The Samaritans

Despairing? Suicidal? Turn to the Samaritans.
There are moments in all our lives when we feel that there is nobody we can turn to when we need it most. These deep feelings of despair and lonliness can affect anyone at any time, wherever you live and whatever you do. Talking about and sharing those feelings can be the first step to resolving them - but it is not always easy to find the right person to talk to. The Samaritans understand what it's like to fell emotionally isolated and are always there for those for whom life may be getting too much to bear. We will listen to you in complete confidence.

All about the Samaritans.
The Samaritans are volunteers who offer emotional support to people who are feeling desperate, lonely or suicidal. We are ordinary people from every background and are carefully selected and prepared for the support we offer. We are always available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including Christmas day, and there are more than 180 branches throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The Samaritans provide sympathetic, caring and confidential support. We are not a religious organization and are there for everyone from any walk of life, whatever age, colour, faith or sex. You can share your innermost feelings with Samaritan volunteers without fear of criticism or judgement. You needn't even tell us your name. Every branch is listed in the local directory under 'S' and if you can't telephone or visit a branch then you can write.

Could you be at the end of the line?
The Samaritans have more than 22,000 volunteers but have a continual need for more to help us maintain and expand the vital service we offer to the community. We are looking for people who can listen compassionately and who are willing to support anyone who is lonely, frightened, in trouble or has come to the point when they feel life is no longer worth living. You don't need to be an expert to be a good listener. You just have to understand how other people feel and be there for them in their time of need. We provide a preparation programme which will enable you and us to decide whether you could help at one of our centres.

Help us to help others.
Suicide is one of the major causes of death. At least one person kills themselves every two hours and somebody tries to take their life every two and a half minutes. The Samaritans as a charity need to raise £3 million each year to continue and expand the service. Each year, The Samaritans receive well over two million calls and telephone bills alone amount to more than £400,000

You can help The Samaritans.

• By making a donation.
  Every gift, however much or little, will enable The Samaritans to continue and expand the support given to suicidal and despairing people.
• By making a covenant.
  We are a registered charity and you can therefore make a gift by dead of covenant. It costs you nothing, but allows us to recover Income Tax from the Government which you have already paid and so increases the amount you give by almost half as much again. (This does not apply in the Republic of Ireland).
• By joining The Samaritans Supporters' Club
  A minimum subscription of £12 per annum on completion of an application form for the Club means that you will receive our quarterly newsletter giving news of The Samaritans and a special badge and car sticker. Through the scheme you will be supporting The Samaritans centrally and at branch level.
• By fundraising for The Samaritans.
  Both The the Samaritans Appeal and particularly branches are always grateful for offers of help with fundraising events.

If you can help in any of these ways please respond to your local branch [address to be inserted here] or to
The Samaritans Appeal,
Freepost 25,

London W1E 6AP.