Guildhall to light up green to raise awareness of Samaritans 24/7 service over festive period

by Gráinne Connolly

Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) will be signalling their support for the Samaritans today by lighting up the Guildhall and its offices on the Strand Road 'green'.

The message is to remind people that the charity is there to support them 24/7 over Christmas and the New Year.

Mayor of DCSDC Maolíosa McHugh welcomed the initiative, requested by the local branch of Samaritans: 

“I am delighted that Council is supporting this important initiative which aims to raise awareness of the help and support that is available for people who find themselves struggling to cope over the festive period.

“December 21 is a particularly poignant date – as it is the winter solstice and longest night of the year. 

"Indeed, when people are feeling overwhelmed, the night time can be particularly tough.  

“The Samaritans also get a lot of calls at night from those who need to talk about their feelings of distress or despair and feel they have no one else to turn to.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the excellent work of the Samaritans’ staff in the Clarendon Street office – and all of the volunteers who selflessly give of their own time to offer emotional support to people in distress or despair, including those who are suicidal.

“It is therefore vital for people throughout the city and district to know that they can contact the Samaritans any hour of the day or night over the festive period – particularly when they feel life is overwhelming.”

For people who find they are struggling over Christmas and the New Year, the local branch of Samaritans can be reached on 028 71 265 511 or the 24/7 National Freephone number is 116 123.