Emotions
Samaritans
'We don't know when you might need us.
That's why we're open 24 hours a day.'
Samaritans are there for you 24 hours a day and seven days a week, throughout Christmas and New year. They provide confidential emotional support for you if you are experiencing any feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
If you are worried, confused or upset, Samaritans are always there for you, even in the middle of the night. For as long as it takes, Samaritans will be there for you. You can make contact by phone, email, text or letter. There are also many local centres where you can visit.
Common reasons to call Samaritans are:
- Relationship and family problems
- Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement
- Financial worries
- Job-related stress or overwork
- College or study related stress
- Body image issues
'One night, around 2am, I phoned Samaritans.'
A young woman spoke to me but I just didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t talk about what was happening. So she asked me what I’d done that day and gradually I was able to tell her my story. As I was talking I began to feel a sense of relief as it all came out. When I came off the phone after an hour I was overwhelmed by a feeling of peace and was able to go straight to sleep.
It helped so much that I called back the following night. I spoke to a few different volunteers over the next two weeks. It was the same story every night; I just needed to tell someone about it all. They were brilliant, absolutely brilliant.
~ A Samaritans caller
Phoning Samaritans
In the UK dial 08457 90 90 90, for the cost of a local call.
In the Republic of Ireland dial 1850 60 90 90, for the cost of a local call.
Many of their branches also offer local branch numbers. You can also
find their details in the phone book or your telephone operator can
put you through.
Armed Forces in Germany
For members of the Armed Forces in Germany, call 0800 181 0721 or 0800 181 0722 to connect to a Samaritans Branch in the UK.
Textphones (for the deaf and hard of hearing)
In the UK dial 08457 90 91 92
In the Republic of Ireland dial 1850 60 90 91
International numbers
In 40 countries, over 350 autonomous centres affiliated to Befrienders International provide confidential listening and befriending services for the suicidal and those in emotional crisis. Full details of Befrienders International, its centres and services, are available on their website.
See www.befrienders.org
Texting Samaritans
Text Samaritans on 07725 90 90 90 (UK) or 0872 60 90 90 (Republic of Ireland)
You don't have to give your name and they try to text you back in 10 minutes. There are no automated messages just real people.
Who can text?
It doesn't matter who you are or what your situation is. You can text one of their volunteers about anything that is troubling you. They will not judge you. They will not tell you what to do. But they will try to help you think things through.
What do texts cost?
Normal mobile rates apply. There are no extra costs.
Can I use email?
Yes, the email address is jo@samaritans.org
Can I just write to them?
If you are in crisis and need to write about how you are feeling, you can write to Samaritans at:
Chris
PO Box 90 90
Stirling
FK8 2SA
If you are in Ireland you can write to your local branch.
For list see local centres
Do they have a website?
Yes, there's a lot of useful information there.
Visit www.samaritans.org for more details.
Do they have local branches?
Yes, you can also visit a Samaritans branch. There are around 200 of
them.
Festival branches
Festival Branch go to events throughout UK and Ireland and provide a 24-hour Samaritan service. The events are predominantly out-door music festivals like Glastonbury or Reading, but also various biker, dance, surf, multicultural, lesbian/gay, homeless events, and others.
If you're at an event and feel you need to talk something through with a non-judgmental person, in complete confidence, please come by and see us. You can access details via Festivals and Samaritans
Samaritans give you the time and space to find a way through.
Thank you Samaritans for your support and thanks from all our visitors who have found comfort and support in their times of distress.
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