The Samaritans
The Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
What can I expect when I contact the Samaritans?
A completely non-judgemental space in which to explore your feelings and situations. The Samaritan will not tell you what to do, they will simply listen and explore your feelings with you, for as long as you need.
Don't I have to be suicidal to call the Samaritans?
No. This is a common myth. The Samaritans is there to support anybody in times of emotional crisis. Whatever that crisis may be. You can be worried about exams, sad about a parents divorce, anything. The Samaritans will listen to you.
If I'm under 18 will they tell my parents what I say?
Anything you tell the Samaritans will remain confidential to the Samaritans and won't be passed on. The only thing to be aware of is that the Samaritans phone number will appear on your phone bill, so you might want consider emailling the Samaritans instead if this is a concern to you.
How can I contact the Samaritans?
You can call the Samaritans via the phone on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) or 1850 60 90 90 (ROI). However, thats not the only way of contacting them! You can also email them on jo@samaritans.org, or you can write a letter to them addressed to Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA. Whatever method you choose, you will recieve a non-judgemental listening ear, to help you talk through your problems for as long as you need too.
How can I help the Samaritans?
The Samaritans costs around £10 million a year to run so raising money is crucial to its existance. Raising money is one way you can help them.
You can also train to be a volunteer once you are over 18. More information about volunteering can be found on their website. But once you have trained you can be a listening or non-listening volunteer. Non-listening volunteers help with maintenance of drop in centres, publicity, fundraising, and much more! Listening volunteers are trained to specifically answer the phone. Both of these types of volunteers are always needed by Samaritans.
For more information go to www.samaritans.org.uk.
