Samaritans

Samaritans are a charity that listen and provide support to those in emotional distress, working to prevent suicides.

Samaritans run a phone line, app, email and letter service to support those at risk of suicide. They respond to roughly 10,000 calls for help every day. In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same. Although the organisation was founded by a vicar in 1953 who gave it is biblical name, Samaritans are not a religious charity.

How You Can Help

Time: Various | affected by Covid-19

You can volunteer to become either a listening or support volunteer with the Samaritans.

Listening volunteers answer calls and messages from people who reach out for help. Support volunteers help branches in a variety of ways, such as fundraising, administration, marketing or IT.

Visit the Samaritans website to apply to become a volunteer.

Please note: During the pandemic, the Samaritans have received a large number of volunteering enquiries. There is currently a waiting list at many branches, so applicants may not be accepted immediately.

Cost: Various

Make a monthly or one-off donation to the Samaritans here, fundraise by creating your own campaign or joining an existing one, or browse their online shop.   

Location: United Kingdom

Find out more: https://www.samaritans.org/

(This information was updated 06/08/21 and will be checked regularly by the Do Something Directory team. If you notice any mistakes, please let us know.)