GAA and Samaritans team up

The GAA and Samaritans have come together to offer greater emotional support for people who are struggling to cope across the 32 counties.

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
Liam Ó Néill

The announcement is the first of a series of initiatives the GAA will be undertaking this year to make sure its members have access to emotional support in these 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.

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.

“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,” explains An tUachtarán CLG, Liam O’Neill. “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.”

Catherine Brogan, Executive Director for Samaritans Ireland, said “Samaritans and the GAA are an important part of community life in Ireland. Both organisations are aware of the problems that so many are experiencing and understand the importance of providing support. This innovative partnership will allow us to let people know that there is always someone there to talk to