The Ealing branch of Samaritans, which covers Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith, today celebrates turning 50 years old.

On Friday, 21 January 1972 in the basement of a condemned church in Windsor Road, the founding members of Ealing Samaritans took their first phone calls from people seeking emotional support.

Since then, 2,242 volunteers from Ealing, Hounslow and Hammersmith have been trained to handle an estimated one million phone calls.

The Branch today is a collective effort of some 150 people - unpaid volunteers from all walks of life who, 365 days of the year, provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. 

Heena Johnson, director of Ealing Samaritans said: "For fifty years our volunteers have been supporting our callers by giving them time, undivided attention and empathy.

"We are privileged today to be standing upon the shoulders of those pioneers to continue providing support to those who need it."

The History

The Samaritans organisation was formed in 1953, by Rev. Chad Varah, vicar of the St Stephen Walbrook church in the City of London.

The idea of a Samaritans branch in Ealing was first suggested in a meeting of the Ealing Council of Churches in 1970.

A steering committee was set up under the directorship of the Rev. Ray Bunce vicar of All Saints' Church, Ealing Common with the aim of recruiting 100 volunteers and raising £1,000 in initial funding, a sum equivalent to £13,000 today.

Fundraising was masterminded by local businessman Basil Summers, the managing director of Quaker Oats in Southall, who became the first chair of Ealing Samaritans.

They found a home in Windsor Road, Ealing in the basement of the church hall of the former Broadway Methodist Church which had been scheduled for demolition as part of a subsequently abandoned town centre regeneration scheme.

In 1987 the branch moved to its present home, a former Fullers off-licence in Junction Road, South Ealing.

Current Work

As well as manning the phones, Ealing Samaritans participate in the Rail Industry Suicide prevention programme which aims to reduce suicide on the railways and to support everyone affected by them.

The branch also runs the Listener Scheme at Wormwood Scrubs prison where a group of prisoners is selected and trained to offer emotional support to other prisoners who are experiencing feelings of distress.

A team of Ealing Samaritans volunteers was in action this week at Ealing Broadway Station with MTR Elizabeth Line staff for the annual 'Brew Monday' event to encourage people to reach out for a cup of tea or coffee and a catch-up with those they care about.

Heena said: "I'd like to say thank you to all those who have supported us over the years with donations, legacies and grants.

"But most of all I should acknowledge the volunteers past and present who have given their time to be there 24/7 no matter what they may be going through.

'The past couple of years have shown more than ever how we can all be affected by life's challenges and how important our service continues to be."

Every Samaritans branch is an individual charity run entirely by volunteers.

Samaritans across the UK and Republic of Ireland respond to more than 5 million calls for help every year, offering emotional support by phone, email, text and face to face.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123. This number won't show up on your phone bill. Or you can email [email protected].