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What we do

Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you

Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.

We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, we’re taking action to prevent the crisis.

We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives.

We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.

In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

That’s why we work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.

Read more about our vision, mission and values.

Who we are

During 2021, around 22,000 people volunteered their time for Samaritans.

  • Almost 20,000 trained listening volunteers responded to calls for help.
  • Around 2,500 volunteers supported the running of more than 200 branches and locations across the UK and Ireland.
  • Over 1,300 people in prison volunteered as trained Listeners.

Read more about Samaritans' structure and how our volunteers, staff and branches work together.

Our vision, mission and values

Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide.

Our organisation

Find out who we are, what we do, how we're structured.

About Samaritans

Who we are, how we started and what we do.

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About Samaritans

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Samaritans is a charity registered in England and Wales (219432) and in Scotland (SC040604) and incorporated in England and Wales as a company limited by guarantee (757372). Samaritans Ireland is a charity registered in the Republic of Ireland (20033668) and incorporated in the Republic of Ireland as a company limited by guarantee (450409). Samaritans Enterprises is a private limited company (01451175).