About Us
Aotearoa New Zealand Samaritans
Our Mission
Samaritans Aotearoa/New Zealand is a collective of centres from within Aotearoa/New Zealand. Each centre and the collective as a whole, has a registered charitable status in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
We have centres in: Rotorua/Hawkes Bay, Horowhenua, Manawatu and Wellington. We have trained Samaritans who are part of their communities in Tauranga, Hamilton, Rotorua, Raglan, Napier, Hastings, Takapau, Palmerston North, Foxton Levin, Otaki, Waikanae, Kapiti, The Wairarapa, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington.
All of us come together in the interests of building strong and more resilient communities in New Zealand and so reducing the risks of suicide.
As a diverse group we are open to all callers from all backgrounds. We care, we listen, we show respect and compassion. Our culture within Sams NZ reflects the way we work with our callers.
We set national standards and have agreed principles and procedures so all callers can expect a consistent and professional response.
We find that there are often common themes that emerge from our work in our communities and these are a reflection of issues of concern at grass roots level. We advocate for those in the community and ensure their voices are heard.
We promote our services nationally so that everyone is aware we have a service available when they need it
Many callers rely on us for on-going support and we are in it with them for the long haul. We set very few limits. Any limits we set are about balancing the needs of callers with our responsibility to manage our resources effectively.
Origins
Samaritans was founded in 1953 by Chad Varah, a London vicar whose pastoral work had convinced him that there was a need for this service. At the time there was an average of three suicides a day in London. Varah’s vision for Samaritans was that it would be an organisation “to befriend the suicidal and despairing”.
There are now hundreds of branches across the UK, Ireland, America and Australia offering a service which has no political or religious affiliations.
Samaritans Locations
You can ring your local Samaritans Centre on their number below. Alternatively, ring 0800 72 66 66.
There are four Samaritans Centres in New Zealand:
Samaritans of
Wellington
Samaritans of
Horowhenua / Levin
Samaritans of Manawatu /
Palmerston North
Samaritans of Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne and Waikato
If Samaritans helpline is busy, please try one of the other NZ helplines available, or in the case of an emergency dial 111.
Resources
Links to external websites within this section have been provided for information purposes only. Wellington Samaritans is not responsible for the content on these websites.
If Samaritans helpline is busy, please try one of the other NZ helplines available, or in the case of an emergency dial 111.
The Mental Health Foundation works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health and wellbeing. Our work seeks to influence individuals, whanau, organisations and communities to improve and sustain their mental health and reach their full potential.
Ministry of Health Suicide Prevention – Suicide and suicidal behaviour is a major social and health issue in New Zealand, with each suicide having a profound impact on friends, family, whānau, and often whole communities.
Citizens Advice Bureau can provide information to assist with almost any issue.
SPINZ is a volunteer organization for the collection of resources and information to help those who are most in need of it.
Befrienders Worldwide work worldwide to provide emotional support, and reduce suicide. We listen to people who are in distress. We don’t judge them or tell them what to do – we listen.
Samaritans UK & ROI provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.
Complaints
How to make a complaint to Samaritans of Wellington
Written complaints may be sent to Samaritans of Wellington, PO Box 12 100, Wellington or by e-mail to wellington@samaritans.org.nz. Verbal complaints may be made by phone to (04) 472 3676 or in person to the Samaritans of Wellington’s Office Manager, a Board member or a volunteer.
Samaritans volunteers are authorised only to forward complaints to the Office Manager.
When making a complaint please provide the following information
- The facts of the complaint, including date and time, preferably in writing so that the complaint is recorded in your own words.
- Your name, address, email and telephone number
- Your relationship to Samaritans of Wellington (eg caller)