About The Samaritans Hong Kong
Listening through the hardest moments in life
The Samaritans Hong Kong is an independent, non-profit and non-religious organisation. We offer confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, regardless of age, religion, race, gender or sexual orientation.
Who we are
An independent, non-religious and non-political place to be heard
We support people who feel overwhelmed, in crisis, lonely or without hope, as well as anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts. Our telephone service is available throughout the year and is provided by carefully selected volunteers who have completed the training required for the service.
We do not judge, impose personal beliefs or make decisions for the person speaking to us. Our volunteers listen at the caller’s pace, giving them time and space to make sense of how they feel.
Who contacts us?
You do not need to be experiencing suicidal thoughts to contact us. When something feels too difficult to carry alone, you can speak to someone who is willing to listen.
Feeling low
You may feel that nobody around you can help, or find it hard to explain what is happening.
Bereavement or loss
Grief, longing and changes to everyday life can feel overwhelming.
Feeling lonely or isolated
Even when other people are around, you may still feel that nobody understands.
Experiencing suicidal thoughts
You may feel unable to find a reason to live, or unsure how to carry on.
Worried about someone
You may be concerned about a relative, friend or colleague who could be experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Purpose and values
We believe every person deserves to be heard with respect
We want anyone facing despair to find a listening voice when they need it most. Through patient, non-judgemental support, difficult feelings can be expressed and the possibility of a way forward can begin to return.
Listen with care
Offer emotional support to people in distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Train volunteers
Build empathetic communication through selection, training, supervised practice and continuing support.
Connect with communities
Deepen understanding through work with schools, young people, older people, carers and community groups.
Confidentiality
Non-judgement
Respect for every person
Empathetic listening
From one idea about listening
to support that is here every day in Hong Kong
The story of The Samaritans Hong Kong began with a simple but enduring belief: nobody should have to face their darkest moments alone. An approach to listening that began in London was brought to Hong Kong by people willing to give their time, gradually becoming the round-the-clock emotional support service we provide today. Calls are answered in English; many volunteers also speak Cantonese and Putonghua, and some speak other languages or dialects.
1953
An idea centred on a telephone call
The Revd Chad Varah, founder of the Samaritans, believed that people in despair needed someone willing to listen in the moment, rather than having to wait for an appointment. From that belief came a listening service that could be reached by telephone day and night.
1958
Listening comes to Hong Kong
Mr John Tu and Dave Tredrea, who had volunteered with Samaritans in the UK, brought together a group of like-minded people to begin suicide prevention and English-language telephone support in Hong Kong.
1960
The first overseas branch
The Hong Kong service was formally recognised by Chad Varah as the first Samaritans branch outside the UK. The practice of compassionate listening began to take root locally.
1976
Towards a round-the-clock service
The service moved into the former Sailors and Soldiers Home in Wan Chai. As the volunteer team grew, telephone support gradually developed into a 24-hour service available every day of the year.
1982
Joining an international network
The Samaritans Hong Kong joined Befrienders International, exchanging experience with emotional support centres around the world and upholding shared principles of confidentiality, respect and non-religious support.
Growing deeper roots in Hong Kong
The centre moved to Chai Wan and continued to evolve in response to Hong Kong’s multilingual needs. From 1997, the words ‘English Speaking Service’ were no longer used in the organisation’s name, reflecting support for the wider Hong Kong community.
Every day, someone is still here to listen
From telephone and email support to work in schools and communities, our listening volunteers and service teams continue to support people facing difficult times, while the practice of listening reaches more parts of everyday life.
International network
Shared listening principles
shaped by local experience
The Samaritans Hong Kong exchanges experience with independent centres in the Befrienders Worldwide network. Languages and cultures differ, but we share a belief that sincere, confidential and non-judgemental listening can bring human connection at the loneliest moments.
Provide emotional support to people experiencing suicidal feelings or other forms of distress
Respect the privacy of every conversation and each person’s information
Remain non-political and non-religious, without imposing personal beliefs
Where appropriate, encourage people to consider other professional support
Keep volunteers at the heart of delivering the service
Select, train, guide and continue to support volunteers
Support fellow centres, exchange experience and take part in network collaboration
Sustained by volunteers, staff and our governing team
Our trained listening volunteers are supported by staff, volunteer leaders and our governing team. From training and service quality to the careful use of resources, every part of our work centres on protecting people’s trust and keeping the service available.
Made possible by support from across the community
The service continues because support comes from many parts of the community. Contributions from The Community Chest of Hong Kong, the public, charitable foundations, businesses and organisations help us maintain the hotline, train volunteers and bring emotional health education into the community.
The Community Chest of Hong Kong
Public donations
Charitable foundations
Business and organisational support
FAQs
About our organisation and services
These answers explain more about our services, volunteers and how we work. For detailed practical information, you can also visit the relevant service page.
What services do you provide?
Are you a religious organisation?
Do I need to be suicidal before I contact you?
Who answers the hotline?
How is your work funded?
How can I help?
Your next step can begin here
Whether you need someone to listen, would like to give your time, or want to help keep the service available, you can find a next step here.
Emotional support
Someone is here to listen
If things feel too difficult to face alone, choose the way of contacting us that feels right for you.
Find support
Volunteer
Turn your time into human connection
Train as a volunteer and join the listening service that is here every day of the year.
Explore volunteering
Support us
Help listening continue
Every contribution helps sustain our hotline, volunteer training and community work.
Ways to donate
Together, we can help
Your donation helps keep our hotline open and our volunteers trained and supported.