24th July saw the launch of Costa Blanca Samaritans, formed to offer free, telephone- based, English language support, for people experiencing emotional distress and who might be suicidal.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, CBS telephone listeners are extensively trained to be with people through their suffering. Such a service is long overdue here on the Costa Blanca, where life can be tough and where being in a foreign country often exacerbates feelings of isolation and desperation at difficult times. World Health Organisation figures show more than 1 million actual suicides and 20 million attempts each year. U.K. Samaritans has 5.5 million contacts with people each year. There is therefore no doubt the CBS service is needed.

CBS volunteers will listen regardless of how “big” or “small” the issue and without judging or telling people what they “should” do. Callers are invited to explore their situation, their way.  What is heard is entirely confidential within the organisation, and no calls are recorded or traced.

The service is initially available on Monday to Wednesday evenings between 7 and 10p.m., with plans well advanced to extend hours of operation later this year. Existence and expansion is entirely dependent on volunteer numbers and funding and CBS needs more of both. Anyone interested in joining can contact CBS at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Other enquiries and offers of support are welcomed at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it