Samaritans service will be on duty

DROGHEDA & North East Branch of Samaritans is preparing for a busy Christmas and New Year period.

The branch, which serves counties Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan, will have volunteers available around the clock for anyone who feels they need to talk, in confidence, about whatever is getting to them – on Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Day or indeed any other day of the year.

Pat Mulholland, who recently replaced Marie McCormack as director of the local branch, said Christmas and the New Year period can be especially hard for many people.

‘We know that loneliness and isolation are both factors in this,’ said Mr Mulholland. ‘We don’t want anyone to struggle whether they are on their own, or are feeling alone in a crowd. You can call Samaritans for free from any phone.’

Samaritans can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year on Freecall 116 123, by texting 087-2609090 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org