Kintsugi, a centuries-old artistic practice meaning 'golden joinery', involves repairing ceramics that have fallen into disrepair with lacquer and gold. Taking care to fix these objects, and keeping the means to repair visible, there is a belief in accepting flaws and valuing the history of an object. We drew parallels between this viewpoint and the vital service provided by the Dublin Samaritans. Talking, and being listened to, can act as the lacquer and gold to repair and bring fragments back together in wholeness. This understanding, in addition to embracing an openness towards cracks that might have appeared in ourselves, is the cornerstone of the Dublin Samaritans, as seen through
their team of volunteers to listen without judgement,24/7. 

We all have been broken along the way - some of us experience it for longer, some of us experience it deeper, and some of us are broken right now. We must be mindful that being broken is a natural part of our human experience - and speaking about it helps. It is crucial that we eliminate the shame associated with our struggles and empower people to express themselves openly.