Samaritan volunteers from across Ireland are getting festival ready as they prepare to support thousands of revellers at the forthcoming Dublin Pride Festival.
Listening volunteers will be available in the Parliament Street/Capel Street area for anyone who needs emotional support from 9pm on Friday 28 to the early hours of Sat 29 and again from 5pm Saturday through the early hours of Sunday. They will also be available on Parnell Square before the Parade sets off and in Pride Village in Merrion Square afterwards Theresa Potter, a Samaritans volunteer and Director of the Irish Festival Group, said,”When you go to an event with thousands of people, you expect that they are having a good time, but that’s not always the case. We want to get the message out that Samaritans will be available, day or night, to support those who need us. Anyone who might be struggling to cope, or who may be feeling anxious, depressed or alone in the crowd, can look for a Samaritan to help.”
Theresa continued, “The welcome we get from the public is so encouraging. They feel that it is incredible that someone has given up their weekend to go out, rain or shine, to be a listening ear to anyone who may be in need.”