Samaritans Scotland
Every 10 seconds, a Samaritans volunteer answers a call for help from someone who may be considering taking their own life.
Our volunteers are based at 19 branches spread across Scotland. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and are ready and willing to listen, 24/7, 365-days-a-year.
Samaritans’ priority is simple - to reduce the number of people who lose their lives to suicide. To do this, we need to reach those who need help most and encourage them to make that potentially life-saving call.
The Highlands region recorded the second highest number of probable suicides in Scotland between 2017 and 2021.
We know that issues of isolation, access to health services and stigma can often make seeking help and support challenging in a rural area. We also recognise that the geography of the West Highlands and the nature of many key industries – such as tourism and aquaculture – can create issues of isolation and connection. For anyone struggling to cope, a trained Samaritans volunteer can provide a listening ear and really valuable support. Our 24-hour helpline and email service can help, whatever someone is going through, at any time. We are currently recruiting for home-based volunteers living in the West Highlands and Skye area for our Email Hub. Email Hub volunteers will be part of the Samaritans volunteer pool and respond to calls for help from throughout the UK via email. Excellent training and support will be provided and, although the role is remote, you will be part of a team. Email hub volunteer Gavin, from Portree, said: “The training is excellent, it’s very supportive. Volunteering for the Samaritans Email Hub is worth the effort you put into it. It’s a group of like-minded, incredibly supportive individuals. And it fulfils a role in my life that I didn’t have otherwise.”
For more information visit www.samaritans.org/highlands-training or email highlands@samaritans.org If you need to talk, any time day or night, just call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org For employer and community training enquiries, please contact Fiona Thompson, West Highlands and Skye Project Manager, by emailing: f.thompson1@samaritans.org