Our letter writing service has closed but we're still here to listen. You can call our free helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To speak to a trained Samaritans volunteer, call us free, day or night, on 116 123. We’re here to listen without judgement or pressure. If you’re finding things tough, you don’t have to face it alone.
For more information on why we closed our letter writing service, please see below.
Talk to us on the phone
Find out more about what happens when you call
Other sources of support
Discover other organisations offering support
Why has Samaritans closed its letter writing service?
The decision to close the letter writing service was not taken lightly and we know that for many, the service has provided hope and a listening ear in difficult times. But the way people communicate is changing and we want to make sure our services are fit for today’s world and the future. When someone is in crisis, we cannot provide immediate support by letter, but through phone and online chat we can be there for someone in the moment they need us most.
That’s why we're focusing on providing our 24/7 telephone helpline and expanding our online chat service – because these services offer immediate support from trained Samaritans volunteers when someone needs it most.
Our volunteers are here to listen 24/7 on 116 123. We're also working to extend the opening hours of our online chat service, which is in high demand but is currently only available during limited hours.
Are there other organisations that can support me?
We have a list of other organisations that can offer support, with information about the type of support they offer, who they can support and when they are open:
You can also visit Hub of Hope to find other services that can support you.
How can I speak to a trained Samaritans volunteer?
Find out what to expect when you call Samaritans, in this short video:
Samaritans volunteers are always here to listen. You can call us free, day or night, on 116 123. Our trained volunteers are here to listen without judgement or pressure. If you’re finding things tough, you don’t have to face it alone.
We won’t judge you or tell you what to do, we’ll listen.