Who we are

Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide

To achieve this, we believe Samaritans has a crucial role to play in:

• Reducing the risk factors that make some people more likely to take their own lives.
• Ensuring that people who are at increased risk of suicide are supported.
• Making it less likely that people who do experience suicidal thoughts act on them.
• Reducing the likelihood that people will develop suicidal thoughts.

Our mission

We’re here every day and night of the year for anyone struggling to cope. We make sure people have somewhere to turn and support when they need it most. We work with communities to let people know we’re here for them and we campaign to make suicide prevention a priority.

Our values

Our support services adapt to the changing environment, but the values at the core of our listening service remain constant:

Listening

Exploring feelings alleviates distress and helps people to reach a better understanding of their situation and the options open to them.

People making their own decisions wherever possible

We believe that people have the right to find their own solution and telling people what to do takes responsibility away from them.

Confidentiality

If people feel safe, they are more likely to be open about their feelings.

Non-judgemental

We want people to be able to talk to us without fear of prejudice or rejection.

Human contact

Giving people time, undivided attention and empathy meets a fundamental emotional need and reduces distress and despair.

Our principles

Our strategic principles guide everything we do at Samaritans. They are at the heart of the way we work and behave.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI)

We will break down barriers to make Samaritans more diverse and inclusive, both through our people, but also in who we connect with and

support, making sure that we are responding to people’s needs in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them and their circumstances. Our EDI commitment is available on our website.

Personal experience

We will ensure the voice of people with experience of suicidal feelings, suicide attempts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide is central to and shapes all our services, products, campaigns and activities.

Safety and quality

We will ensure a safe, effective and positive experience for all those who come into contact with our services. We will continue to focus on safety and quality, including safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm who seek support from us. We will always look to exceed the expectations of people we support.

Evidence-based

We will use research, evidence, insight and data to inform all our services, activities and digital offerings. Where evidence is not available or clear, we will look to work with partners to fill those gaps.

Vocal and visible

We will never shy away from raising our voice and campaigning on issues that matter to us, particularly those that directly or indirectly impact people’s risk of suicide, such as inequality, deprivation, prejudice and unfair treatment.

Innovation and technology

We will encourage innovation and keep pace with developments, so that we can offer up-to-date and responsive services to the people who contact us, and the most effective platforms for our people.

Environmental responsibility

We will build a sustainable approach as we embrace hybrid working and volunteering and develop a better understanding of our energy footprint.

About Samaritans

• We answer a call for help every 10 seconds.
• We work with the media to inform responsible reporting and depiction of suicide.
• We are the only 24/7 suicide prevention charity working across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• Every 90 minutes someone dies by suicide in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
• We provide face-to-face support in communities, prisons, schools, universities and workplaces.
• We provide letter, email and online chat services for those who don’t want to talk but still want support.
• We work with governments to change policy.
• Our listening service is always open – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• We have 201 branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland, with new satellite sites and specialist hubs opening up, all run by volunteers.
• We work with technology companies to make the internet safer by reducing harmful content.
• 7 out of 10 callers say Samaritans made them feel more hopeful about the future.*
• We research the issues around self-harm and suicide, and what works to prevent it.
• We’re an incredible team of Samaritans people: around 22,000 volunteers and almost 300 staff, plus our wider family of wonderful supporters.

*Source: Markham, T., Forshaw, A. and Sutcliffe, R. (2020). Samaritans Caller Outcomes Study. Birmingham: MEL Research Ltd