As the founding branch of the organisation, Central London Samaritans has been providing emotional support for people who are struggling to cope for over 70 years. Our volunteers are here to listen around the clock, every single day of the year.

Our volunteers

Donate 80,000 hours to run our charity – equivalent to 44 full time staff – which ensures we remain open to callers 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Respond to over 70,000 calls for help via phone, email and webchat from people who are experiencing emotional distress, despair, or suicidal feelings.

Support up to 4,000 callers face-to-face via our branch drop-in service.

Help around 7,000 of London’s most vulnerable people including homeless people, those bereaved by suicide, people in prison and in custody.

Raise awareness with the wider community through our work with other charities, corporates, universities, and other organisations.

Our impact

Getting a response from a real person and being given the time and space to talk things through – and most importantly being heard – can help people find a way through their problems.

People contact Samaritans for many reasons and will often talk about a range of different concerns including mental health or illness, family and relationship problems, isolation, loneliness and bereavement. Suicidal feelings are expressed during 1 in 4 calls for help that involve emotional support.