Spaces that Listen: Co‑Designing for Compassion and Wellbeing at Central London Samaritans

Synopsis

Central London Samaritans (CLS) is the founding branch of the charity, dedicated to providing 24/7 emotional support to anyone in distress or at risk of suicide. Murphy Philipps Architects were commissioned to design and remodel their new head office at 13 Salisbury Place, transforming a vacant office building into a warm, inclusive, and purpose-built environment that supports both volunteers and visitors.

Our presentation for Central London Samaritans will explore the transformative power of carefully considered environments in supporting the emotionally intense work carried out by staff and volunteers. As the lifeline for individuals in crisis, Samaritans’ teams engage daily in conversations that are often not only challenging but profoundly impactful, offering guidance and hope to those struggling to continue living and facing suicidal thoughts.

Drawing on our extensive experience designing specialised workspaces for call-takers at South Central Ambulance Service, we understand emotional toll such work can take and the necessity of spaces that allow staff and volunteers to decompress, reflect, and recharge after handling stressful, life-or-death calls.