Fáilte chuig gaa.ie - suíomh oifigiúil CLG

About the GAA & Samaritans Partnership

Samaritans Image

Samaritans Image

The GAA and Samaritans have come together to offer greater emotional support for people who are struggling to cope across the 32 counties. The announcement in April 2014 was the first of a series of initiatives undertaken by the GAA to make sure its members had access to emotional support in challenging times. For Samaritans, working with the country’s largest sporting and community organisation offers the opportunity to extend its important work even further across the country and into every parish on the island of Ireland.

“Mental health was identified as a key focus area for the GAA in 2014 and the volunteer based ethos and 32-county nature of Samaritans made them a natural fit for the Association,” explained iar-Uachtarán CLG, Liam O’Neill at the launch. “At some stage of our lives we all struggle. The GAA has always prided itself on being there for its members in times of need, and now thanks to Samaritans, our members across the entire GAA family have an additional support structure available to them.”

While Samaritans’ vision remains that fewer people should die by suicide, the charity’s callers do not need to be suicidal to pick up the phone. People contact the helpline about everything from depression, relationship and family issues to loneliness, physical and mental health issues, abuse, financial worries and much more.

What the Partnership means to Clubs

The partnership aims to encourage people who are going through a difficult time to seek help, while also tackling the stigma associated with mental health problems. In doing so, both organisations hope that people will access the round the clock support provided by Samaritans.

Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or click HERE to access their website