Glasgow

Our 125 volunteers support people by:

• Listening without judgment to those who are struggling, including anyone who feels suicidal
• Reaching out to high-risk groups and communities, helping to reduce the risk of suicide before a crisis point is reached
• Collaborating with organisations and agencies to strengthen our collective response
• Influencing policy and raising awareness to break the stigma and prevent suicide

This year, Glasgow Samaritans have:

• Answered more than 15000 calls
• Provided over 9000 hours of support
• Recruited and trained 32 new volunteers
• Participated in 20 education/outreach events to raise awareness and share our message
• Provided 50 prison visits at HMP Barlinnie and Low Moss
• Presented 54 training sessions to ensure our volunteers are trained to the highest standards

What We Do

We’re part of a national network of Samaritan branches, but everything we do is rooted in our local community.

Our work extends well beyond the phone lines. We also:

• Partner with local rail networks to prevent suicides and support staff affected by incidents
• Deliver education sessions to schools, employers, and third-sector organisations, including the Ministry of Defence, Police Scotland, and Macmillan Nurses
• Support the Scottish Prison Service by training in-prison listeners and participating in mental health events
• Participate in the TRNSMT Festival’s Wellbeing Zone, engaging with thousands of festival-goers

Driven by Volunteers

Glasgow Samaritans is almost entirely volunteer-run. With the exception of our part-time administrative support officer, all roles - from answering calls to training new volunteers - are carried out by dedicated individuals who give their time, skills, and compassion freely.

Many volunteers go above and beyond by taking on extra responsibilities such as:

• Pastoral care
• Training and mentoring
• Outreach and education
• Fundraising and branch management

Their commitment is central to our ability to deliver a high-quality, life-saving service.

Our Mission

At Glasgow Samaritans, we are here for anyone in distress or despair. Our mission is to provide confidential emotional support to people in Glasgow, the surrounding areas, and beyond. We support those who may be at risk of suicide or who are struggling to cope, with the aim of improving emotional wellbeing and reducing suicide.

We also work to raise awareness and understanding of:

• Suicide and suicidal behaviour
• The importance of expressing feelings
• The need for better emotional health in our society

Join Us or Support Our Work

Whether you want to volunteer, raise awareness, or donate, your involvement makes a difference.

Together, we can ensure that no one has to face distress or despair alone.

Our privacy statement

At Samaritans, privacy is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to protecting your privacy and the personal information that we hold. Read our privacy statement here.