Google link to Samaritans helpline

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 per cent 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 24-hour helpline offered by the Samaritans is available on 08457 909090. The organisation was started in 1953 in London by a young vicar, Chad Varah. During his career he offered counselling to his parishioners, and he increasingly wanted to do something specific to help people in distress who had no one to turn to.