Could you help a person in crisis?

Samaritans in Plymouth are appealing for more volunteers willing to work through the night, as demand for emotional support reaches its peak in the early hours.
As the darker weeks following Christmas set in, the charity says feelings of despair can intensify, particularly during the night when people often feel most isolated. Samaritans operates a 24-hour listening service for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, but volunteers report that the pressure on the service is especially acute between 2am and 6am.
People contact Samaritans for a wide range of reasons, including relationship and family problems, bereavement, financial worries, job or study-related stress, loneliness, depression, physical illness, substance misuse and thoughts of suicide.
Volunteers say that night-time calls are often the most powerful, as callers may feel they have nowhere else to turn. One volunteer described the experience as deeply meaningful.
“You get a sense of privilege. You are there on the phone at 4 am with somebody and you think, there are very few other places they can go at that point and that increases the feeling that you are there right beside them.”
Plymouth Samaritans are now actively recruiting “night owls” who can commit to a three-hour shift during the week and are willing to help cover overnight hours. Volunteers are particularly needed in the early morning window when demand is highest.
Norman Holmes, Director of Plymouth Samaritans, said the role plays a vital part in suicide prevention.
“Samaritans work is at the heart of suicide prevention and helping people find hope. We need committed volunteers who can give their time to listen to people who are in distress. You will be fully trained - and supported - by experienced volunteers to answer the phones. There are always at least two volunteers on shift so you will never be alone answering calls. We want you to join us. It is a rewarding and privileged job.”
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one three-hour night shift every two months. Anyone interested in supporting the service can find out more by searching online for “How to become a Samaritans Volunteer” and selecting Plymouth as their training location, after which the local recruitment team will make contact.