Post by Scarlet on Dec 14, 2007 10:21:15 GMT
Find it impossible to talk about your problems?
Email us now at: jo@samaritans.org
How long does it take to reply to an email?
Emails are always answered by real human volunteers, there are no "automatic" responses. If you email we try our hardest to get back to you within 24 hours.
How does the email service work?
Trained Samaritans volunteers provide the same kind of confidential emotional support to people in distress as on the telephone. Emails enter a virtual queue, and are picked up on a rotational basis by a Samaritans volunteer based at one of our branches. No automated responses are used.
Is the email service confidential?
The software that supports Samaritans email service is specially written to be completely confidential and reliable. The software works by removing the sender's details, such as email address, from incoming emails before they are seen by Samaritans volunteers.
Emails are kept on a central server for 30 days so that if the same person asks for help again, the Samaritans volunteer can be aware of the fact that they have already contacted the organisation and see the previous emails. After 30 days, all emails are automatically deleted and no record remains of the emails or the contents.
Can I send a completely anonymous email?
The easiest way to maintain anonymity is to create a free email address specifically for contacting us. You can do this by visiting web sites such as www.yahoo.co.uk, www.hotmail.com.
Anyone in distress can contact Samaritans at any time of the day or night. Samaritans are contacted every five seconds, by phone, by email or by people coming into our branches. People of all backgrounds and ages contact us for emotional support.
If you think you might benefit from confidential emotional support then we are here for you. You do not have to be suicidal to contact us. We will not judge you if you call. We understand that sometimes it can feel difficult to pick up the telephone, so try an email or write a letter to us instead. Sometimes writing down your thoughts can really help understand them better.
www.samaritans.org/talk_to_someone/email.aspx
