Statement to Callers About Samaritans' Confidentiality Policy
Tuesday 23 February
2010
Samaritans would like to reassure its callers about our
confidentiality policy.
At Samaritans we believe that everything our callers tell us,
including the fact that they have contacted us, is confidential to
Samaritans.
This means we can’t talk to anyone outside of the organisation
about anything we hear.
Samaritans’ concept of complete confidentiality means that we do
not disclose information that has been divulged by a caller, even
if the caller remains anonymous.
Why do we
have a confidentiality policy?
We believe our confidentiality policy encourages people to talk
to us.
If people thought their information would be passed on to
another source, there is a strong chance that they would not be
honest about how they are feeling.
It is the act of speaking the seemingly unspeakable that can
offer huge emotional release, reduce distress and help people to
think through their options and see another way forward.
By taking away confidentiality, we risk someone not talking at
all. By taking away the opportunity to talk, emotions can spiral
out of control and there is a danger of closing the gap between
thought and action, between suicidal feelings and the possibility
of a suicide attempt.
For more information about our confidentiality policy, please
see Samaritans Caller Privacy and
Data Protection Statement.
Confidentiality is one of Samaritans’ core values. Find out more about Samaritans'
values
Why do Samaritans not give advice?
Samaritans' services are based on the concept that enabling a
person to find their own solution will result in a more effective
and sustainable solution.
In other words, we believe that if you simply tell someone what
to do, you will get a poorer outcome.
As a result, we do not give advice but enable people to talk in
order to help them put their thoughts and feelings in order and to
reflect on what is happening around them. By talking to someone,
people are able to express and understand the way they feel and in
doing so are able to find solutions and options that they hadn’t
recognised before.
What
happens when I contact Samaritans?
About
Samaritans
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or
emotional distress, you can call Samaritans for support 24 hours a
day on 08457 90 90 90 (UK) and 1850 60 90 90 (ROI), email jo@samaritans.org or visit
us face to
face.
Find out more about our
service