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Sometimes everything is fine, and other times problems can pile up. Whatever you are going through, whether you think it is big or small, don't bottle it up.

The Samaritans was created in 1953 by Chad Varah, a clergyman who understood that being humane constituted more than religion, more than saying the right thing, but being available to listen to people who were troubled and lonely and considering taking their own lives. To quote Chad Varah: "I was astonished because [until then] I had supposed that suicidal people were all mentally ill and therefore needed a doctor."

We still offer that same vision of a non-judgemental, unconditional, confidential listening ear. We are available, 24/7, by telephone, email, face-to-face, correspondence, at festivals, at Crisis at Christmas and via extensive Outreach work to reach those individuals who, locked in silence because they have no-one to turn to, can, and often do, turn to Samaritans for the emotional support they need, regardless of whether or not they feel suicidal.

During 2008, 107 volunteers at Samaritans Bournemouth & District gave emotional support to over 17000 people who needed to talk to someone because they were feeling distressed, despairing, or suicidal. To provide this service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year requires committed, well-trained, and well-supported volunteers, none of whom receive payment. We are entirely self-funded.

We are here 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so that the most vulnerable in our community do not have to be alone.