The Liverpool and Merseyside branch of Samaritans has celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the charity’s founder, Chad Varah.
Born on the 12th November 1911, Varah set up Samaritans to befriend those who had nowhere else to turn.
He died in 2007 after spending his life devoted to the charity.
Varah was particularly proud to have Liverpool as the second Samaritan branch in England. On March 1st 1960, he made the first call to the branch to open the service in Merseyside.
After its opening, 25 volunteers offered a full twenty-four hour phone access to the single telephone in a small basement room underneath St Nicolas church at the Pier Head.
The Liverpool and Merseyside branch of Samaritans now has over one hundred volunteers who give their time to support callers to the helpline.
Working as a priest, Varah’s inspiration for founding Samaritans came when he conducted his first funeral as a young assistant curate.
The funeral was for a 14-year-old girl who had taken her own life because she feared she was seriously ill, when in fact she had started to menstruate.
From that moment, he was determined to create a confidential support service and in 1953 Samaritans became the world’s first 24 hour helpline.
Through Varah’s work, Samaritans contributed to raising the profile of the issue of suicide at a time when it was illegal.
The charity was commended in a parliamentary debate on the suicide bill in July 1961. Mr Eric Fletcher, then MP for Islington East, recommended that the medical profession and police put people in touch with Samaritans.
Chad’s daughter Felicity Varah Harding said: “Samaritans answers five million calls a year, that’s one every five seconds.
“Without the commitment of all the dedicated volunteers, both past and present, we couldn’t keep the service running. My father would’ve been thrilled to know that the Liverpool and Merseyside branch is continuing his legacy; reaching out to those struggling to cope.”
Branch Director of Liverpool and Merseyside Samaritans Judith Houghton added: “Chad’s inspiration has been infectious. From one man and his phone it has developed into a movement which has spread around the UK, Ireland and further afield through our international branches.
“Our principles have never changed - we’re here round the clock for anyone who needs to talk in confidence.”
Samaritans is available for anyone feeling down, depressed or anxious. Volunteers can be contacted round the clock to offer confidential support by phone: 08457 90 90 90 (or 0151 708 8888), email jo@samaritans.org or face-to-face at 25 Clarence Street, Liverpool, L3 5TN between 10am and 8pm.
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