IT looks like just another unassuming house in the centre of Harrow, and is easy to miss. But for the last 40 years it has provided a lifeline for countless people in pain and distress.

The Harrow branch of the Samaritans in Station Road has 78 volunteers who give up their time to listen to anyone in need of emotional support, lending a sympathetic ear at the end of a round-the-clock confidential phone line, and face-to-face meetings during the day.

For one woman who called Harrow Samaritans after twice attempting suicide, contacting the charity was the first step towards a future of helping others as well as her herself.

Cindy (not her real name) is now a volunteer herself, but a decade ago things were very different.

She said: "Ten years ago, I was a complete emotional mess, suffering badly from depression, anxiety and with no will to live.

"One dreadful evening, things got just too much to bear.

"In a morass of misery and desperation I took an overdose, truly hoping and wishing that it would be fatal. I simply couldn't face another hour or care about the consequences of my death."

She came round three days later, and contacted the Samaritans.

Volunteers are trained to "listen without prejudice", helping callers to explore their feelings without forcing advice on them. Although they try to avoid creating a dependent relationship, volunteers will befriend callers in exceptional cases, if they are suicidal, for example.

"The person I spoke to was absolutely brilliant, extremely supportive and genuinely caring, wanting to help me get back on my feet," Cindy said.

"That was the start of a two-year befriending during which I received the support and encouragement that gave me the self-belief and determination to work on helping myself and sorting my life out.

"As things slowly improved for me, I promised myself that when I felt emotionally strong and stable again, I would apply to become a Samaritan.

"I wanted to be that supportive voice at the end of the phone that had meant so much to me in my darkest hours."

Although being a Samaritan is not for everybody, volunteers come from all backgrounds and join for a variety of reasons. The charity is non-religious and the name "Samaritan" was an historical accident, derived from a newspaper's nickname for the organisation when it was launched in 1953.

Volunteers undergo eight preparatory sessions before they take their first calls, and are encouraged to commit to at least a three-hour shift once a week.

David, who is a branch officer at Harrow (Samaritans never use their full names), said: "Being a Samaritan is a very humbling experience, and it changes your life for the better.

"It is extraordinary to realise how many people are unhappy but tremendously rewarding to help someone through a difficult patch.

"It makes you a more compassionate and caring person and other people will notice that."

The service is entirely dependent on voluntary support, and has a fundraising shop in Wealdstone High Street which welcomes donations.

The Samaritans have recently been involved in an outreach project in Wormwood Scrubs prison, and have visited schools talking to students about the dangers of exam stress.

As for Cindy, she can now look to the future with confidence.

"Life had dealed me a few strong blows and now I know that's the way it is for most of us at some time or another," she said.

"I'm so glad that I plucked up the courage to contact Samaritans. Those first few calls to them proved to be the catalyst that set me on a new course.

"I'm still a Samaritan volunteer and do weekly shifts that fit neatly into my life.

"I find it deeply rewarding and simply can't imagine not being a Samaritan."

You can call Harrow Samaritans on 020 8427 7777, e-mail jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org.