Every seven seconds, Samaritans answer a call for help. They're there, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope and needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure. Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, they're taking action to prevent the crisis.
Samaritans gives people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. They encourage, promote, and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. They offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need.
In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.
Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide.
That’s why they work tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.
Amanda's Story
*Name has been changed to conceal and protect identity of caller*
“The relationship started off OK but the person I was with had alcohol issues throughout our time together. I always felt low because I was constantly being put down. I wasn’t able to see my family without being grilled about where I was going. I lost a lot of friends and I became very shy and meek as my partner’s alcohol issues got worse.
I had to get a lot of payday loans out to fund his alcohol issues and there were times when I couldn’t even put gas and electric on. I felt I couldn’t tell anybody about it, and I just got lower and lower.
Towards the end it became quite physical, quite argumentative and I couldn’t see what was in front of me. I would take myself off for walks and I would think ‘if I just disappeared now no-one would notice. If I ran off, my family wouldn’t miss us.’
It was a cold night in the winter. I sat in my car and drove, I phoned Samaritans in crisis. The black mist descended, and I couldn’t see any way out of it.
I remember the person on the phone was the person that saved me that night. I always remember that they said to go visit a friend, so we went for a walk and had a long talk. She said I had to tell my parents what I was going through.
Speaking to someone [at Samaritans] who never knew me was very helpful because one of the hardest things was opening up to people close to me.
I’m now back living with my mam and dad, and I’ve just started a nursing degree which I’ve always wanted to do. I feel so much more secure and happier, and a bit proud. When you’re in that situation, the barriers are up and you can’t see the light at the end, that’s why I contacted Samaritans.”
Registered Charity No. 219432