Samaritans Prepares for Presence at the National Ploughing Championships

 

Samaritans volunteers will be on hand to offer confidential emotional support to people visiting and taking part in the upcoming National Ploughing Championships, which take place from tomorrow, Tuesday, 24^th – Thursday, 26^th September in Ratheniska, Co. Laois.

 

Samaritans is continuing to develop its annual presence at the Ploughing Championships following a huge response from the public in recent years. 18 volunteers from its Kildare / Newbridge branch will be on site throughout the three-day event, which has an average annual attendance of 180,000 visitors.

 

Through their presence at the championships, Samaritans hopes to raise awareness of the challenges faced by rural and farming communities such as isolation and cutbacks to local services.

 

Media are welcome to visit the Samaritans stands at the Championships, which will be located at the Health and Wellness (Dunamaise & Nore) section, Stand 729 Row A1 Block 1 Unit 38. While there they can speak to volunteers and get a better idea of the services they provide.

Commenting today, Carmel Hedderman, Director of the Kildare / Newbridge Samaritans, said: Cutbacks to local services such as public transport, may lead to isolation and can have a devastating effect on the mental wellbeing of many rural people. This year – in particular – we’re sending a message to men that they should not hide their feelings or be reluctant to talk about problems.  Men are often criticised for not seeking help; however, by ignoring problems, or not talking about them, the burden can increase and lead to much greater mental health problems. Our volunteers are here to help these people, who may be finding it difficult to cope.

 

Samaritans’ helpline number is 1850 60 90 90.