From visiting our local parks to tending to plants indoors, spending quality time with nature has been proven to have a positive effect on our mood.
It can help to reduce feelings of stress and improve our mental and physical health. That’s why Samaritans is inviting the public to join them as Charlie Bird leads a special Hand of Friendship Walk for the charity next month.
The veteran broadcaster will take part in a 5km walk through Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, with Samaritans volunteers and supporters on Sunday 16th April, at 11am.
Members of the public who cannot travel to Wicklow for the Charlie Bird Hand of Friendship Walk, can walk in solidarity with Charlie on the day at:
• Curraghbinny Woods, Co Cork: Join volunteers from Cork Samaritans.
• Lough Key Forest Park, Co Roscommon: Join volunteers from Athlone and Sligo Samaritans.
• Ard na Gaoithe, Co Galway: Join volunteers from Galway Samaritans and the new Castlebar Samaritans site.
• Supporters can also walk at one of Coillte’s 260 recreational sites nationwide.
Coillte has 5km walking routes mapped out at most sites, as well as shorter and flatter 1km walks which will be suitable for prams and wheelchair users.
For information on the walk and sites across the country, to register or to make donation, visit www.charlieswalkoffriendship.com
Charlie said he is determined to continue to extend his Hand of Friendship to others over the coming months and supporting charities and organisations, including Samaritans.
Charlie said: “Samaritans is a cause close to my heart, with its volunteers across the country extend the hand of friendship to others 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That is why I am holding a Hand of Friendship Walk in support of Samaritans this April.
“I am urging everyone to come out and support me at Avondale or at one of the many Coillte parks being made available on the day and spread the message that one of the most powerful things we can do is extend the hand of friendship to others.”
Samaritans vision is that fewer people die by suicide. It is the only charity in Ireland offering emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone who is in distress, lonely, struggling to cope or feeling suicidal, on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director, Samaritans Ireland, said: “These are difficult times for many people and our volunteers in branches across the country are there for people during their darkest times 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 116 123. We urge anyone in despair to reach out.”
