What is Befriending?
A non-religious, non-profit organization, The Samaritans is devoted to helping those who are hopeless, alone or suicidal through our volunteer-run programs. We practice a communications-based response we call "befriending," which emphasizes listening to what a person in crisis is feeling and thinking without expressing personal judgements.
The Samaritans of Rhode Island is the local branch of the international humanitarian movement with more than 400 branches in 32 countries. Our efforts are consistent with the suicide prevention goals of the U.S. Surgeon General and the RI Department of Health. Our Hotline/Listening line coverage may vary depending on the availability of volunteers within a 24 hour period.
