
Today is Samaritans Awareness Day – Volunteer staff will be dressed in green at Bognor Regis bandstand and in Chichester at the cross, talking to people and promoting the service.
The organisation provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to anyone in need of someone to talk to — no matter the issue.
Later tonight, the Market Cross and Council House in Chichester will be lit up in green.
Unlike counselling or therapy services, the Samaritans’ approach is based on active listening. Trained volunteers offer a safe, non-judgmental space where callers can talk openly about what they’re feeling, without fear of being told what to do.
People contact the Samaritans for many reasons — from loneliness and anxiety to relationship issues, bereavement, or suicidal thoughts. Their philosophy is simple: talking can save lives.
Support is available via a free phone call to 116 123, by email at jo@samaritans.org, or by visiting one of their local branches for a face-to-face conversation. The phone line is free to call from any phone, and is not recorded or traced.
The charity also offers support via text and online chat in certain regions, and continues to expand its digital outreach to meet growing demand, especially among younger people.
More details can be found on their website, www.samaritans.org