In November 1953 an English clergyman set up the first telephone helpline for people considering suicide. The Reverend Chad Varah began the pioneering service from a room in his own church house.

Today, the Samaritans receive more than five million calls every year in the UK alone. There are more than 100 branches overseas.

(Photo: The Reveren Chad Varah at the entrance to his office at the church of St Stephen, Wallbrook, City of London. Credit: PA)