Community outreach
We routinely visit schools, railway stations, local events and community groups, so more people know about our services and the power of listening.
Here to listen, day or night
If you need to talk, our trained volunteers are here to listen in confidence, at your pace and without judgment.
When life feels overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to turn. Whether you're struggling to cope, feeling distressed, or having suicidal thoughts, you don't have to face it alone.
At Samaritans, you'll find someone who will listen without judgement. You don't need to know exactly what to say or how you're feeling. We'll give you the space to talk things through in your own way, and we won't tell you what to do.
Our branch
Rooted in local life for more than 60 years
Portsmouth has been home to a Samaritans branch since 1962. For more than six decades, generations of volunteers have been there for people when they needed someone to listen.
That commitment continues today: over the past year, our volunteers answered more than 25,000 calls, giving people time, privacy and a calm person to talk to when things felt difficult.
We work across Portsmouth and the wider East Hampshire area, including Gosport, Havant, Fareham, Petersfield, Emsworth, Liss and Hayling Island.
Our branch is sustained locally by volunteers, donations, fundraising and the support of the Sam's Place charity shop in Southsea. Every part of that local support helps keep the listening service available when someone needs it.
Community Outreach
Meeting people
where they are
Local partnerships
We work with other local charities, GP surgeries and hospitals to make it easier for people to be referred to us for a supporting phone call.
Our military community
Portsmouth has a proud naval history. We work closely with veterans and Armed Forces support groups in the city and wider area, so people connected to service life know we are here.
Do you run a local charity or community group?
To discuss partnership, click here to contact us.
Volunteer
Give time in a
way that matters
Listening volunteer
Listening volunteers answer calls from people who may be distressed, lonely, overwhelmed, grieving, anxious, or having suicidal thoughts.
You do not need a counselling background. The role is about listening carefully, calmly and without judgment, with training and ongoing support from the branch.
Listening volunteers usually take one three-hour shift each week, with one shift each month taking place during twilight or overnight hours. Together, volunteers ensure that someone is always there for a caller in need.
Apply as a listening volunteerSupport volunteer
Support volunteers help with the practical work that keeps the branch running – including administration, fundraising, outreach, events and other behind-the-scenes activity.
These roles are ideal if you want to give time locally but are not sure that listening shifts are right for you.
We can talk through your skills, availability and interests, then help you find a useful way to contribute.
Apply as a support volunteerSupport Us
Every contribution
makes a difference
Donate
A donation through
helps pay for volunteer training, the operation of our phone service, and our outreach in the wider community.
Fundraise locally
Fundraising keeps local support available. If you would like to organise an event, take on a challenge, make a collection or talk through an idea, our team can help you get started.
Ask about fundraisingLeave a legacy
A gift in your will can help keep our service here for people in the years ahead. If you are considering a gift to the branch, we would be grateful to talk it through.
Ask about legacies
Sam's Place
Our charity shop helps to fund local listening
Sam's Place helps fund Portsmouth Samaritans by selling good quality donated clothes, fashion accessories, books, china and glass, kitchenware, paintings and much more.
6 Grove Road South, Southsea, PO5 3QTContact Us
Branch address
Samaritans of Portsmouth and East Hampshire 296 London Road Portsmouth PO2 9JNPlease note: We are not able to offer listening support face-to-face at the branch.
Free phone
If you need emotional support, call Samaritans for free by dialling 116 123.
The line is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Need to talk?