What we do

Today and every day, Samaritans answers a call for help every 10 seconds.

We’re here for people when it matters most.

Every hour. Of every day. For every life we can help to save.

Today and every day, we raise our voice on suicide prevention issues. We know that lives depend on it. In the UK and Ireland someone dies by suicide every 90 minutes. Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50 and of young people aged 15 to 34.

But suicide doesn’t affect everyone equally. People from lower socio-economic backgrounds and living in the most deprived areas are at higher risk of suicide. Men are around three times more likely to die by suicide than women. People in prison are also significantly more likely to take their own lives. Research suggests that LGBTQ+ communities are at a higher risk of suicide and self-harm. For people from racialised communities, there is not enough understanding of suicide risk, and this needs to change.

Achieving our vision that fewer people die by suicide requires a deep societal shift. That’s why we connect with others to drive change that can save lives. Partnering with government, other charities, the media and companies to prevent suicide. All while making sure our work is shaped by people with lived experience and based on research and evidence.

Today and every day, we’re saving lives through the power of human connection. By working together, we can do even more. We can be there for more people who are suicidal or in crisis, make suicide prevention a priority and reach more people before it’s too late.