Samaritans
Samaritans offers a 24/7 confidential helpline for emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. This service provides a safe space where callers can express their feelings without fear of judgment or disclosure. The helpline is staffed by trained volunteers who listen and offer empathy instead of advice or interventions. Although Samaritans do not provide practical solutions or advice, they play a critical role in emotional relief through attentive listening. There can be occasional wait times during peak periods due to high call volumes, but the service remains a lifeline available every day of the year.
Updated 15 Dec 2025
Expected outcomes
- Receive emotional support
- Talk to a volunteer
- Share feelings without judgment
- Discuss personal crises
- Relieve emotional distress
Call preparation
Assemble everything before you dial. These requirements are verified by our call analysts and updated as organizations change their scripts.
- No specific documents needed
- Ready to talk openly
Known issues
Samaritans' helpline is designed for listening and support without offering advice or making decisions for the caller. While calls are confidential and invisible on phone bills, occasionally, callers may experience delays in reaching a volunteer, especially during peak times. Patience is advised as the only option is to wait on the line. There is no callback service; hence, staying connected until a volunteer is available is necessary. For immediate issues, using additional support resources can be helpful if the wait is long.
