Outreach

Befrienders is a not-for-profit organisation providing emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to people who are lonely, in distress, in despair, and having suicidal thoughts - without charge.

We are multi-racial, non-religious and are available to everyone, regardless of race, religion, age, gender or sexual orientation.

​All our volunteers are trained and each conversation is treated as strictly confidential. You may remain completely anonymous; keeping your name private.

Once your call is answered, a caring and trained person will listen to you, ask questions to generally understand how you feel, give you the time to share your dilemma and support you if you feel lost about how to cope.

Our Vision

• A world in which fewer people feel the need to end their own lives.

Our Mission

• To alleviate distress and help reduce the risk of suicide through emotional support and public education.

Our Goals

• To provide emotional support to the distressed and the suicidal at all times. 
• To impart emotional support skills to the community. 
• To instill coping skills for better mental health. 
• To create awareness of the causes of suicide and how it can be prevented. 
• To increase our effectiveness by working in partnership with others. 

In 1970, a group of pioneer Malaysians was concerned about the emotional wellbeing of the community after the occurrence of communal riots on 13 May 1969.

With the assistance of professional psychiatrists and psychologists from University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, The Befrienders Kuala Lumpur was established.

The Befrienders KL is a non-profit organisation modeled after Samaritans, a movement started in London in 1953 by Dr Chad Varah. Since then, the movement has spread around the world under the umbrella body called Befrienders Worldwide.

​Today, Befrienders Worldwide is a dynamic and expanding global network of 349 emotional support centres in 32 countries, spanning 5 continents. These centres are staffed by more than 25,000 volunteers who provide vital support to an estimated 7 million service users each year. These centres provide an open space for those in distress to talk and be heard.