Darran's story

Having struggled with alcohol in the past and finding himself homeless, Darran turned to Samaritans when he was finding life tough. He’s been a listening volunteer for three years and is sharing his story to support our Real People, Real Stories campaign to encourage other men to seek help by calling Samaritans free 24/7 on 116 123. Here’s his story:

Darran, 37

"When I had been at my lowest, I had used the Samaritans and they were a massive help."

"It was pretty difficult the first time I rang Samaritans. I was homeless by that point and drinking quite heavily. I’d had suicide attempts in the past, but a lot of that was when I was drunk.

"I woke up one morning and I didn’t have that to hide behind and I didn’t want to not be there. It just so happens I was in that moment and I didn’t know what I was going to do. I reached out and called Samaritans and I’m really glad I did.

"For me, talking to someone feels like a sense of achievement. I get a rush of emotion when someone listens. You don’t have to face it alone, you can get there, just speak to someone."