The Befrienders Penang came into existence in the year 1978. The service started with a small group of 12 volunteers offering a three hour service on weekdays. We are actively pursuing our ambition of providing a 24 hour service.

The service that we offer is called Befriending. Befriending is non-judgmental, confidential support that allows the caller to express his or her fears, worries and feelings to someone who has the time to listen. We offer this service in a number of ways:

• A telephone hotline service every day of the year
• Email befriending

Our hotlines, 04-2815161 and 2811108, are manned during our operating hours (Mondays to Fridays : 3pm - 12 midnight, Fridays 12 midnight - Saturdays 6am, Saturdays & Sundays : 5pm to 11pm) every day of the year by trained volunteers. There is no answering machine or automated response system on our hotline, so if you call us you will either speak to a Befriender or hear the busy signal. Please try again. All our volunteers answer calls in English, but speak many of the major Malaysian languages and dialects.

If you don't want to call us, there is another way. You might prefer to write down how you are feeling than pick up the phone. Many people do. We can provide you with emotional support via e-mail at pat@befpen.org.

Befrienders 'listen' in total confidence and without judgment, whatever your situation. We try our hardest to get back to you as soon as possible. Currently we are only able to provide an English language service through email.