Belfast Cathedral support Samaritans and the homeless
Volunteers from Samaritans’ local branch in Belfast are getting people listening this summer by supporting an event on 24 July in St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast.
It’s all part of a nationwide push called The Big Listen to raise funds for Samaritans and show how really listening to another person can be the first step to saving a life.
The Cathedral want to raise awareness of the plight of the many homeless people who sleep on the street close to the building and to signpost Samaritans as a support charity which can provide much needed emotional support to those in need throughout the day on the 24 July.
The Big Listen activity across the UK and Ireland, will culminate in a marathon 24–hour event kicking off at midday on 24 July (24/7) – chosen to reflect the availability of Samaritans’ 24–hour emotional support services.
Belfast Cathedral Events and Marketing Officer, Holly Wilson said: “We realise that for many people living homeless on our streets, life can be difficult and having someone to talk to is very important if you are struggling with your feelings. So the Cathedral would like to step up and help in any way that we can. Our idea is that on the day of The Big Listen event any money the Cathedral makes from admission fees or donations will be donated to Samaritans.”
Holly continued:” Even just in baking and bringing buns, juice, and coffee – just again to make it a little more appealing and give people a reason to call in. We would also like to start attaching ‘Messages of Hope’ along the railings of the Cathedral. Similar to those that run along the Foyle Bridge.”
Alan Heron from Samaritans branch in Belfast said: “It’s thought that as many as 1 in 5 people have thought about taking their own life at some point. When people feel like that, they need to be able to talk about it, which means they need people to listen.
“As Samaritans volunteers, we know how much listening to someone at a really low point can help them feel less alone, more able to deal with difficult thoughts and feelings, and give them the time and space to reflect and move on.”
Funds raised by The Big Listen will help Samaritans keep its services free for anyone who needs them, as well as helping to recruit, train and support volunteers across the Irish region.
Anyone can back The Big Listen by making a donation, learning more about listening and planning their own fundraising events. Find out more at: www.samaritans.org/media-centre/big-listen.
You can follow #TheBigListen @samaritans on Twitter @samaritanscharity on Instagram or Samaritans’ Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity/