No call for help goes unanswered

In early 2025, Central London Samaritans turned a new page in our history, moving from Marshall Street to our new home in Salisbury Place, Marylebone. This move was more than just a change in address – it was a renewed commitment to be there for everyone who needs us, exactly when they need us.

Since settling into Salisbury Place, we’ve already provided critical

• 8,080 phone callers
• 1,012 email callers
• 212 webchat users
• 39 face-to-face visitors

Each of these interactions represents someone who reached out in crisis – and found compassion, understanding, and a safe space to talk.

None of this would be possible without the incredible support we’ve received through the “No Call for Help Goes Unanswered” project. All the donations have allowed us to continue providing a lifeline for thousands of people navigating mental health struggles or emotional distress.

Our Impact So Far

The first five months of 2025 have been transformational. Shortly after our move, we were honoured to be named Charity of the Year by the Baker Street Quarter Partnership – a milestone that has opened doors to increased visibility, in-kind donations, and new fundraising opportunities. Thanks to this partnership, we’ve already:

• Baker Street Quarter generously offered a place for our Sing for Samaritans programme at their Summer in the Square event this July.
• The Sing for Samaritans programme has been invited to perform and fundraise at the Marylebone Music Festival this June.
• Received generous in-kind support, including a venue donation for our Pride brunch at Holmes Hotel and free laptops from First Mile.
• Teamed up with Corporate Support Volunteers from Frank Knight Promise for a community bucket collection on Baker Street.

These opportunities are helping us raise awareness of our presence in Marylebone while building local relationships that will sustain our work for years to come.

Listening, Supporting, Transforming Lives

At the core of our work is a simple yet powerful mission: to listen without judgement. Every email, call, and message we respond to is a moment where someone is heard – often for the first time. Our volunteers have been a consistent presence for those facing loneliness, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelming life challenges.

Our 24/7 emotional support continues to be a lifeline for people who might otherwise suffer in silence. And beyond direct services, we’re strengthening outreach to universities and prisons – spaces where mental health needs are high, and resources are often scarce.

Volunteer Development: The Heart of What We Do

Our service is only possible because of the 400+ volunteers who give their time, energy, and empathy. With the move to Salisbury Place, we’ve begun focusing on local recruitment and awareness, ensuring our volunteer base grows alongside our ambitions.

We’ve also continued to prioritise high-quality training – particularly around complex mental health scenarios such as suicidal ideation and long-term emotional distress. This ensures that every person reaching out is met with a volunteer who is confident, prepared, and supported.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the new location has brought energy and excitement, it also brings challenges. We’re working to establish deeper roots in Marylebone – raising awareness of our presence, recruiting new volunteers from the area, and increasing visibility in a busy urban landscape.

Increased operating costs, growing demand, and the emotional toll on our volunteers continue to test our capacity. But with your support, we are rising to meet these challenges head-on.

Looking Forward

The next few months will be about embedding ourselves in our new community, building our local identity, and continuing to innovate in how we connect with those who need us.

We are actively investing in our webchat and email services, which are especially popular among younger people. And we’ll continue expanding outreach to ensure mental health support is accessible where it's needed most.

Thank You

Your support fuels everything we do. Every call answered, every volunteer trained, and every life touched is thanks to the belief you’ve placed in our mission. As we settle into our new home, we’re not just continuing our work – we’re evolving, growing, and reaching further than ever before.

If you’re inspired by what you’ve read, please consider continuing your support – by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our story. Together, we can make sure no one faces their darkest moments alone.

Links:

• Central London Samaritans Homepage