Samaritans (charity)
The Samaritans is a charity in the United Kingdom and Ireland.[1] They are a support group for those at risk of suicide.[1]
History[change | change source]
The Samaritans, was founded on November 5, 1953 by Chad Varah, a vicar. He started as a man "willing to listen". His approach was considered controversial at the time. "Everyone thought suicidal people were mad," he said.[2] "But they just needed to be listened to."[2] Today there are over 21,000 volunteers in 201 locations.[1] Varah retired from the Samaritans in 1986.[3]
Services[change | change source]
A large amount of Samaritans' work is a telephone hotline, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They also offer a drop-in service for face-to-face discussion. Samaritans also offer confidential Email support. The Samaritans volunteers are trained in counselling skills, so they do not judge people.
Confidentiality[change | change source]
Samaritans have a strict code of confidentiality, even after the death of a caller. Unless the caller gives consent to pass on information, it will be broken only in rare circumstances.
International reach[change | change source]
Through its email service, Samaritans' work has extended well beyond the UK and Ireland, and Australia as messages are received from all around the world.
References[change | change source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Emma Howard (18 December 2014). "Who are the Samaritans? Volunteers share their stories with us". The Guardian. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Jane Fryer (9 November 2007). "Chad Varah, Britain's oldest sex therapist and founder of the Samaritans, dies aged 95". Daily Mail. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
- ↑ Adam Bernstein (15 November 2007). "The Rev. Chad Varah, 95; founded Samaritans movement". Boston Globe Media Partners, LLC. Retrieved 26 April 2016.