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Understanding our services

Research shows the impact of Samaritans services for people in emotional distress.

We carry out research to understand the impact our services have and to ensure we are providing the best possible service to our callers.

Listening services

In 2010, we commissioned an independent two-year study to look at callers’ experiences of using Samaritans services and the impact on their lives. The study helped us understand how and why our service works for the people who need it and how it could be improved.

Key findings:

  • Seven in ten people (71%) rated the service as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ and said they were very satisfied.
  • Eight in ten (84.6%) said they would use the service again.
  • Most people felt better immediately after their contact with Samaritans.

Samaritans have commissioned MEL Research to conduct an independent caller outcomes study to understand the impact our telephone helpline has on callers, both during the call, and longer-term. The findings from this study will be available next year. If you would like any more information on this, please visit MEL Research or email our Research team.

Download document: Samaritans Service Evaluation (Summary)

66.7 kb - PDF

Download document: Samaritans Service Evaluation (Full Report)

1.7 mb - PDF

Facing the Future

Facing the Future is a partnership between Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Care. It provides support to people who are bereaved by suicide through weekly group sessions.

The pilot service was evaluated in 2016-17 to measure its effectiveness.

Key findings

  • 89% of survey respondents reported feeling emotionally better since attending the sessions
  • 77% of survey respondents reported that they felt differently about their bereavement at the end of the sessions
  • 49/50 said they would recommend the service to someone else in their situation

Download document: Facing the Future (Executive Summary)

556.9 kb - PDF

Download document: Facing the Future (Full Report)

1.7 mb - PDF

Our policy and research

Our research and policy work drives change that helps save more lives.

Our latest work

Read and download our most recent reports, briefings and research.

Young people and suicide

Many young people say they often feel lonely and that it's difficult to get the help and support they need.

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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 in Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland (SC009843) and incorporated as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Samaritans Enterprises is a private limited company (01451175).