'Listening walker' to raise awareness about mental health in Kildare
David Matthews previously visited Samaritan branches across England, Wales and Scotland
A ‘listening walker' who aims to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention will begin his journey in County Kildare this weekend.
The event has been highlighted by the Newbridge-Kildare branch of The Samaritans, a voluntary organisation which works to provide assistance to those experiencing a mental health crisis.
As explained by the branch, mental health activist David Matthews, also known as the ‘listening walker’, has walked around Scotland, UK and Wales, visiting different Samaritan branches in order to raise awareness of The Samaritans and suicide prevention.
“He has walked 4,000 kilometres so far,” Newbridge-Kildare Samaritans explained. “He is starting his journey around Ireland at our branch tomorrow [Saturday, August 1, 2026] at around 4pm.”
“If you are in the area pop along and say hello,” the Newbridge-Kildare branch concluded.
Last week, members of this particular branch agreed to an interview with the Leinster Leader.
The poignant and insightful interview can be read here.
The Newbridge-Kildare branch also helped promote positive mental health and suicide prevention during last week’s Samaritans Awareness Day 2026, which took place on Friday, July 24 last.
Anyone seeking further information about David Matthews and his work to raise awareness around mental health and suicide prevention can visit his official Instagram profile, listeningwalker.