opportunity to talk through whatever is on their mind with a non-judgemental volunteer who is trained to listen.

Jane Jenkins, events co-ornator for the Dalriada Festival, commented: “We were delighted that Samaritans used the Dalriada festival as a platform to provide information and emotional support.”

During this year’s Dalriada Festival on the 18 - 19 July Samaritan volunteers provided

discreet face-to-face emotional support to anyone attending. Volunteers provided

emotional support to people in need and raised awareness of suicide prevention. Events such as this allow Samaritans to go direct to those in emotional need who wouldn’t ordinarily come directly to them.

This unique outreach programme has seen Samaritans Festival Branch volunteers attend

a wide range of events including the North West 200 in Portrush. Volunteers will also be

present at the forthcoming Gay Pride festival in Belfast.

Samaritans Festival Director, Catherine Slater, said: “We, as Samaritans, are delighted to have attended the Dalriada Festival for the first time this year, and to have provided discreet face-to-face emotional support to anyone who needed it over the weekend.”

“Having the chance to talk about your feelings is as important as ever, particularly as people are trying to cope with the present economic downturn. Samaritans provided a unique opportunity at the Dalriada Festival for anyone in need of emotional support to talk to our volunteers.”

Samaritans actively promote the concept of talking about feelings and encourage people

not to bottle their emotions up. Events such as the Dalriada Festival attract large numbers

of visitors, from all over the country and beyond, aiming to have a good weekend. However

it can often be lonely in a crowd and despite the festival atmosphere, many people can

experience feelings of loss and despair because of things that have happened in their lives

either recently or in the past.

The service festival branch provide complements the charity’s regular 24/7 telephone

helpline. There were over 1,200 contacts in 2013 with the Festival Group on the streets,

reaffirming the need for this very unique outreach programme.

Do you think you could be a Samaritans volunteer? What does it take to volunteer

with Samaritans? Qualifications are not a requirement – life experience and the ability

to listen without judging are more important. Your commitment would be just a few

hours a week. You need to be over 18, but there is no upper age limit. Comprehensive

training is provided and ongoing support and mentoring is always available. Do you think

you could consider becoming a volunteer? “Talk to Us” to find out more by contacting

Ballymena branch by phone 028 2565 0000 between 7:30pm-10:00pm daily or by e-mail

[email protected].