Landmarks across Ireland and Northern Ireland have been illuminated in green for the winter solstice tonight to raise awareness of support available for those experiencing dark times over the Christmas period.
Dublin's Convention Centre, Cork City Hall, the Rock of Cashel, Stormont in Belfast, the US Embassy and air traffic control towers are among the buildings and landmarks lighting up in green to mark Samaritans’s Longest Night.
The charity marks the date to remind those in need that its helpline will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, over the festive period, including Christmas Day.
Dorothy Ring, who has volunteered on Christmas Day for the last ten years, said: "Christmas is a time when, despite all the hype, some people feel more alone and isolated than ever.
"I cannot stress how wonderful it is to be able to connect and empathise for even a small amount of time to help someone get through their day.
"I volunteer on Christmas Day so I can give my presence and support as a gift to those who need it. It’s very therapeutic and rewarding.
"We want to remind anyone in need of support or a listening ear that we’re here for them 24/7 on freephone 116 123, or by email at jo@samaritans.ie."
Samaritans volunteers answered almost 35,000 calls in Ireland last December, with concerns over loneliness and isolation rising.
Tonight the US Embassy is supporting the #SamaritansLongestNight campaign by lighting up green to remind anyone in need that the Samaritans are there, even on the darkest of nights. Learn more at https://t.co/kltoGYZUVj #LongestNight #WinterSolstice @SamaritansIRL pic.twitter.com/q9kzq7mtv9
— U.S. Embassy Dublin (@USEmbassyDublin) December 21, 2021
Niall Mulligan, executive director at Samaritans Ireland, paid tribute to the volunteers for being there for callers throughout 2021, as well as over Christmas.
"Because of the dedication of our volunteers, many people will have someone to talk to if they’re feeling lonely or upset over Christmas," he said.
"We are also delighted that so many landmarks across the country are lighting up on the Longest Night to show the public we’re here for them when needed most."
This evening we are lighting our office in Green in support of @samaritans and to raise awareness of their availability through their nationwide phone number 116123 which is available 24/7.
— Leitrim County Council (@leitrimcoco) December 21, 2021
For more info visit: https://t.co/M8ZeLTDmJQ #Samaritians #SamaritiansIreland pic.twitter.com/20Gc0LFp7k
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