There was a rise in the number of people who contacted the Samaritans last year.
More than 500,000 calls and emails were answered in 2022 compared to 490,000 the previous year.
Most of the concerns raised by people related to mental health or illness (42%).
34% of contacts related to isolation and loneliness, 30% were about family and 20% about relationship problems, but multiple issues can be raised in one call.
A team of trained Samaritans Postvention Advisors and volunteers in local branches responded to five incidents last year, supporting teachers, trainers or leadership teams who were supporting young people following a tragedy.
Rural Communities
In 2022, the charity launched a campaign aiming to reach those in rural communities who are struggling to cope.
8 out of 10 people living in rural areas said there were a variety of factors stopping them seeking support even if they were struggling.
31% were concerned about lack of privacy, 28% did not know who to turn to and 26% felt there was a stigma around mental health.
To encourage people living in rural communities the charity put signage on approximately 500 milk trucks and agri-feed vehicles.
Prisons
Calls to the Samaritans' freephone helpline number from prison inmates dropped last year to more than 18,000 calls from 19,600 in 2021.
However, Samaritan volunteers regained access to most prisons throughout 2022 for weekly or fortnightly visits as post-pandemic restrictions were lifted.
With more than 2,000 volunteers in 21 branches nationwide, Samaritans is the only 24-hour helpline of its kind that covers the island of Ireland.
400,000 were made from the Republic of Ireland and 100,000 from Northern Ireland in 2022.
4,500 calls were diverted to the Samaritans from other helplines when those services were closed or out of hours.
