The Samaritans service in Ireland has responded to almost half a million calls this year.
According to the report, over 478,200 calls to the helpline, almost 12,000 emails and over 8,000 texts were answered by Samaritans volunteers. There were also just under 8,700 face to face visits to Samaritans branches across the Republic.
The organisation says the launch of its nationwide freefone number contributed to more than 50 percent of the increase.
The number was launched in March as part of an initiative involving the Samaritans, the Government, the National Office for Suicide Prevention and the telecommunications industry.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Catherine Brogan, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, said: “The figures show that there is a huge demand for our service and we are aware - from the nature of our calls - that many people In Ireland are struggling to cope. By making our service as accessible as possible, we hope to be there to support people through their problems.
“This year, we removed a significant barrier with the launch of our new free to caller number, 116 123. A partnership between Samaritans, the telecommunications industry, Government and the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has made it possible for people to talk to us round the clock at no cost to the caller”.
