Google launches Samaritans helpline display for 'suicide' search

Google today launched a new feature in Britain that will trigger the telephone number for the Samaritans helpline to appear when words relating to suicide are entered into its search engine.

The charity said some information online can be “dangerous” and it was important that vulnerable people are kept safe.

According to Google the implementation of this feature in the US led to a 9% increase in calls to the support group National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Google’s UK managing director Matt Brittin said: “People turn to the internet for information and advice all the time.

“We hope that by adding a highly visible link on searches relating to suicide, Google can guide those who are vulnerable, distressed or suicidal to the renowned expertise and support offered by Samaritans.”

Catherine Johnstone, Samaritans’ chief executive, said: “We welcome this positive step by Google and we hope this new search tool that promotes Samaritans’ helpline details will encourage distressed or suicidal people to seek help from a safe source.

“The internet is a rapidly expanding phenomenon that allows people to access huge amounts of information, much of which is helpful but some of which can occasionally be dangerous.

“It is therefore important that vulnerable and distressed people are steered towards safe places such as Samaritans.”