The Samaritans Regional Conference 2026
Two days of talks, panels and breakouts on community, listening and technology.
At A Glance
🗨️ Talks
👥 Panels
🌱 Community Conversations
🧠 Shared Reflections
What to Expect
Talks and panel discussions grounded in real listening work.
The morning sessions centre on community voices and lived experience from across Galway and beyond.
Interactive breakout sessions.
Networking with volunteers from across Ireland.
All volunteers are welcome.
How the day works
Arrive from 08:30
Registration and coffee
Sessions and breaks
Lunch included
Wrap-up around 17:00
Friday Evening – Friday 24 April
A relaxed evening to arrive, register, and mark 50 years of Galway Samaritans from 7pm.
Welcome Reception
Finger food, light refreshments from 7pm
Early registration available for those arriving on Friday
Fireside Chat
Long-serving Galway volunteers reflect on 50 years of listening, community and change
Traditional Music
Live local music to bring the evening to a close
Saturday – Saturday 25 April
A full day of talks, panels and breakouts.
Exploring community, listening and the role of technology in Samaritans’ future.
- Arrival and registration from 08:30
- Conference opening and morning talks
- Community panel and discussion
- Lunch and networking
- Afternoon discussions
- Closing reflections
- Gala Dinner Event (optional)
Speakers
Sheila Stapleton
Volunteer, HUGG
A perspective on bereavement, listening, and how communities support people after loss.
Arthur Carr
Claddagh Watch
A community-led perspective on prevention, presence, and informal listening in Galway.
Emma Clarke
ADAPT Centre, DCU
Exploring how emerging technologies intersect with empathy, inclusion, and human-centred support.
More Speakers to be announced soon
Sunday
An optional morning for those staying on, with a chance to explore Galway and visit the local Samaritans branch.
- Visit to the Galway Samaritans branch at 11:00
- Walking tour of Galway
- Coffee and informal chats with volunteers from all over Ireland