The New Zealand Samaritans is a confidential listening and support telephone service operating 24 hours a day for people who may have feelings of loneliness, depression or even be contemplating suicide.

Samaritans do:

• listen and help people talk through what’s troubling them
• offer compassion and understanding
• offer callers confidentiality and anonymity
• discuss options
• offer support and encouragement

Samaritans don't:

• give advice.
• provide counselling.
• solve people’s problems. Samaritans don't focus on the problem; they respond to the person.
• make referrals, but they are ready to listen and continue to support callers in need of a listening ear.

This website also offers an anonymous forum for discussing a range of topics from depression to alcohol and drug abuse to sexuality issues to bereavement.

While most of our work is over the telephone, some Samaritans branches also offer a service for visitors to our centres, where they can meet and listen to people in person. It is a good idea to ring the helpline 0800 726 666 and arrange a time.

The New Zealand Samaritans service is a charitable organisation and is headquartered in Wellington. There are six Samaritans offices across the North Island and they can be contacted directly if you prefer.