Silent Superheroes: Meet The People Lending An Ear To Those In Crisis This Christmas

: We visited a Samaritans branch to find out what happens behind the scenes at Christmas.
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You’d expect it to be loud and bustling in the call centre of Samaritans’ Soho branch, but actually you could hear a pin drop.

Volunteers sit at desks, fenced off by noise-cancelling screens, speaking into their headsets with lowered yet empathetic voices. It’s reminiscent of a library – a soothing and quiet atmosphere, where there’s clearly important work to be done.

This particular branch has been operating on a 24/7 basis since 1987 – the lights haven’t been turned off since then and the front door has always been open to passers-by.

Over Christmas, dozens of volunteers come from across London to make sure the phones are answered so that no-one is left to feel alone – even in the middle of the night.

We spoke to three volunteers who will be taking a break from the turkey to offer their time (and ears) to people in crisis this Christmas.

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