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Worthing Samaritans needs more listeners, as someone calls the charity for help every ten seconds and listening volunteers are responding to more than 10,000 calls a day.

Worthing Samaritans is one of 200 branches in the UK and it dealt with 21,500 contacts last year with fewer than 100 volunteers – meaning now the branch needs more people to be there for callers in crisis.

Samaritans is a unique charity dedicated to reducing the number of deaths by suicide. Current figures show almost 7,000 people took their own life in the UK in 2021 and that suicide remains the biggest killer of men under the age of 50 and young people aged 16-24.

Samaritans knows feelings of isolation and disconnection can lead to suicide and sometimes that call to and contact with an empathetic listener can turn the tide.

Mike Shaw from Rustington has been a volunteer with Worthing Samaritans for 50 years

Worthing Samaritans listening volunteer known for dressing as a washing machine marks 50 years of service to the charity

Jane Wilkinson, head of recruitment for Worthing Samaritans, said: “We're looking for empathetic, committed volunteers from all walks of life, who can listen without judgement and who can commit to one three hour shift a week to be there for our callers. We are a 24/7, 365 days a year service and that’s why we need more people to help.

“In return we'll give you excellent, free, comprehensive training so that you'll feel ready to handle any call that comes along; a pro-active support network, like-minded, friendly co-volunteers and the chance to make a big difference to someone's life.”

If you are interested, visit the website www.samaritans.org/support-us/volunteer

​Worthing Samaritans needs more listeners, as someone calls the charity for help every ten seconds

Worthing Samaritans needs more listeners, as someone calls the charity for help every ten seconds