Samaritans: Supporting Mental Health Since the 1960s

Introduction

Samaritans was founded in the late 1950s and early 1960s by Reverend Chad Varah, who was inspired to act after a tragic incident involving a young girl in his parish.

Foundation and Growth

Origins: Reverend Varah's initiative began in response to the suicide of a young girl who faced difficulties she couldn't comprehend, leading to his decision to support suicide prevention.

Early Beginnings: Starting with a simple notice at his church, Samaritans began as a local effort to provide a listening ear to those in need.

Expansion: What began with a handful of volunteers quickly grew into a nationwide network, now comprising approximately 226 branches across the UK.

Volunteer Network: Today, Samaritans operates with the dedication of over 23,000 volunteers, available 24/7, including leap years.

Services Provided

Accessible Support: Samaritans offers confidential support to individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, from personal crises to emotional distress.

Multi-Channel Access: Support is available through various channels including free phone calls, text messages, emails, letters, and face-to-face meetings.

Community Presence: Samaritans extends its support beyond traditional avenues, including presence at major events like concerts and festivals such as Glastonbury.

Conclusion

Samaritans continues to play a vital role in suicide prevention and emotional support, ensuring help is always available to those in need across the UK.