In 2025 the Three Castles Trial is proud to announce that it will support the work of The Samaritans North East Wales.The Samaritans North East Wales, or Samariad Gogledd Ddwyrain Cymru as it is known in the native Welsh language, is a voluntary team based in Rhyl, one of 201 branches throughout the UK and Ireland, and the only branch in North-East Wales. The charity has been in Rhyl for fifty years and recruits volunteers from across North Wales.

The key aim of the Samaritans is to reduce the number of suicides by giving emotional support over the phone to those callers who are isolated, distressed or despairing and feel that they have no-one they can turn to in confidence. Callers often have complex mental health issues. Phone calls to the Samaritans are free and they have a separate phone line for those who prefer to speak to a Welsh-speaking volunteer.

In addition to phone support, Rhyl Samaritans do outreach across North-East Wales in various settings—from local shows to talks at schools and colleges and a regular presence at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, the area's main hospital. As Samaritans, they work with people who are going through a difficult time in prisons, schools, hospitals, and on the rail network, training others to do the same.

Rhyl has two electoral wards officially ranked as being the most deprived in Wales; the Samaritans therefore strive to support the local community wherever possible, again usually through volunteers.

Whilst there is a small amount of support from the Head Office for the upkeep of the building, The Samaritans of North-East Wales are still dependent on their own fundraising efforts to cover day-to-day costs including broadband/phones, utilities, publicity, outreach, training and recruitment.

It costs around £20,000 a year to keep this one branch open, despite having no paid personnel. Every person, from the Director to the Listeners and all support staff, gives their time freely as a volunteer.

Every ten seconds, the Samaritans respond to a call for help. No judgement. No pressure. They’re there, day or night, for anyone struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgment or pressure.