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.
We are looking for men and women, of all ages and walks of life, to join our current volunteers in dedicating around three or four hours a week to those most in need.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer with Samaritans in Newry, email us directly at [email protected]. You can also check out our website for more information on what it takes to become a Samaritan: http://www.samaritans.org/volunteer.
We will meet with potential volunteers over the next few weeks with the aim to start the training process in March. The training will involve a mixture of online and in person learning in our branch in St Colman’s Park, Newry.
You don’t need to have any special skills to be a volunteer – all we 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.
Martin Darling, the Director of Samaritans of Newry & Dundalk said: “Newry & Dundalk 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 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, has been volunteering for almost 10 years: “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.”