The Samaritans service will be hosting barbecues, parties and guided tours across the country today as part of its first awareness and fundraising day. The charity aims to highlight its service, which provides confidential support for people suffering emotional distress.
A car, specially decorated for the event, was sent on its way by the newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin Vincent Jackson at midnight last night and will visit all the Samaritans offices from Coleraine to Cork today.
There are 20 Samaritans branches across all of Ireland, with 1,958 volunteers available by phone 24 hours a day. An estimated 86,000 people contacted the Samaritans helpline (1850 60 90 90) in 2005.