ABSTRACT
Befrienders International had its origin in The Samaritans, which was founded almost 50 years ago in the United Kingdom by Dr. Chad Varah. Befrienders International serves as an umbrella association for more than 40,000 trained volunteers who provide emotional support for the despairing and suicidal in 40 countries. Its aim is to encourage the establishment and development of community-based and community-resourced befriending services. The service the volunteers provide complements the work of other professional, statutory, and voluntary agencies. By building on local action by local people, and using trained volunteers rather than paid staff, Befrienders International provides cost-effective services that are available when they are needed by anybody in crisis. Contact with the befriending services can be made by telephone, visit, letter, or e-mail.
