Caller inspires new campaign

Samaritans Drogheda and North East held a tree planting ceremony earlier today ahead of their annual 24/7 Samaritans Awareness Day events being held tomorrow July 24^th locally and across the country.

“This year we are planting a "Tree of Hope" in St. Dominics Park symbolising hope, strength and resilience for those who struggle in the community” said Margaret Fahey, the Director of the Samartian’s Drogheda & Northeast Branch.

Expressing her thanks to the Mayor of Drogheda Cllr. Michelle Hall for doing the honours, Ms Fahey said: “We are grateful to Louth County Council for their collaboration in organising this event and look forward to working with them in the future.”

Drogheda and North East/Monaghan Samaritans is urging people to reach out for help as a caller reveals how he inspired a new campaign.

Nathan Green said Samaritans “helped me through the darkest moments” when he was struggling and going through a tough time.

Last year he completed a 24-hour silence for Samaritans Awareness Day, held on July 24^th to show Samaritans are there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.

It inspired 'Shush For Samaritans' this July – one of four 24-hour challenges for supporters to raise funds for the charity. Other challenges are for gamers, crafters and Taylors Swift fans. For details visit www.samaritans.ie/24hours.

Nathan, 22, said: “I was always seen as the bubbly, outgoing one - always trying to put a smile on people’s faces. But that didn’t mean everything was always fine behind the scenes. Like many others, I went through times when I struggled. And during those moments, Samaritans were there.

“They were the voice at the end of the phone when I felt like I had no one else. Sometimes I called in tears, other times just needing someone to listen. I never felt judged - only supported. Those calls helped me through the darkest moments, and looking back now, I truly believe they played a part in shaping the person I’ve become,” he added.

Funds raised will support branches across Ireland, including our new branch of Samaritans in Monaghan town-whose new volunteers will be present in Monaghan Shopping Centre on the day. 

Margaret Fahey, Branch Director with Drogheda Samaritans, said: “Samaritans Awareness Day is such an important date for us – we want to get the message out that Samaritans are here 24 hours a day for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope. They can contact us on freephone 116 123 or by e mail jo@samaritans.ie

It remains a challenging time for many people and we want to remind the public that they are not alone. Often one call can prevent a crisis becoming a tragedy. Our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing”.

Samaritans Drogheda and North East will be present at MacBride Railway station as part of our Awareness Day highlighting our service and affording us a great opportunity to engage with the public.

Speaking at the “Tree of Hope” planting ceremony in St. Dominics Park, Mayor of Drogheda Cllr. Michelle Hall, said: “It is a deep honour to stand before you today as we gather to plant this Tree of Hope — a symbol of growth, resilience, and compassion in the heart of Drogheda.

“We are not just planting a tree. We are planting a message. A message to every person who may be struggling, who may feel lost or alone, that hope is alive. That it is rooted here in our community. And that there are people who care — people who will listen, without judgment and without hesitation.

“To the Samaritans of Drogheda: your work is nothing short of life-saving. You offer a listening ear, a calming voice in the darkest hours. You are present when others cannot be. You remind us that the simple act of listening can be an act of great love.

This tree will grow in the years to come, just as we hope to grow as a more compassionate and connected town. It will stand as a living monument to the power of kindness, the courage it takes to reach out, and the importance of mental health support in every corner of our society.

• Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.ie or visit samaritans.ie for more information.
• To volunteer with Samaritans visit samaritans.ie/volunteer

Samaritans Awareness Day is marked to show Samaritans is there for callers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For information on the 24 hour Challenge visit www.samaritans.ie/24hours