Volunteers are losing faith in the Samaritans

SIR – The reported “exodus of volunteers” from the Samaritans (May 20) comes as no surprise.

As a writer, about three years ago I did some research into the history of the Samaritans and also interviewed a number of volunteers who had resigned. Even then local branches were losing their relative autonomy as the telephone system was centralised. Moreover, callers were not permitted to spend much time sharing their troubles, but instead were required to focus almost entirely on describing their “feelings” (in the abstract).

This struck me as a far cry from the “friendly conversation with fellow human beings” championed by the hotline’s founder, the Rev Chad Varah. Dr Frank Palmer

Twickenham, Middlesex

SIR – For years the Samaritans had never disclosed details of calls to others, whatever the circumstances (except for threats of terrorism).

Even in an age of the (commendable) sharing of information among agencies to prevent vulnerable people – and especially children – coming to harm, some Samaritan volunteers quietly treasured the fact that anyone calling the helpline could speak freely, and occasionally over time come to acknowledge, of their own volition, the impact of their actions on others. Similarly, those being harmed were able to speak freely to a volunteer about their terrible experiences, while sometimes not wishing to reveal what was being done to them, and by whom, to the authorities – at least, not yet.

Inevitably, though, the need for disclosure was adhered to by an organisation playing by the rules.

There is some consolation. People of all ages who call the Samaritans do not need to give their name (or any other identifying details). They can still talk anonymously, and be given the time and space they need with someone who listens. Peter Law

St Ives, Cambridgeshire