Voluntary groups - Charities need our full support

It is an unpalatable fact that in a time of economic boom, voluntary organisations, which lift a considerable burden from the State’s shoulders by way of providing vital services, are all too often the victims of that healthy economy.

The Samaritans, along with other organisations, such as Aware and the St Vincent de Paul Society, are experiencing problems because of a lack of volunteers to help them out.

The Samaritans, for instance, are at their lowest level of volunteers since 1973, although the demand for their 24-hour services is escalating. Since 1989, their complement of volunteers has fallen from 2,500 to 1,700 last year.

Conversely, the demand on them is tremendous, as illustrated by the fact that half-a-million calls were dealt with last year.

Too often, Government funding is not sufficient to meet the demands of such organisations, adding to their problems by having to engage in fundraising to ensure that they will always be available to supply the service and consolation expected of them.

The Samaritans are embarking on a recruitment drive to attract young people to give of their time as volunteers and are aiming at those between 18 and 24 years of age.