Samaritans volunteers in Northern Ireland have answered more than one million calls since the helpline number became free to call 10 years ago.
The suicide prevention charity said some 250,000 hours of support have been offered by volunteers, who ensure the helpline remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Marcella Taylor, Regional Director of Samaritans in Northern Ireland, said while volunteers have supported people in Northern Ireland for over 60 years, the introduction of a freephone number 116 123 in 2015 was a major milestone.
Marcella said: “It is incredible to think that in the last 10 years more than one million calls for help have been answered by Samaritans. Those calls could not have been taken without the dedication of our volunteers in Samaritans branches across Northern Ireland. And becoming a freephone number means thousands of people who call Samaritans helpline every year can be confident calls from any phone won’t cost anything.”
While the charity’s listening service has always been delivered by volunteers, the former national helpline used an 08457 number, which incurred charges. For those facing financial difficulties, this could be a real obstacle to reaching out, and one of Samaritans’ long-standing ambitions was to remove all financial barriers to accessing support.
In Autumn 2015, Samaritans launched 116 123 as their new national helpline number - free to call from landlines, mobiles and payphones. The number also does not show up on a bill.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, attended the 10 year celebration with Samaritans volunteers in Belfast City Hall. Junior Minister Aisling Reilly and Junior Minister Joanne Bunting represented the First and deputy First Minister at the event.
The Lord Mayor said: “Samaritans provides a very valuable service to vulnerable people across Northern Ireland. It is a unique service, being available 24 hours a day to support people in need when they need it most. I am delighted to be here today to mark this amazing milestone with Samaritans.”
John, a former caller to Samaritans, explained how Samaritans helped him and saved his life:
“I would not be here without Samaritans. They were the first and among the only people ever to listen to me. With Samaritans non-judgemental positive authentic listening there was a road back. At each stage of my journey Samaritans were there to guide me.”
Samaritans has over 600 volunteers in eight cities and towns across Northern Ireland.
Junior Minister Bunting said: “Today is about recognising that superlative contribution and impact Samaritans makes every single day.
“You are each a truly invaluable and literal lifeline to that person who calls, and your dedication is deeply appreciated, not only by us in the Executive, but by people right across Northern Ireland. The work you do is an absolutely essential part of mental health support here.”
Junior Minister Reilly said: “The Samaritans’ free-to-call helpline is a lifeline that has saved many lives by bringing hope, comfort and connection to people in need of support.
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Samaritans and every single volunteer who gives their time, compassion and a listening ear to help those facing crisis.”
Marcella added: “We are extremely proud of all our volunteers, not only for the time and dedication they give to our callers but for the hours they also give to supporting those in our communities.
“We want to remind anyone who needs support to call us on freephone 116 123 or email [email protected].”