Recession prompts hike in calls to Galway Samaritans

By FIONA McGARRY CALLS from the Galway area to the Samaritans helpline have increased to an average of 100 per day, and the number of callers expressing severe distress, particularly about financial issues, has spiralled.[private] Those coping with suicidal thoughts, loneliness or any kind of anxiety are being urged to call the Samaritans and seek help over the festive season. The confidential, non-judgemental service provides emotional support for anyone experiencing distress or despair. The service can be reached on lo-call 1850-609090, and calls cost six cents from a landline, no matter how long the call lasts. The last year has seen a huge increase in the volume of calls from all over Galway, according to Heather Pope, director of the Samaritans Galway branch, located at 14 Nun's Island in the city. 'There has been a very noticeable increase in demand for our services,' Ms Pope told The Tuam Herald. 'We've always received what we would term â€Ëœtough calls', but there are many, many more of these over the last year. We're finding that callers are going through severe emotional and financial distress.' Ms Pope said she also anticipated a spike in calls over Christmas and particularly into the early days of January. 'Loneliness is a huge factor over Christmas. We want people to know that we are available on Christmas Day. The door to our office at 14, Nun's Island will be open. People will be able to make that human contact if they need to.' Nationally, the economic downturn is being cited as the reason for an increase of more than 13,000 calls over the course of 2010. Last year, 243,000 calls were made to the Samaritans' Irish helpline. The organisation's latest impact report found that the level of distress among callers was more intense over 2010 than in previous years. 'There has been a correlation between Ireland's deepening economic crisis and the number and nature of calls to Samaritans,' said Suzanne Costello, Director of Samaritans in Ireland. 'However, for most people who make contact with our service, simply speaking to someone and not being judged offers huge relief. 'Many of our callers over the past 12 months were experiencing relationship difficulties, which were exacerbated by financial difficulties.  Fear of unemployment, self-harm and anxiety about the future were also common reasons for calls to Samaritans.' The Samaritans in Galway can be contacted via their office in Nun's Island, by phone to 091-561222, or 1850-609090. Samaritans can be emailed at jo@samaritans. org. [/private]