Samaritans across Surrey

29th April 2020 | News in your area

Samaritans Central Office – the charity’s administrative function – is based at Epsom. And across the county, Samaritans branches operate in Guildford (covering Woking and Waverley); Kingston (including Esher and Surbiton); Leatherhead and Mid-Surrey; North-West Surrey (Walton); and Samaritans of East Surrey.

The current pandemic – and its impact on the physical and mental health and the economy of our nation – has created unprecedented demand for Samaritans nationally, including those who work with these Surrey centres. These dedicated volunteers are continuing to answer the call lines (face to face meetings are cancelled during the lockdown) and to help people find ways to face the challenges of lockdown, loneliness, depression and the feeling that they just can’t cope anymore. “If you want someone to talk to, we listen. We won’t judge or tell you what to do,” is the message. It is these moments of connection between two people that can save lives.

With a key line of “Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you”, across the UK volunteers are answering a call for help every six seconds. They are there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Working before the lockdown in prisons, schools and universities, hospitals and on the rail network, as well as on the main phone lines, once the lockdown is lifted Samaritans will also return to training others to do the same.

Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and Samaritans’ vision is that fewer people die by suicide. That is why throughout this crisis they are working tirelessly to reach more people and make suicide prevention a priority.

Anyone can call Samaritans FREE on 116 123. Or they can write down their thoughts and feelings and email them to jo@samaritans.org

The charity has also set up this online link for anyone worried about their mental health during the coronavirus outbreak, with helpful resources:

https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/support-and-information