samaritans.org

1.8
1.8 Based on 241 reviews

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Average Rating

1.8

/
5

241 Reviews

5 Star
16%
4 Star
3%
3 Star
2%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
72%

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August C.
Contacted the Samaritans 3 times in one day

Contacted the Samaritans 3 times, granted I wasn't having a direct panic attack/crisis but was feeling extremely distressed.first guy was very nice and helpful but was wanting to prematurely end the conversation, and back out. I asked " you know if you feel like I may be wasting your time or you feel like your time may be better spent with people in direct crisis that's completely understandable, just let me know" but he was like no no, that's what were here for, and then 10 mins later 'Offered' to end the call, 2nd person was a woman and was even more vehement in letting me know her time was being wasted. I asked the exact same question and she gave me the exact same response that I was not wasting her time, but then she fairly abruptly said she was ending the call a few minutes after, before hanging up.The 3rd call was just to ascertain whether I was even allowed or supposed to be calling these people, asking about their policy and why they can't reveal why they need to head off whilst you're speaking - I was informed there was technically a 'Time limit' on how long these people spend talking to you, which I was told was around 30 mins. So if you're not finished speaking in that time you can bet your bottom dollar they're going to subtly tell you to f*** off or abruptly hang up.Pretty disgraceful service, very little support offered.I completely understand the policy regarding keeping their identity confidential and not offering advice, but this is not where their issue lies.Shocked.

2
Date of experience: Jul 03, 2024
Jonnie Adams
I suffer from stress and anxiety and…

I suffer from stress and anxiety and called Samaritans when I was feeling very manic. The woman I spoke to was patronizing and had a bad attitude. She wasn't helpful or didn't listen or speak or show an interest. after 15 minutes she said angrily that I'd been on the phone for too long and made me feel like I was wasting her time. They were no help.

1
Date of experience: Jul 01, 2024
Cedric Long
They literally hung up on me

They literally hung up on me, I thought it was maybe my phone or something but no she was really quiet the whole phone call as I was saying everything that happened then she hung up, she's lucky I knew to dial 111 as I was NOT doing well and she nearly made it my 13th reason. All jokes aside, hired some horrible people.

1
Date of experience: Jun 30, 2024
Ace Brooks
its hit and miss, but sometimes you get someone great....

its ok , somewhat hit and miss. Sometimes they can be great, but sometimes very condescending,negative and bossy. I think it should be monitored somehow. I`ve noticed some of the reviews talk about being "banned" from the phoneline, how the heck did they manage that ?! its a free service, dont expect too much...In my time of need this year, i got 3 people who were great. thankyou for being there for me....

3
Date of experience: Jun 30, 2024
James Smith
Absolutely fantastic people

Absolutely fantastic people, yes they get very busy but please don't give up 💚 Samaritans have helped me so much, many times, myself and my family owe them my life!

5
Date of experience: Jun 18, 2024
Very good first experience with samaritans

I used Samaritans help line for the first time today and spoke to the most lovely lady. From answering the phone in tears and couldn’t get my words out she really calmed me down and gave me plenty of time before I could talk about the many issues I’ve been dealing with mentally. She sat on the phone with me for nearly 45 minutes listening to me, calming me down and helping me make sense of everything running through my mind.

4
Date of experience: Jun 14, 2024
Isabel Patterson
Awful experience which left me feeling far worse

In desperation, I called the Samaritans for the first time in my life today, thinking they'd offer a listening ear for the huge challenges I've been facing now for 6 months. I was grilled about what I'd done, told to speak to my family or friends even though I explained this was too hard for me to do and i didn't want to be a burden to them. Rather than empathy and a listening ear, I received judgment and was belittled. They essentially denied my experience, problems and suffering. They kept emphasising they could check in on me from time to time, which I refused as the 8 minute chat left me feeling far worse than before I called. I agree with others on here who say they gaslight and deny/dismiss concrete problems being caused as a result of the government's discriminatory policies / practices and benefits system. I have often suggested Samaritans to others feeling low, but never again, nor will i ever donate to them again. Complete lack of care, respect, compassion demonstrated. I wouldn't wish their brand of 'care' on my worst enemy.

1
Date of experience: Jun 07, 2024
Katy Morgan
Call SLAM helpline instead

Terrible lady with a bad attitude thank God I was at the beginnings of suicidal thoughts and not about to. Or I would’ve done it thanks to their horrible condescending attitude

1
Date of experience: Jun 04, 2024
Riley Baker
Even though I get through to some…

Even though I get through to some really nice people on Samaritans over the years however Samaritans crappy new system that they've kindly wasted their money on when they could be helping other people with this money rather than buying a stupid computer system that stops you from ringing and blocks you ridiculous if I need to talk to a helpline than regardless to if I ring 50,000 times a day it makes no difference I mean obviously good luck in me making that many calls but Samaritans have no right to be blocking callers I think they are absolutely disgraceful ahead of us I really do and one day this crap will come back to them treat people the way you want to be treated not block them when they need help.

1
Date of experience: Jun 01, 2024
Colette C.
I have been a volunteer for Samaritans…

I have been a volunteer for Samaritans and have been on the end of the phone for a wide and varied array of calls. Samaritans go through an extensive interview and training programme before they are accepted as a volunteer. They are NOT permitted to give advice but to help the individual in need explore feelings and talk over their issues. From a Samaritan point of view, this can be really difficult, as sometimes you think the answer is totally obvious....BUT, they are only allowed to guide and listen. This enables equality within the team. Whether a Samaritan has personal experience of a certain situation or not, they should all be working in the same way. As for not asking names, it is a confidential service so it is up to the caller to give any identifying detail if they wish to, most people don't.They are there 24/7...most with other jobs and responsibilities. They give up a few hours every single week to help others in need. Of course there are probably some who seem stuck in the past or are 'less helpful' than others..that's just being human. Every single volunteer has exactly the same months of training and mentoring before being accepted. The training and mentoring is ongoing throughout your time volunteering and is monitored continually.If you feel you didn't get the response you wanted, there are usually a over 150 volunteers answering calls at any given time, always feel free to hang up and try again.

5
Date of experience: May 29, 2024

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