With so many ways to be connected in our digital lives, it is an odd phenomenon that many feel more isolated and alone than ever.

For those who feel overwhelmed, the Samaritans can be the difference between life and death.

Sarah Webster, a trustee and listening volunteer at Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans, knows how vital the work the charity does is.

“We offer 24/7 help on the phones for anyone who is struggling. And when I say anybody, it is anyone and everyone that can call us,” said Sarah.

One of the misconceptions of the Samaritans is that it is only there to help people who are suicidal.

The Argus: Sarah Webster is a trustee and volunteerSarah Webster is a trustee and volunteer (Image: Sarah Webster)

But the charity is close to Sarah’s heart after her mum called them when she was just seven years old.

“My mum was struggling and she phoned the Samaritans. I noticed a marked shift in her which was amazing,” she said.

Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans branch takes volunteers from across Sussex, all the way to Shoreham, Lewes, Newhaven and Haywards Heath.

Sarah said: “We have 180 volunteers and I think a lot of people don’t realise that we do volunteer in situ in our Hove call centre.

“You might hear your neighbour getting up at 4am and wonder where they are off to and they could be coming to volunteer.”

Volunteers work with at least one other person on shift in Dubarry House, Newtown Road, Hove.

Listeners are trained over a year and then help out for around three hours a week, providing support for callers from across the country at all times of the day and night.

In the year to March 2023, the 166 volunteers at the time had answered nearly 22,000 calls.

They had made 385 outgoing calls, responded to 1,276 emails and had 468 online chats.

A total of 32 new listeners were trained over the year.

There are three training courses a year and trainees are mentored over a year. After two or three months you are in a probation period and work alongside a more senior volunteer.

At the end of the training, you become a qualified volunteer when an experienced volunteer gives you the green light. 

“It sounds scary, but it's just a listening call to check you have got the hang of Samaritans’ way of supporting callers,” said Sarah.

Sarah said: “There's someone always there for you including our volunteering care team. 

“Say your work gets really busy or things change in your personal life and you need a month off from volunteering you can just tell someone.

“I’ve lived in Hove since I was a student. I’m 36 now and I really feel part of the community here thanks to my role at Samaritans.”

“We have also been at Brighton station to speak to passengers and staff about our Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.”

Brighton’s Samaritans team can take more than 2,000 calls in a month.

All of Brighton’s 180 volunteers are unpaid, but the branch, a legally separate charity, needs more than £60,000 a year for premises costs such as rent, energy and insurance.

Samaritans are active in the community and even train and support a team of inmates at HMP Lewes to become listeners, on call for everyone else in the prison.

Robin Webb, branch director, said: “We also help vulnerable people hear about Samaritans.

“We are proud to take part in Brighton Pride and Trans Pride.