Published on Wednesday16thDecember2015
Minister Lynch launches Samaritans Impact Report
Minister Lynch speaking at the launch of the report
Mental Health Minister Kathleen Lynch today launched the Samaritan's 2014 - 2015 Impact Report.
According to the report, this year saw a 30% increase in calls to the organisation's free helpline. This worked out as one call for help every minute in the past 12 months.
The charity credits the increase to the introduction of a free-to-call helpline in March 2014.
Minister Lynch said:
The support of the telecommunications industry and the dedication of 1,569 Samaritans volunteers across the country means that there is always someone to talk to if you are going through a difficult time. This support can be lifesaving. The industry's support allows Samaritans to concentrate on what they do best - reaching out to the people in need and focusing on making their service as accessible as possible by expanding their network and targeting at risk groups.
You can read the full report here.
Samaritans free-to-call helpline: 116 123