About Samaritans

Samaritans' values are based on these beliefs:

The importance of having the opportunity to explore difficult feelings

That being listened to, in confidence and accepted without prejudice, can alleviate despair and suicidal feelings

That everyone has the right to make fundamental decisions about their own life, including the decision to die by suicide

It doesn't matter who they are - if a person is in crisis, despairing or suicidal, it can make all the difference to talk about how they are feeling.

Anyone who needs to, can speak in total confidence with a Samaritans volunteer about anything that is troubling them. Samaritans will not judge them or tell them what to do; but Samaritans will try to help them think things through. With Samaritans, they get the time and the space to find a way through.

In addition to this service, Samaritans gets involved with lots of different outreach projects within the local community such as: talking at schools, offering support at festivals and visiting hospitals. Samaritans also provides a service to the Prison Service, training prisoners to help other inmates.

Samaritans is entirely dependent on voluntary support, and new volunteers are always needed. It's a challenging experience and it can be very rewarding, knowing that you may have made a difference. Anyone who is interested can apply online at www.samaritans.org or contact their nearest branch by checking the list on Samaritans' website.