Support by email

Befriending Email

If calling does not feel right, you can write about what you are going through. You may use an alias or pen name, and we aim to reply within 24 hours.

Emotional support

A person writing an email on a laptop

At a glance

Who it is for

People who cannot call or find it easier to express themselves in writing

Format

Emotional support by email

Availability

We aim to reply within 24 hours; this is not an immediate channel

Language

Chinese or English

Share what you are feeling in writing

Some feelings are difficult to say aloud. Writing can give you more time to gather your thoughts. You can tell us what has been happening, how you feel, or which parts have become hard to carry.

Befriending Email may suit you if…

You cannot or would rather not use the telephone, you do not have enough privacy to speak where you are, or writing feels easier than talking. You may contact us using an alias or pen name.

What happens after I send an email?

A volunteer will read your message and respond to the feelings you have shared. We aim to reply within 24 hours. Befriending Email is not an immediate or emergency channel, so please use the hotline if you need to speak with someone now.

Service details

For: People who cannot call or find writing easier

How: Emotional support by email

Response: We aim to reply within 24 hours; this is not an immediate service

Email: jo@samaritans.org.hk

Is writing easier than talking?

You may use an alias or pen name to share how you feel. Befriending Email is not an immediate or emergency channel.

Last verified: 19 August 2026

A telephone used by The Samaritans emotional support volunteers

Together, we can help

Keep someone listening, day and night.

Keep someone listening, day and night.

Your donation helps keep our hotline open and our volunteers trained and supported.