Originally established in 1974 by Chad Varah (founder of the Samaritans), then recently launched as an independent charity in 2012, Befrienders Worldwide is a dynamic and expanding global network of 349 emotional support centres in 32 countries, spanning 5 continents. These centres are staffed by more than 25,000 volunteers who provide vital support to an estimated 7 million service users each year. Befrienders Worldwide centres provide an open space for those in distress to talk and be heard. This is via telephone helplines, SMS messaging, face to face, internet chat, outreach and local partnerships. Befrienders Worldwide Vision By embracing new technologies, sharing expertise and experiences, Befrienders Worldwide is committed to the vision of a world in which despair can be relieved and there are fewer deaths by suicide.