Reading Samaritans

Reading Samaritans is a UK-based nonprofit organization operating as a branch of the larger Samaritans charity network. Registered with the Charity Commission under number 1170632, it is dedicated to providing confidential emotional support to individuals experiencing emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. As part of the national Samaritans network, Reading Samaritans offers its services through multiple channels, including telephone, email, text message, and face-to-face interaction.

Overview

Reading Samaritans is staffed by approximately 150 trained volunteers who provide empathetic, non-judgmental listening to people in need. These volunteers play a vital role in supporting callers and others seeking help by creating a safe, confidential space to explore their feelings and work toward solutions. The branch operates continuously, reflecting the wider Samaritans commitment to being available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Activities

The branch’s core activity involves offering emotional support and preventing suicide by listening and providing a compassionate ear. Support is given primarily via telephone and other remote communication methods, but face-to-face support is also available at their Reading location. Volunteers receive rigorous training to ensure they maintain a supportive and accepting environment for all individuals contacting the charity, regardless of their situation.

Relationship to Samaritans Charity

Reading Samaritans functions as a local extension of the national Samaritans organization, which is a registered charity in the UK and Ireland focused on reducing emotional distress and suicide risk. The wider Samaritans charity originated from the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan but operates as a secular service. The parent organization handles millions of contacts annually and advocates for improvements in suicide prevention policies and media reporting standards.

Importance and Impact

By providing confidential emotional support, Reading Samaritans contributes substantially to mental health and suicide prevention efforts within the Reading community. Its volunteers’ commitment helps alleviate despair among those experiencing crisis, maintaining emotional well-being as a mainstream public health concern. The branch’s efforts align with the broader mission of Samaritans to foster hope and resilience through compassionate listening.

This article is based on information from Reading Samaritans’ official descriptions as a branch of the Samaritans charity and data from the UK Charity Commission.[1][3][5]

[1] https://www.samaritans.org/branches/reading/ [2] https://www.samaritans.org [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5093005 [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5093005/contact-information [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaritans_(charity)