Cracked and broken, yet beautiful. Right here on Montague Lane off Camden Street stands the Flower Patch Mural. It is an initiative of Dublin Samaritans inspired by Kintsugi.
Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art. It repairs broken ceramics with gold. The cracks become a treasured feature of the piece.
Dublin Samaritans hopes to highlight its 24/7 freephone. The number 116 123 is available 365 days a year. Talking can help mend the cracks.
The Flower Patch Mural depicts a person’s face. It is cracked and broken. Street artist Joe Caslin completed it over five days.
In a symbolic unveiling, the artist and Dublin Samaritans added gold. This represents Dublin Samaritans’ message. A poem by Darragh Fleming accompanies the mural.
Dublin Samaritans collaborated with TBWA to bring the mural to life. It symbolises celebrating imperfections. Overcoming struggles makes us more valuable and unique.
Mary McMahon is the Director of Dublin Samaritans. She explains that having cracks is part of being human. We can’t fix people’s problems. Listening helps people mend their cracks.
The Kintsugi-inspired Flower Patch Mural emphasizes that healing comes from embracing imperfections.
In the call center, they have a slogan. “If talking is silver, listening is gold.” Callers will value their journey. Their flaws can be their strengths, to be treasured like gold.
Dublin Samaritans is the only 24-hour emotional support helpline. It covers the island of Ireland. They answer a call every 61 seconds.
Calls to Samaritans rose by more than 10%. Volunteers answered more than 1,000 calls a day. These were from people struggling to cope. Volunteers dedicated 95,000 hours to listening. An average call lasts 25 minutes.
The volunteer-run service provides a lifeline. It helps thousands of people in Ireland each year. They are troubled, in distress, struggling, or at risk of suicide.
People can contact Samaritans via email. The address is jo@samaritans.org. Or call free on 116 123. You can call even from a mobile with no credit. The number will not appear on a phone bill.
Dublin’s street art tells the story of the city. It does so in vivid color. Murals bring the city’s walls to life. They are transient and thought-provoking.
Cross the city and you’ll find ever-changing street art. It is all around.
Street art and murals connect communities. They bond and unify people. A friendly local saying gives a message of warmth. It also gives a distinct sense of place.
The Flower Patch Mural is a reminder. It connects us to our shared humanity. It is a reminder that imperfections are okay. They are what make us unique and valuable.