The Listening Place

The world can feel like a very lonely place if you are feeling that life is no longer worth living: not only is it difficult to share those feelings but it can be hard to get the care and support that will make a difference.

By understanding our visitors, without judgement and without interfering, we help to relieve emotional pains and stress, and give them the opportunity to fully consider alternatives to suicide and self-harm.

Did you know...

We keep costs low by relying on volunteers – with only one paid member of administrative staff. It costs us approx £200 to provide a full year of support for a suicidal person in need… This is over £100 less than the average cost of a one-night hospital admission!

Since we opened in 2016, we have worked with more than 1,000 people, of whom we still see approximately 500, which is made possible by around 250 active volunteers.

More than 50% of our visitors are referred via the NHS – including from A&E and GPs – with the number of referrals constantly increasing.

 What makes The Listening Place different

For suicidal people – often with chaotic lives – and really for anyone, it can be all too easy to miss appointments and potentially find yourself excluded from NHS mental health support. We are resolute in following up with the people we are referred and can provide ongoing support for as long as it is needed.

Also, the work we carry out has recently been professionally evaluated as showing a significant reduction in suicidal feelings, as well as decreasing distress and increasing how supported a person feels, within the first three months… Peer-evaluated journal soon to be published!

And finally, what we do is almost entirely funded by the generosity of individuals, with no government contracts.

Other ways to support

Persuading your employer and friends to choose The Listening Place as their charity of the year

Raising awareness of The Listening Place with your MP, GP and local businesses

Organising a fundraising event – see our page on Givey for ideas of past fundraisers