Ayrshire Samaritans Mark 60 Years of Lifesaving Support Across the Region

Volunteers at the Ayrshire branch of the Samaritans are celebrating 60 years of supporting people through some of the darkest moments of their lives.

Since first opening in Kilmarnock in the 1960s, Ayrshire Samaritans has provided a listening ear to thousands of people experiencing emotional distress, loneliness, mental health struggles and suicidal thoughts.

Now, six decades later, volunteers say the need for genuine human connection remains as important as ever.

The local branch currently has around 25 volunteers from across Ayrshire who dedicate their time to answering calls from people throughout the UK, offering confidential emotional support 24 hours a day.

Among them is Hilary, who has volunteered with the organisation for 38 years and has witnessed huge changes in society, technology and mental health awareness over the decades.

She explained that while communication methods may have evolved dramatically since the branch first opened in a small office on Grange Street in Kilmarnock, the core purpose of Samaritans has never changed.

Hilary said: “The basics will always be the same for us. We are here to listen and provide emotional support.

“People often feel more comfortable speaking to someone they don’t know. They can open up honestly without fear of judgement, and that has remained the same from the very beginning.”

In the early days, calls were handled locally, meaning people in Ayrshire would contact the Kilmarnock branch directly. Volunteers were discouraged from publicly identifying themselves as Samaritans to protect anonymity within communities.

Today, calls are routed nationally to the next available volunteer anywhere in the UK.

Hilary believes the nature of calls has also changed over time, with increasing numbers linked to mental health struggles and emotional wellbeing.

She said: “Years ago, many calls related to relationship breakdowns or financial worries. Now there is much more discussion around mental health and people are more willing to talk openly about what they are going through.

“But what has never changed is the importance of somebody being there to listen.”

Over the years, Ayrshire Samaritans volunteers have also supported communities during major incidents and difficult events, including travelling to Lockerbie following the 1988 bombing disaster to provide emotional support.

The branch also works closely with prisons through the Prison Listener Scheme, helping train inmates to support fellow prisoners in crisis.

For Hilary, some of the most powerful moments have come unexpectedly from people whose lives were changed after reaching out for help.

She recalled one encounter after finishing a shift when a taxi driver revealed that a call to Samaritans had saved his life years earlier.

“He told me if he hadn’t phoned Samaritans that night, he wouldn’t be here today,” she said.

“He had gone on to build a life, get married, have a child and create a future for himself. Moments like that remind you why this work matters.”

Throughout the year, Ayrshire Samaritans volunteers attend community events including Ayr Show and Dundonald Games to raise awareness of the service and encourage people to seek support when they need it.

As the branch celebrates its 60th anniversary, volunteers say their mission remains simple — ensuring that nobody has to face a crisis alone.

Anyone needing emotional support can contact Samaritans free of charge on 116 123 at any time of the day or night