Voluntary organization aiding those tempted
to suicide or despair, established in 1953 in
the UK. Groups of lay people, often
consulting with psychiatrists,
psychotherapists, and doctors, offer
friendship and counselling to those using
their emergency telephone numbers, day or
night. The Samaritans were founded at St
Stephen's Church, Walbrook, London, by the
rector, Chad Varah (1911-), and subsequently
extended throughout Britain and overseas.
They are inspired by the story of the `good
Samaritan' of the New Testament, who aided
the injured traveller who had been attacked
and robbed, instead of `walking by on the
other side of the road'.