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Arthur and Deborah Carr were today named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year for their outstanding commitment to supporting those in crisis in Galway. The couple are responsible for two voluntary mental health organisations in the area – mental health support line Galway East Life Support, and Claddagh Watch Patrol, which runs volunteer patrols aiming to prevent deaths by accident and suicide on the waterways of Galway City.
Not a week goes by where the couple aren’t both on the bridges of Galway, in between their behind the scenes work fundraising for vital equipment and trying to secure premises for the group. Together, they have recruited and trained over 80 volunteers for the patrol, ensuring they are supported and encouraged throughout. The role is as challenging one – earlier this year they came across a man at risk of suicide twice on the same night – but the couple remain undeterred and passionate about helping those in need.
According to Volunteer Ireland CEO Nina Arwitz “Arthur and Deborah embody everything about the true volunteering spirit. They have a clear passion for helping others and dedicate so much of their free time to supporting those in crisis. It is clear from their nomination that not only do they have a big impact on those they help but also on the team of volunteers they support and train to carry out what I’m sure at times is a very difficult role.”
