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Samaritans took its first call on 2nd November 1953. Its
original phone number was MAN 9000. Read
more about Samaritans history
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Samaritans was the first 24 hour telephone helpline to be set up
in the UK and has helped many of the other helplines that exist
today through its experience.
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Samaritans has received calls from people as young as 10 and as
old as 90 in its 53 year history.
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The Samaritans UK number 0845 7909090 has the most complex
Calling Plan in the UK.
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Since 1984, the organisation has received 61 million contacts in
which people felt able to speak.
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The biggest branch is Central London,
which currently has 398 active volunteers. It is also the oldest
branch.
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The smallest branch is Stornoway in
Scotland, which currently has 12 volunteers.
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In addition to its activities in the UK and Republic of Ireland,
Samaritans supports information sharing between400 affiliated
centres in 39 countries and shares their combined experiences in
the international arena. For more information visit www.befrienders.org
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The ratio of volunteers to paid staff across the organisation is
236:1.The national average ratio amongst other charities is
estimated at 34:1.
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Samaritans volunteers cover 582 telephone helplines 24
hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days-a-year.
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Currently there are 188 Samaritans branches providing the
service via email.
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Samaritans phone lines are busiest between 9.00 p.m. and 4.00
a.m.
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Samaritans was the first organisation in the world to develop a
24/7 SMS text messaging service for emotional support
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Samaritans branches are spread across the UK and Republic of
Ireland, from Truro in the south west of Scotland to Thurso in the
north of Scotland, and from Norwich in the east of England to Sligo
in the west of Ireland. In addition, there are branches on Isle of
Lewis, the Isle of Man, Orkney, Shetland, Isle of Wight, Guernsey
and Jersey.
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Our Festival branch in England and Irish Festival Group ensure
that even if you are in a muddy field in the middle of nowhere and
your mobile is not working, Samaritans unique listening and
emotional support service is available. Find out more about Festival
branch on their website
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In 2007, Samaritans trained in the region of 1,600 volunteer
listeners (prisoners trained and supported by Samaritans) in
approximately 143 prisons across England and Wales. The listeners
responded to approximately 100,000 contacts.
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Samaritans reaches an estimated 77,000 young people each year
through its work in schools.
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Since 2003 Samaritans External Training
Services have trained almost 4,000 people in handling difficult
contacts, enhanced communication skills and tackling stress at
work.