Samaritans

Samaritans answer the phone at any hour, to anyone, about anything. You do not have to be suicidal to call — most callers aren't.

Who it's for

Anyone in the UK and Ireland.

Cost

Free from any phone, and it does not appear on your bill.

Hours

24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What actually happens

• A volunteer answers and asks what's going on.
• You don't have to give your name. They won't trace the call.
• They listen — they don't give advice or tell you what to do.
• They will not call an ambulance or the police unless you ask, or a life is in immediate danger.
• You can email jo@samaritans.org instead if you can't say it out loud; replies usually come within a day.

Last checked: September 2026. Shaun's Button is not affiliated with Samaritans — we list them because they help.