Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide throughout Great Britain and Ireland, often through their telephone helpline.

When did the Samaritans originate?

Over 65 years of being there for anyone who needs someone. Although not a religious organisation, Samaritans was founded by a vicar called Chad Varah, in 1953 in London. Throughout his career Chad had offered counselling to his parishioners, and wanted to do something more specific to help people contemplating suicide.

How did the Samaritans begin?

Samaritans was founded in 1953 by Chad Varah, a vicar in the Church of England Diocese of London. His inspiration came from an experience he had had some years earlier as a young curate in the Diocese of Lincoln.