Family Service, Inc.

Lonely . . . Depressed . . . Suicidal . . . need someone to listen?

Call our Confidential Crisis Hotline:

1-866-912-HOPE (4673) (toll free) OR 978-327-6607

Teen Help Line:
978-688-8336 (TEEN)

Samaritans Statewide Help Line:
1-877-870-4673 (HOPE)*

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

History & Mission

The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley was formed in 1980 by three local school teachers in response to an increase in the rate of teen suicide. The organization set out as a small group of volunteers aiming to reduce the incidence of suicide in the Merrimack Valley by providing “befriending” to individuals who were lonely, depressed and contemplating suicide or self-injury. Suicide prevention remains the primary goal of the Samaritans.

woman comforting someone In 2004, the Samaritans joined Family Service, Inc., which now provides financial and administrative support to the Samaritans so that they may focus their full attention on the tasks of suicide prevention.

The Samaritans of Merrimack Valley is a member of the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention, the Northeast Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention, and the American Association of Suicidology.

*The Samaritans Statewide Help Line is a collaborative effort between the Department of Public Health and all the Samaritans' offices in Massachusetts - Boston/Framingham, Cape Cod and the Islands, Fall River, and Merrimack Valley.