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With Help Comes Hope

What we do

We patrol the bridges and river of Waterford City.

Every Friday night from 10pm to 2am, two volunteer patrols are out — one on Rice Bridge, the other on the Quays. A visible, compassionate presence on the river. Here is how it works.

Five volunteers in orange rain gear with torches on a wet quayside at dusk
Out in all weathers. Head to toe rain gear on a wet Friday night.

A calm, recognisable presence.

We are not there to intrude. We are there to be seen. A wave, a hello, a chat for anyone who needs one. Many of our interventions are simply that: a friendly face at the right moment.

When someone needs more, we are trained to stay with them, to listen without judgement, and to get the right help on its way. Many people also drop in to our crisis centre at the base on a Friday night, no appointment needed, just a cup of tea and someone to talk to.

How we help

More than a passing word.

It is not only about the river. We support people through self-harm, addiction, money and housing worries, and family crises, helping them take the next step towards safety and recovery.

We listen

Peer-led support from people with training and lived experience, without judgement and in confidence.

We help make a safety plan

We support those at risk to form a plan to keep themselves safe.

We connect to services

We link people in with the right help, from MABS for money worries to Focus Ireland and the Simon Community for housing.

We signpost

We point people towards the local organisations and services that can help in their recovery.

We follow up

A follow-up call on the Monday, and a counsellor through the Men’s Development Network who can see people within days.

We train our volunteers

Every volunteer is trained in suicide prevention, intervention and mental health care.

A joined-up system

We are the first point of contact.

1

We spot and respond

Our patrols are first on the scene, offering a calm presence and a conversation.

2

We check with the Coast Guard

We stay in contact with the Coast Guard throughout every patrol.

3

Waterford River Rescue take the water

Waterford City River Rescue are tasked to any water entry. The right people for the job.

Looking ahead

Our five-year vision

Friday and Tuesday are the highest-risk nights in Ireland. Our first step is opening the crisis centre on a second night, then more nights and, in time, a Re-A-Suir in every town that needs one.

Tuesdaythe next night we aim to cover
7 nightsthe long-term goal
Waterford City and the River Suir lit up at dusk, seen from across the water