Samaritans of Belfast - Belfast

David C.

I DON'T THINK BELFAST SAMARITANS EXIST
And if they do they are totally useless
SO 34 times in all now I've rang Belfast Samaritans..NO ANSWER
February 24 another 8 times no answer.
February 10th....8 times no answer....
February 4th I rang 4 times..and no answer.
Again today I rang 6 times..NO ANSWER.
Sod it maybe I'd be better of dead, 8 times today now I've rang, no answer....
Ive had to give 1 star to be able to leave this, 20 times in all now I've rang Belfast Samaritans no answer, how many people have gotten no answer went on to committed suicide.

Peter M.

I will never ever call Belfast Samaritans again. The person I spoke to was a disgrace and has no place in the organisation. Not what a vulnerable person needs. I have however had nothing but positive experiences when talking to Samaritans UK. I haven't always clicked with their various call handlers but they at least treated me like a human being quite unlike the horrible, disrespectful and dismissive woman I spoke to from Belfast Samaritans. Shame on her.

Éire

Local people were brilliant. Remember even if you don't get a good call, these people are volunteering their time and energy. No one is perfect. I always find it hard to start talking. Never sure how to start. These people are fantastic. I prefer the older men and women, think they have a lot more life experience.

Paul H.

Very positive

I called Belfast Samaritans on and off for 9 continuous months from Autumn 2012 until 2013 when I was alone, bedridden with no family medical care or community support and financially anxious, with dangerously high blood pressure and untreated diabetes knocking me flat in addition to depression. It was tough, very tough but we made it and shortly after I stopped using the service I celebrated a grand recovery for my birthday and a splendid Christmas during which I thought every day of the fond memories of the dark dark days of the Christmas before when your befriending (and that of other Irish branches) kept me going and gave me solace.

This is a belated thank you message to volunteers especially to

The one and only Neil 1
Barney for first class support in helping steady me and the sound of whose voice would instantly cheer me up
Michael 1 and Sean 1 for superb listening and first class cognition - and weathering my very very painful state - when I was literally falling apart in the early stages
Paul 4 for being a top class guy and his validation
Paul 2 and Sean 4 for their sweetness and kindness
Pat V for being the sort of gentleman one feels honoured to have had tea with so to speak
The irreplaceable Rebecca whose heart of gold allowed me to open my own broken heart as I had never before
Her sidekick (Irish) Hugh
Sharon IV for a brilliant first day at school (she knows what I mean!)
Ken for being laid back and constantly reassuring when I felt nervous
Kieron for being a top guy and dispensing me that bit of self-knowledge that will always gnaw at me
Mark for just being a top bloke - next time I wont keep you late from your dogs!
Geoffrey for being his reliable steady and kind self
Young Jo the most on the ball student fresh out of his training I could have wished for

In the English contingent
Russell for making me feel so comfortable and appreciated and laid back about both
English Hugh for the supply of good old British common sense, poise and steadiness
Ann(e) for her graciousness

That's as many as I can consciously remember here, but to all of you I spoke to who helped me you have my gratitude not only for your kindness, but also and especially, as the case may be, for the steadiness of your support, your patience, the quality of your listening and insights or your great heart.

You live on in my memories fondly as those who were there when I felt bereft and helped give me strength when I had no more strength and you certainly didnt do it in vain

That bad Lebanese guy from London, remember?

All the best for the New Year to all and a big big thank you again

Ann B.

I must have got the person who a few reviews got, totally agree, shouldn't be a Samartiian with the attitude she had in early hours of the morning when I was contacted by a friend in distress and suicidal. As one reviewer said,, your on your own. God forgive her.

Jesse J.

Thank you for your help over the years, I've always been made welcome here. They dont judge or criticize just listen. This is a much needed service in the current climate. Help support them anyway you can via volunteering or donation. Thank you.

Phil.

Eileen H.

I'm sorry but I have tried endlessly to contact any of5 numbers to verify
If the numbers in the Down and Connor Directory are correct for next year and can not get anyone to answer the phone.
I have 9 numbers in total from around NI.and would love to know if they are correct.Thanks Eileen Hudson.

Jason G.

Who you gonna call, GHOSTBUSTERS!!!

Better off calling them than Samaritans... at least they answer the phone (according to the movies)!!!