The Reverend Chad Varah wanted to create a society in which fewer people die by suicide; where people are able to explore their feelings; and where we acknowledge and respect the feelings of others.  This idea came about because he had been told the story of a young teenager who had committed suicide when she found that there was nobody she could talk to about her unhappiness.  She believed that there wasn’t anybody who was prepared to simply listen to her.  He was so moved by this story that he founded the Samaritans organisation in 1953.  He wanted there to be somewhere where callers could go; to talk to someone who didn’t offer advice, but who took time to listen.  Since then, Samaritans have listened to many, many thousands of people who are in distress and despairing, and who feel that they have no one else to whom they can talk.   At Samaritans we listen.   We offer confidential non-judgemental support 24 hours a day. Since the first phone call was made to Samaritans in 1953, over 200 branches have opened throughout the UK. 

Although our branch of Samaritans is based in Luton at 33 Cardiff Road, we are the official branch to cover Harpenden and the surrounding villages.  Around a third of our volunteers come from Harpenden, and the rest come from Luton and South Beds.  When you consider that we have, at present, about 100 volunteers, you can see that Harpenden is a very large contributor to our local Samaritans Branch.  We have offered support to many Harpenden residents during times of distress and unhappiness in their lives.  Also, we can, and do, take calls from all over the country.  Our Tel No is 01582 720666.  If anyone wishes to talk to us at any time of the day or night, we will take the call.

It currently costs around £34,000 per year to run the local branch. This is a great deal of money to raise each year, especially as we are an independent, unaided charity affiliated to the national organisation.  The Friends of Luton and Harpenden Samaritans work very hard to find ways to generate income as do the volunteers who help with can shakes, sponsored walks, etc.

We are on the lookout for more volunteers to join our team, and if you feel that you would like to find out more about us, please contact us on 01582 720666. 
Our volunteers come from all walks of life, and their ages range from 18 to 80.
Think about us, if you are considering taking on some voluntary work. 
It is an immensely rewarding thing to do.

National Walk 2010
Saturday 12 June saw local Hitchin and Harpenden MP, Peter Lilley, open the 31st National Samaritans Walk in the Chilterns; organised by the Luton, South Beds & Harpenden branch of Samaritans.

The Mayor's Charities
We are delighted to report that the recently elected mayor for Harpenden has chosen Luton, South Beds and Harpenden to be one of his charities for this coming year.  It is a great honour for our branch.

TOWN MAYOR'S CHARITY EVENTS
Jazz Night – Friday 12 November – Harpenden House Hotel
Tickets £35 – Fork supper – Band – Raffle
Tel. 01582 463662 for details and tickets