Though we're available to callers by phone or email, as well as visitors to our centre in Leatherhead, we're trying to make it easier for people in our community to access our support. So we've begun getting out and about, meeting people and talking to them about how they're feeling.

In conjunction with the Integrated Care Partnership we have established a listening surgery at the Old Cottage Hospital in Alexandra Road, Epsom. Samaritans are there from 16.30 to 19.30 every Thursday. Book an appointment on 0844 4122232 or just drop in.

Samaritans believe that talking about your feelings can help to alleviate distress and despair. GPs and other medical practitioners may not have the time to talk at length to people whose underlying problems could be founded in stress. Samaritans do.

The Downview Visitors’ Centre works with the families of prisoners at Downview women’s prison.

Having a wife, daughter or mother in prison can be a very distressing time for the family. They may be worried about the prisoner or worried about those left at home such as children. Many family members have to travel a long way which can add to the distress.

Our branch attends on alternate Thursdays and Saturdays to support the families and generally raise awareness of the work Samaritans do.

We offer talks, presentations and to take assemblies in any secondary school within our area. We want to tell young people that Samaritans offer confidential, non-judgmental support 24 hours a day and that they can contact us by text, email, phone or by visiting our centre. If your school would like to know more please call 01372 375555.