Felicity Varah Harding recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours

Samaritans congratulates Felicity Varah Harding on being awarded an OBE for her outstanding contribution to the charitable sector in the UK

  • Press Release
  • Posted 7th June 2019
  • All
  • Events

Daughter of the charity’s founder, Chad Varah, Felicity has worked tirelessly to support Samaritans’ mission to reduce deaths by suicide since 2007 in her role as a Samaritans Ambassador.

One of her milestone contributions to the charity was leading the ‘Chad Varah appeal’ between 2009 - 2011 to raise £1,000,000 which funded the development and implementation of a new telephone platform that Samaritans volunteers use, responding to a call for help every six seconds today.

Felicity Varah Harding credit Phillip Job.jpg

Helping people overcome challenges and improving access to vital emotional support has been a lifelong passion for me. I am overwhelmed to receive such an honour and feel humbled to be in the company of so many people who have done remarkable things.

Felicity Varah Harding, Samaritans Ambassador

Ruth Sutherland, CEO of Samaritans, added: “Felicity has been integral to the growth of Samaritans, and has made sure the charity’s vision to reach those in need of support is at the heart of everything we do. Her experience, wisdom and spirit have helped guide the journey of Samaritans and I am personally proud to see her recognised for all she has done.”

Notes to editors

For more information please contact Samaritans Media team on 0208 394 8300 or [email protected].

Images are available on request

  • Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch, where you can talk to one of our trained volunteers face to face.
  • Every six seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help
  • Samaritans is a charity and it’s the public’s kind donations and more than 20,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.
  • You can follow Samaritans on social media on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.