Samaritans celebrate life of founder

The Rochdale Oldham and District branch of Samaritans today celebrates the hundredth anniversary of the birth of its founder, Chad Varah. Born on 12 November 1911, Dr Varah dedicated his life to listening to people struggling to cope until his death in 2007. He set up Samaritans to befriend those who had nowhere else to turn.

Now the Rochdale, Oldham and District branch of Samaritans has 35 volunteers who, in the same way as Dr Varah, give their time 24/7 to support callers to the helpline.

Dr Varah’s inspiration for founding Samaritans came when he conducted his first funeral as a young assistant curate. The funeral was for a 13-year-old girl who had taken her own life because she feared she was seriously ill, when in fact she had started to menstruate. Dr Varah wanted to create a confidential support service and in 1953 Samaritans became the world’s first 24 hour helpline.

Through Dr 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.

Dr Varah knew that if a distressed person could be given time to be listened to, without being judged, they could start to find a way through even the most difficult feelings.

Felicity Varah Harding, Dr Varah’s daughter, says: “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 Rochdale, Oldham and District branch is continuing his legacy; reaching out to those struggling to cope.”

Ian Hartley, Branch Director of Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans, 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, email jo@samaritans.org or face-to-face.