SAMARITANS received more than 24,000 calls from people in the York area last year with almost 8,000 of those expressing feelings of suicide.

That figure is very different to the 138 callers who contacted the York and District branch during its first year almost 40 years ago.

As demands on the team of 92 volunteers grow, York's new director Sandra Harper is determined to recruit more helpers and raise more funds to enable them to reach out to more people.

The York branch needs £40,000 a year to operate - with the lion's share taken up by running costs and telephone bills.

These 21st century Samaritans are exploring new ways to offer safe, reliable and confidential support to people in need of a friendly, non-judgemental listener.

They speak to people over the phone, face-to-face at their base at 89 Nunnery Lane, and via email.

But a pilot project is under way to explore ways of making the Samaritans available to people, particularly younger generations, via text message.

"We are trying to provide support for people using the media that suits them best," said Sandra who admitted being "very honoured" to take on her new role as director of the York branch.

She said the Samaritans were trained to listen, did not judge, offer advice or their own opinions.

Instead they ask the caller how he or she is feeling - whether by phone, in person or email - and invite that person to talk about those emotions.

Although the text message pilot is still in the early stages, she said it would work in the same way.

"We would begin by making sure they were comfortable with the fact this was a one-to-one confidential conversation and that we are there for them while they are going through crisis."

Looking ahead to her term in office, Sandra, a managing director of PMH Security Ltd, Walmgate, said: "The biggest challenge is to get more volunteers in the branch. We desperately need more. The branch at the moment isn't open 24 hours a day."

The branch opened in 1966 in Bootham, and was initially available for four hours each evening.

By 1973, there was 24-hour support. That changed four years ago because of a need for more volunteers.

There are currently 92 volunteers, aged 18 to early 80s, but Sandra said 130 were needed to offer round-the-clock support.

When York branch is not open, calls go through to another branch within the region.

To volunteer or to speak to the Samaritans, phone 01904 655888, email jo@samaritans.org or write to Chris, PO Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA.

  • Claire Armstrong asked people in York how they felt about people being able to contact the Samaritans by text.

Kevin Bell, 30, of York: "I would say it's better through the phone because you never know who you're talking to through a text."

Zoe Varley, 29, of York: "It's a better idea. It's quicker, isn't it? It might appeal to young people."

Gemma Luck, 22, of York: "It's probably a good idea - it will make it more accessible to teenagers."

Stuart Partridge, 30, of Strensall: "It's possibly best over the phone because otherwise you don't know what sort of state they are in, or who has sent it."

Jenny Hall, 23, of York: "Not everybody wants to talk - it's easier to text sometimes and lots of people have free texts."