Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you. Every seven seconds, Samaritans answer a call for help. We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.

Samaritans is not only for the moment of crisis, we’re taking action to prevent the crisis. We give people ways to cope and the skills to be there for others. And we encourage, promote and celebrate those moments of connection between people that can save lives. We offer listening and support to people and communities in times of need. In prisons, schools, hospitals and on the rail network, Samaritans are working with people who are going through a difficult time and training others to do the same.

The Colchester branch of Samaritans first opened its doors at Vineyard Street in May 1964, supporting the community in Colchester and the surrounding CO post code areas. In 2011 we moved to our current premises in Walsingham Road.

We currently have over 100 listening volunteers, some having been with us for over 40 years. We also have over 30 support volunteers who help with a vast range of duties to ensure the ongoing running of the branch. We open for around 70% of the hours in a week including through the night, supporting callers who contact us suffering with emotional distress and despair in a number of ways: by phone, email and also face-to-face.

We work in partnership with Essex Partnership University Trust, the Military Corrective Training Centre, Colchester Borough Council, Greater Anglia and Colchester Pride, as well as providing talks in schools, community and health groups. We also regularly travel to various parts of the community to help raise awareness and offer emotional support, including in Clacton, Harwich, Sudbury and Walton-on-the-Naze.