Sophie's Story

Sophie Andrews, Samaritans volunteer and regional manager for a network of 19 branches

Transcript of Samaritans BBC Radio 4 Appeal, April 2008

I’m telling you my story because the charity that saved me needs your help.

I was adopted as a child and at the age of 12 my adoptive father started sexually abusing me. When I was 14 my adoptive mother left home. I was left alone with him.  

Unable to cope, I spiralled into suicidal misery and started to self-harm regularly. Hurting myself became a way to escape the agony, numb the pain and cope with the thoughts in my head.

I saw an advert for Samaritans in a phone box and I had no idea how they could help, but I was at my lowest point and felt absolutely desperate. I made that first call and found a voice at the end of the phone that was calm and understanding. From then on talking to someone in complete confidence who wouldn’t judge me became my lifeline and my only escape from what was happening at home.  

I phoned Samaritans 2 or 3 times a day during my darkest times and I have no doubt that I am alive today because of the real strength they gave me. Their listeners can always be relied upon to provide a real source of comfort and non-judgemental support.

Whenever things got too much Samaritans was by my side which helped me to see another day. Their spirit and care through the simple act of listening is the reason I am here and is what inspired me to become a Samaritans volunteer.

I’ve been a volunteer for Samaritans for 14 years now helping people deal with problems ranging from loneliness and isolation to suicidal feelings. We are here if you’re worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk.

I feel very strongly that anyone who is in any kind of distress knows they can turn to Samaritans for confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

But to do this we really need your help. I’ve stood shaking buckets and tins for Samaritans and I’m mostly asked for directions because people think we are government funded. We’re not. We have 17,000 trained volunteers who are there for the 5.2 million people who contact us every year, by phone, face to face visits, email or letter. A donation of £20 would enable Samaritans to respond to 10 calls for help.

Save a life today by giving now either online via the Radio 4 website or by calling 0800 404 8144. Or you can write a cheque to Samaritans and send it to Freepost BBC Radio 4 Appeal. Please mark Samaritans on the back of your envelope. Thank you.

Alternatively, you can donate on this website, or view other options to donate directly to Samaritans.

Read more personal experiences