Between 2021 and 2025, Samaritans and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) worked together to create opportunities for students, staff, and alumni to make a difference in supporting people’s wellbeing.
Through this partnership, students, staff, and alumni from ARU’s Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses trained as Samaritans volunteers, giving their time and empathy to help others when it was most needed.
Volunteers from ARU supported Samaritans’ online chat pilot, a new digital way of offering emotional support, and also helped answer calls as part of our 24-hour listening service. Their involvement helped us reach more people, in more ways, across the UK.
Over the course of four years, this collaboration made a real difference. Together, 77 ARU volunteers have supported over 4000 people by online chat and over the phone.
Although the formal partnership concluded in 2025, its impact continues. Many ARU volunteers continue to be part of Samaritans today, offering a listening ear and helping ensure that no one has to face difficult times alone.
If you’re interested in becoming a Samaritans volunteer, you can learn more on our volunteering pages.