Dealing with people considering suicide is something which would horrify most of us. But for a small band of volunteers it is part of everyday life. Reporter CORINNE MCPARTLAND pays a visit to the Bromley and Orpington Samaritans.

IT IS not just people thinking of committing suicide who contact the Samaritans.

Callers are all ages, sexes, races and occupations.

They are all different but have one thing in common they need someone to talk to.

Samaritans are trained to be expert listeners who can calm and reassure callers who feel they have reached the end of their tether.

Scott, a 33-year-old data planning engineer, first thought of becoming a Samaritan when he realised lots of people committed suicide by jumping off the car park in Station Road, Orpington, just opposite the Samaritans centre.

He said: "I saw a few people jump from the car park right in the shadow of this building and it was like a calling."

Scott became a volunteer 18 months ago after completing a five-month training course.

He said: "The training course is very comprehensive so we are well prepared for our listening roles.

"The training includes 25 sessions in the duty room taking calls.

"You are supported by an experienced volunteer.

"You have to get down with them on that low level to be able to help them.

"You don't offer advice and say you should do this and that.

"You are just there for them at the end of the telephone."

Wendy, a 48-year-old midwife, became a Samaritan in 2000 because she wanted to give something back to the community by doing something which fits into her busy work schedule.

She said: "I wanted to be less selfish and give my time to a good cause.

"Each volunteer does one four-hour shift a week and one eight-hour night duty every eight weeks. I really enjoy it.

"You learn how to really listen to people. I am a real chatterbox and the training helped me take the time to listen and not talk about myself so much."

Although "suicide calls" are relatively rare, Samaritans have to be ready for anything when they pick up the receiver.

When they get a call from someone who is really low and is feeling suicidal, they have to try and understand what the caller is going through.

Wendy said: "You do end up thinking about some calls you have had when you get home but that is all part of the job. It is a very humbling job to do."

  • Anyone interested in becoming a Samaritan volunteer should call Bromley and Orpington Samaritans on 01689 833000.

FIFTY YEARS OF HELPING

  • The Samaritans was founded in 1953 by vicar The Rev Chad Varah, who worked at the parish of St Stephen Walbrook in the City of London.
  • There are 203 branches in the UK and Ireland.
  • There are 17,000 volunteers across the UK and Ireland.
  • The Bromley and Orpington Samaritans has around 90 volunteers.
  • The busiest time of the day for calls is from 10pm to 2am.
  • There were 135,000 contacts by email last year a growth of 16 per cent between 2004 and last year.
  • The Samaritans had 50,000 face-to-face contacts last year.