According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are around 1 million suicides every year - and for every suicide, there are approximately 20 attempted suicides. There are also many others who may not be suicidal, but urgently need access to appropriate emotional support services. It is not simply up to governments or others to decide who they may or may not 'be able to help' and what services are provided, but that everyone has a responsibility and accountability to ensure that relevant rights are respected for all groups at risk. Formulated by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, "Principles for the protection of persons with mental illness and the improvement of mental health care" were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1991. They provide guidance for services and for countering discrimination.WHO stipulates that policies and services should include reducing the number of people who develop mental health problems and eliminating stigma associated with mental or emotional problems, and also provide effective interventions to all in need. Volunteer centers play a crucial role in all of these.
Befrienders listen to people who are lonely, despairing or considering suicide. They don't judge them, don't tell them what to do. They listen. That may not sound much - but it can make the difference between life and death.
People who feel suicidal are often so focused on a particular problem or pain that they find it difficult to see a way forward. Talking openly to a befriender, in a safe and confidential environment, can help.
By listening to a suicidal person, a befriender helps them to listen to themselves.
Contact Them ( www.befrienders.org )
If you're in distress and want to talk to someone via email, please email the Samaritans UK/ROI email emotional support service on jo@samaritans.org, or to find a local center in your country visit their Need to talk pages which detail other organisations providing telephone, email and face to face services.
If you would like to volunteer, or for general information about organisations in other countries please go to the section 'Find A Helpline' to find the country you need.
For general information about Samaritans in the United Kingdom/ROI please visit the UK website www.samaritans.org or contact admin@samaritans.org. (Please note that Samaritans is a non-religious organisation; Samaritans Purse is a separate organisation - www.samaritanspurse.org).
For general information concerning their international Befrienders Worldwide work you can mail the International Officer at:
International Officer
Samaritans
Upper Mill
Kingston Road
Ewell
Surrey
KT17 2AF
United Kingdom
They only have limited resources to respond to queries, and may take some time to reply. So please check first to see if the answer to your question is below. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
How can I volunteer?
You can find organisations in many countries, listed on the Home Page of this website. If there is no existing centre in your country, you might be interested in setting one up, or volunteering with local organisations like the Red Cross or Red Crescent.
Can they set up a centre in my country?
They do not themselves set up new services in different countries. If you are interested in setting up a new service there is advice on 'Setting up a helpline' in the General Information section of this website. If you do decide to do this, they can help with information and advice as you develop your ideas.
Do they fund projects?
They are a network of emotional support centres and unfortunately do not have a funding programme.
Are they a religious organisation?
No, they are not a religious organisation. They know that some people think we are a religious organisation due to the name, or confusing us with Samaritans Purse.
So, If you feel so depressed while blogging or something... Don't kill Yourself!!!
Just find them at:
www.befrienders.org
