Staff Writer
The Samaritans is a humanitarian-oriented organization that has helped literally millions of people around the world facing apparent hopelessness and despair. As Befrienders Worldwide, the international network that is driven by 31,000 volunteers located in 40 countries, puts it: 'We work worldwide to provide emotional support, and reduce suicide. We listen to people who are in distress. We don't judge them or tell them what to do - we listen'.
 The organization provides a lifeline to those in dire emotional, spiritual, or financial straits. Before clicking away from this article if you don't include yourself in this group, please consider donating, or, more importantly in many ways, devoting some of your time to this organization. If you don't have the time (or money), perhaps remember the name in case you ever have a friend in need (the email address listed with this story serves as an anonymous route to the Thailand-based Samaritans.
The best way I can describe their work is 'providing a shoulder to cry on' in times of great need, the organization vowing to 'be there, walking with you' through some difficult periods.
Derren Van der Meade, a successful international sales manager for a global fashion marketing brand, came under severe strain recently following the untimely death of a parent.
'I seriously considered ending my life, and then remembered that a friend mentioned the Samaritans after a mutual friend had struggled to cope with a major life-changing crisis. 'I felt too embarassed to talk to anyone, even on the phone, so I sent them an email,' he said.
Derren said that while the group was not able to provide any direct emotional support, it hooked him up with a local group that was able to help him on a more practical level in supporting him through his time of grief. 'In may ways, I do consider that they saved my life,' he says of the group, 'which is why I'm happy to share my experiences.'
People who feel suicidal are often so focused on a particular problem or pain that they find it difficult to see a way forward. Talking openy to a 'Befriender' in a safe and confidential environment, can help. By listening to a suicidal person, a befriender helps them 'listen to themselves'.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there about one
million suicides per year - and for every suicide, there are
approximately 20 attempted suicides. There are many other people who
may not be suicidal, but urgently need access to appropriate emotional
support services. It is not simply up to governments or others to
decide who they may or may not 'be able to help' and what services are
provided, according to the group. Rather everyone has a responsibility
and accountability to ensure that relevant rights are respected for all
groups at risk.
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The United Nations' General Assembly in 1991 adopted 'Principles for
the protection of persons with mental illness and the improvement of
mental healt care', which were formulated by the Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights. These provide guidance for services and
for countering discrimination.
The World Heatlh Organization (WHO) says that policies and services
should include reducing the number of people who develop mental health
problems and eliminating stigma associated with mental or emotional
problems, and also 'provide effective interventions' to all (people) in
need. Volunteer centers are said to play a crucial role in all of these.
As well as providing further information about the Samaritans or groups
working in tandem with the Samaritans, the website of Befrienders
Worldwide at http://www.befrienders.org also provides lots more
practical information shoud you be concerned about a friend or family
member who is experiencing a difficult time emotionally or spiritually,
or who is facing other such pressures.
The following quiz destroys many of widespread myths about suicide: http://www.befrienders.org/info/myths.asp
For further information, or to volunteer, please contact the relevant country contact at http://www.befrienders.org
For direct assistance in Thailand, please contact:
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Life in Thailand 
Life in Thailand
Thai ways of living - be it countryside or city - have their own distinct styles, rhythms and habits. The kingdom, and especially Bangkok, is also home to an interesting variety of locals and expatriates. Learn about the views and lives of local and expatriate communities, in addition to helpful tips for those exploring and living a Life in Thailand.
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