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Who We Are

Samaritans Scotland is made up of nearly 1,000 volunteers spread across 19 branches stretching from the Scottish Borders to the Highlands and Islands.

Our amazing volunteers are supported by a small staff team and our Scotland Advisory board

Our Staff Team

  • Neil Mathers - Executive Director
  • Clare Ritchie - Operations Lead for Scotland
  • Danielle Rowley - Head of Policy & Communications
  • Dave Morris - Policy Manager
  • Ellie Meikle - Policy & Engagement Officer
  • Niamh Coffey - Communications Officer
  • Marty Smith - Policy & Communications Assistant
  • Fiona Thompson - West Highlands & Skye Project Manager
  • Laura Traynor - West Highlands & Skye Project Assistant
  • Arlene Dickson - Regional Development Lead (Network Rail Partnership in Scotland)
Neil Mathers - Executive Director for Scotland

Neil Mathers - Executive Director for Scotland

Neil provides leadership and accountability for the direction & impact of our work in Scotland. He works closely with the Regional Director of Scotland & is accountable to the Scotland Committee, chaired by our Scotland trustee. Neil joined the organisation in September 2022 & has worked in the charity sector for the last 30 years.

Clare Ritchie

Clare Ritchie – Operations Lead for Scotland

Clare provides operational support for the Executive Director, Scotland Committee and wider Scotland team. Her role involves implementing procedures, managing the office and supporting branches.

Danielle Rowley

Danielle Rowley – Head of Policy & Communications

Danielle is the Head of Policy & Communications in the Scotland staff team. She joined the team in 2021 and looks after our policy, research, communications and campaign work along with her fantastic team.

Dave Morris

Dave Morris - Policy Manager

Dave’s role involves working with the Scottish Government and Parliament to ensure that fewer people die by suicide in Scotland. This includes working on Scotland’s suicide prevention and self-harm strategies, meeting with politicians and supporting research.

Ellie Meikle

Ellie Meikle - Policy and Engagement Officer

As the Policy and Engagement Officer, Ellie works on suicide prevention policy at a local level, connects with local suicide prevention leads in local government and supports branches to build upon the impactful work they already do across Scotland.

Niamh Coffey

Niamh Coffey - Communications Officer

Niamh is responsible for proactive and reactive media and press, as well as wider communications and campaigns work both across the charity and with specific Samaritans Scotland projects.

Marty Smith

Marty Smith - Policy & Communications Assistant

Marty is responsible for our digital engagement; including helpline signposting & national campaign messaging, amplifying branch outreach activity and awareness raising of our suicide prevention work in parliament, policy, and press in Scotland.

Fiona Thompson

Fiona Thompson - West Highlands and Skye Project and Partnership Manager

Fiona leads on the West Highland and Skye lone and isolated workers project. The project aims to improve mental wellbeing and reduce the suicide risk by extending Samaritans reach into the area, raise awareness of Samaritans services, training opportunities and research. Fiona is based just outside Fort William.

Laura Traynor

Laura Traynor - West Highland Project and Partnerships Assistant

Laura supports the work of the West Highlands and Skye Project where needed including day-to-day admin, events, and promotion. Laura is based in the North West Highlands.

Arlene Dickson

Arlene Dickson - Regional Development Lead, Network Rail Partnership in Scotland

Arlene’s role involves engaging with Network Rail and other train operating companies to mitigate suicide on the railways in Scotland. Managed by Central office but linked to Scotland office and the team.

Contact Us

Contact: [email protected]

Contact: [email protected]

Contact: [email protected]

Samaritans Scotland Committee

The Scotland Committee is a sub-committee of Samaritans’ Board of Trustees and is chaired by the Trustee for Scotland. It has oversight of our Scottish-specific work, as set out in our Scotland plan. Membership is drawn from Listening Volunteers and external members.

Our Branches

Our 19 branches in Scotland work with local community groups, businesses, schools, colleges and services, to promote mental and emotional health and wellbeing. Select your local branch below to find out more about their work.

Samaritans Scotland

Stretching from Scottish Borders to the Highlands and Islands, Samaritans Scotland provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across the country.

How we can help

Find out the different ways Samaritans can help you if you are having a difficult time or you are worried about someone else.

Support us

Take part in an event, donate to one of our campaigns, set up a fundraising challenge or support us in one of many other ways.

Need support? Call 116 123 to speak to a Samaritan or

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