About Us
Samaritans WA is a not-for-profit organisation that provides emotional support counselling for people in times of need. We aim to help build communities in which people have appropriate support to explore how they feel and to build mental wellness.
A safe environment
We believe that everyone has the capability to find their inner strength and resilience. We understand that sometimes that capability can feel lost, especially when we feel overwhelmed, isolated, disconnected from others, or helpless.
When provided with a safe and supportive environment, and a listening ear, we can uncover our own pathway forward.
Our History
Samaritans WA is part of the worldwide network of more than 400 centres that have been working in suicide prevention and wellbeing space.
The Samaritans WA branch was opened in 1967 and is home to one of the oldest telephone support helplines in Australia. Since 2019, in direct response to the needs of the local community, Samaritans WA expanded its service offering by shifting the focus to face-to-face counselling, in partnership with other WA based not-for-profit organisations
On July 2022, together with RUAH and the Telethon Kids Institute will be piloting the State’s first short-term youth residential service for young people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The service is expected to help up to 300 young people and their families each year.
Devotion to Humanistic Values
Our approach is rooted in humanistic person centred approach, it draws from various psychological theories, latest science on trauma, lived experience wisdom and principles of trauma informed care.
Our approach recognises recovery as an individual, unique, deeply personal process and focuses and fosters connectedness, hope, meaning and empowerment. The ultimate goal is not only reduction of negative feelings but rather to promote personal wellbeing, build self-confidence, foster resilience and ultimately encourage a sense of purpose and that one’s life is worth living.
At the heart of Samaritans, is the humanistic approach that puts the focus on what the person is thinking and feeling and supporting them through.
Our Board
Samaritans is fortunate to be guided by an experienced and professional Board. Our Board and Volunteer Counsellors were integral to the development of our values and are reflective of the organisation we are and who we want to be going forward.
Zrinka Highfield
Chief Executive Officer and Board Director
Zarah Burgess
Board Secretary
Michael Felix
Board Treasurer and Board Director
Gautam Gupta
Board Director
Nick Foster
Laura Benger
Board Director
Debra Zanella
Board Treasurer and Board Director
Bridget Harvey
Board Director
