Sir, - In relation to Padraig O'Morain's article regarding the expected high figure of suicide last year (February 11th) I was touched by the honesty and bravery of "Tony" in telling his story. It takes great courage to talk about such deep personal feelings and he is to be congratulated for it. In particular, I was struck by one point he made - "The big mistake is thinking there's nobody out there who can help."
The Samaritans is a voluntary organisation which exists for people like Tony and for anyone who may feel that life is not worth living. We believe in the value of talking about feelings and for Tony "talking took a weight off his shoulders". We are available 24 hours a day all the year round and can often complement professional services which are not always as available.
We allow people time and space to talk in confidence about their feelings and, if they are ready, to explore the options they see themselves as having. Volunteers are ordinary people from all walks of life, just like the people who contact us, and are chosen for their ability to listen and accept rather than for any other qualifications they may have.
It would be a pity, indeed, to think there is nobody there who cares - Samaritans do. And you don't have to be suicidal to contact us. Whatever you are going through - we'll go through it with you. Our number is 1850 609090. - Yours, etc., Joe Gallagher,
Director - Dublin Samaritans, 112 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1.