60 year son .. tech has changed but problems the Samaritans have to deal with are the same
Inspired by a tragic teenager, the suicide prevention service continues to offer vital support to those struggling to cope
SIXTY years ago this week, Scotland’s earliest Samaritans answered their first phone calls. The service had been going in London for six years before a group of volunteers brought the idea north. London vicar Chad Varah first saw the need for an independent, anonymous advice service back in 1953. He led the funeral of a teenager who killed herself when her first period started. No one had told her about puberty. Advice sessions, staffed by volunteers, were held at Chad Varah’s church. A phone service followed but it was for Londoners only. Within 18 months of the Edinburgh branch opening, there were Samaritans in Glasgow and Aberdeen. These were different times. Homosexuality was illegal. Suicide was a taboo subject. Anonymity was a crucial part of the new service. Samaritans executive director James Jopling said:
“Back in the day, volunteers didn’t tell friends, family and colleagues that they were Samaritans volunteers.
“They didn’t want anyone to be put off calling a local branch if they thought they might know the person picking up the phone.”
These days, there is a UK-wide free phone number that connects callers with a Samaritans volunteer from anywhere in the country. Three-quarters of calls come from mobile phones.
James said: “In the 60s and 70s, far more people came into our branches in person.”
Today, four out of five people ring the Samaritans. But the service also responds to emails and texts.
They are looking at expanding into a web-based chat service for the younger generation who don’t feel comfortable talking on the phone.
But while the kit has changed, many of the problems the Samaritans deal with have not.
James added: “At the core of most calls are worries about mental and physical health, relationship breakdown, problems with family and stresses at work.
“We get more calls from people who are socially isolated and lonely and feel like they have nowhere else to turn.”
The Samaritans are visible in the community, popping up at food banks and hospital accident and emergency departments.
Training is an important part of their work, helping employers look after their staff ’s mental health.
The Samaritans also work closely with Network Rail.
James said: “If there’s someone they’re worried about in the train station, asking them if they are suicidal is one of the most important things they can do to prevent a suicide.
“You might be the release they need from the massive struggle and the dead end they feel they’ve reached.
“Our volunteers do a remarkable job but it’s something we can all do a bit of.”
Samaritans free phone number 116 123