Samaritans
Over 60 shops helping people feel less alone in difficult times
Samaritans was founded in 1953 by Chad Varah, an Anglican vicar who was conducting the funeral of a 14-year-old girl who had taken her own life after starting her first period, believing she had a disease. Varah was so affected by the tragedy — and by the lack of anywhere the girl could have turned for help — that he determined to create a confidential telephone service for people in crisis. He launched the service from his church at St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London on 2 November 1953, becoming the first person in the world to offer a telephone befriending service.
From that single telephone line, Samaritans has grown into a network of over 200 branches across the UK and Ireland, staffed by more than 20,000 trained volunteers who answer calls, emails, texts, and face-to-face visits from people who are struggling to cope. The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year — a consistent presence for anyone who needs to talk.
Samaritans operates over 60 charity shops across the UK, run by local Samaritans branches. The shops stock donated clothing, books, homeware, and accessories and are known for their warm, community-oriented atmosphere — values that reflect the ethos of the wider organisation. Proceeds from each shop go directly to the local branch, funding the volunteers' training, branch operations, and outreach work in that community.
Samaritans also works proactively to prevent suicide and reduce emotional distress through partnerships with schools, workplaces, prisons, railways, and the media. The charity's research into suicide prevention and media reporting guidelines has influenced policy and practice both in the UK and internationally. The combination of direct emotional support and systemic prevention work makes Samaritans one of the most impactful mental health organisations in the country.
Samaritans relies on volunteers to run its shops. One regular session a week is typically all that's needed.
Volunteer with Samaritans ↗ Guide to charity shop volunteering →What can I donate to Samaritans?
Drop donations at your nearest Samaritans shop. Each shop is run by a local branch — check with them for current needs.
- Clothing & shoes
- Accessories & jewellery
- Books, CDs & DVDs
- Homeware & gifts
- Toys in good condition
- Large furniture
- Electrical appliances
- Duvets & pillows
- Damaged goods
Samaritans — common questions
Who founded Samaritans and when?
Samaritans was founded on 2 November 1953 by Chad Varah, an Anglican vicar, who launched a confidential telephone service from his church at St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London. He was motivated by the death of a 14-year-old girl who took her own life because she had no one to turn to. Varah's service was the first telephone befriending service in the world.
What is the Samaritans helpline number?
The Samaritans helpline is 116 123. It is free to call, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. You can also email jo@samaritans.org. The service is confidential and available to anyone who needs to talk — you do not need to be suicidal to call. If you prefer, you can visit a local Samaritans branch in person.
Do Samaritans shops support local or national causes?
Samaritans shops are run by local Samaritans branches, so the money raised goes directly to that local branch. This funds the training and support of local volunteers, branch running costs, and outreach work in the community. Shopping at your local Samaritans shop directly supports the emotional support service in your area.
What can I donate to a Samaritans charity shop?
Samaritans shops accept good-quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, homeware, jewellery, and gifts. Items should be clean and in good condition. Because Samaritans shops are run by local branches, accepted items may vary slightly. Contact your nearest Samaritans shop to confirm what they currently need.
How do I find my nearest Samaritans charity shop?
Use the postcode or location search on this page to find Samaritans charity shops near you using live map data. You can also visit samaritans.org/support-us/donate/charity-shops/ for information on shops near you.
Does Samaritans work on suicide prevention as well as offering a helpline?
Yes. In addition to its 24/7 helpline (116 123), Samaritans runs active suicide prevention programmes in schools, workplaces, prisons, and with media organisations. The charity has developed widely adopted guidelines for media reporting of suicide, worked with Network Rail on railway suicide prevention, and published research that has shaped national suicide prevention policy. The combination of direct support and systemic prevention is central to Samaritans' mission.
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