Witness History: Archive 2013 - The Samaritans Helpline

In November 1953 an English clergyman set up the first telephone helpline for people considering suicide. The Reverend Chad Varah began the pioneering service from a room in his own church house.

Today, the Samaritans receive more than five million calls every year in the UK alone. There are more than 100 branches overseas.

(Photo: The Reveren Chad Varah at the entrance to his office at the church of St Stephen, Wallbrook, City of London. Credit: PA)

Published on Friday, 1st November 2013.

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