Hitchin

Who we are and what we do

We are ordinary people from all walks of life from across North Herts who give our time to be there for our callers at times of need. We are here to provide non-judgemental emotional support every day and night of the year. In the last year our dedicated volunteers have taken over 20,000 calls, spent around 6,000 hours on the phone and responded to 600 different online chats.

We are an independent, local charity run solely by unpaid volunteers. To do this each year we need to raise £35,000 just to stay open and we rely on the amazing generosity of our donors and support volunteers. Please do read our fundraising page if you would like to help.

You can also read our most recent Annual Review

You will also find us out and about in the raising awareness of Samaritans and providing support to the community. We can be spotted at local train stations as part of our partnership with Network Rail, at Lister Hospital, and giving talks in schools, community centres, workplaces and for well-being groups. Visit our outreach and events page to find out more about our community and fundraising events and what we will be up to in the coming months.

Join us!

We are always looking to recruit new volunteers and we warmly welcome anyone who wants to join us either as a Listener providing emotional support or as a Support Volunteer helping our branch to run. We are committed to equality and diversity and celebrate the unique perspectives people in our many local communities may have to offer. We are also incredibly friendly, sociable and fun! Why not find out more about volunteering at one of our regular Information Sessions.

Fundraise for us!

Each year we need to raise around £35,000 just to cover our operating costs and we can't do this alone! We do not receive funds from Samaritans Central Office and we rely on our donors and our volunteers who give up their time to help with fundraising activities. Whether you are a company who make us your Charity of the Year or an individual who loves to run, swim or bake, you can help us too! Please visit our fundraising page to find out ways you can help.

You can also donate directly to our Hitchin Branch via the 'Donate to this branch' button just above the map on this page and in the box after our Privacy Statement. It's quick and easy to do.

Or you can donate by text to our branch:

Text SAMARITANS 3 to 70460 to donate £3. Texts cost £3 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £3 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAMARITANSNOINFO 3 to 70460.

Our privacy statement

At Samaritans, privacy is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to protecting your privacy and the personal information that we hold. Read our privacy statement here.