Founded in 1953, Samaritans is a nationwide charity that exists to provide confidential non-judgmental support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Our Service - which is provided by almost 18,000 volunteers - is offered by telephone, email, letter, text message and face to face at Samaritans branches and events.
"I saw an advert for Samaritans in a phone box and had no idea how they could help, but I was at my lowest point and felt absolutely desperate. I made that first call and found a voice at the end of the phone that was calm and understanding. From then on, talking to someone in complete confidence who wouldn't judge me became my lifeline and my only escape from what was happening at home. I phoned Samaritans two or three times a day during my darkest times and I have no doubt that I'm alive today because of the real strength they gave me. Whenever things got too much, Samaritans was by my side. Their spirit and care through the simple act of listening is the reason I am still here" Sophie, Samaritans Caller and Volunteer |
Millions of people are affected by emotional health issues across the UK. It is estimated that 25% of the population knows someone who has taken their own life, and five million working days are lost each year due to stress, depression and anxiety. It therefore comes as no surprise that demand for Samaritans' service is growing. In 2008 we received over 5 million contacts.
As well as Samaritans' 24-hour listening service, we aim to promote emotional health in the community by visiting schools, workplaces and prisons:
Schools - The 'DEAL' (Developing Emotional Awareness and Learning) programme offers resources for teachers to develop emotional health among young people.
Workplaces - Samaritans provides a wide number of courses to businesses, helping staff deal with stress, customer conflicts and internal issues.
Prisons - Along with Samaritans' volunteers making visits to prisons, there is a Listener scheme which trains prisoners to offer confidential emotional support to fellow inmates.
None of this important work would be possible without the contributions of our dedicated supporters, as Samaritans relies on donations for 98% of our funding. We are therefore incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part in the Unity Lottery. Thank you so much and we hope you enjoy playing - good luck!
For more information about Samaritans please visit www.samaritans.org
Click here to download an application form
The promoter of this Unity Lottery is Rachel Kirby-Rider, Samaritans, The Upper Mill, Kingston Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 2AF
Registered with The Gambling Commission LOT/150/1850/1
Registered Charity No. 219432
A company limited by guarantee, Registration No.757372
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