CHRISTMAS 2014: Samaritans on hand to lend a listening ear over festive period

THE Yeovil and Sherborne branch will have volunteers available round the clock over the festive period and providing a safe space for anyone who needs to talk.

Last year, Samaritans received around 244,000 calls during the Christmas period from people in the UK and ROI, and relies on kind donations from the public to keep its helpline open every single day of the year.

More than 45% of men who responded to an online survey by Samaritans said they felt more worried at Christmas than other times of the year.

While many people will be spending the holidays with friends and family, more than a third (37%) of male respondents admitted to feeling lonely at Christmas.

However, men are also much less likely than women to have a positive view of counselling or therapy, and when they do use these services, it is at the point of crisis.  The charity is encouraging everyone to seek help and consider calling Samaritans if they are not coping over the festive period.

Volunteer director, Jill Goddard, said: “Many of our callers have told us that Christmas is a tough time for them, which is why we will be available round the clock, for anyone who is struggling to cope, including on Christmas day.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the dedicated people who keep our service running every single day of the year when many others are closed.”

One volunteer, who will be manning the phones and email on Christmas Day, said: “Doing a shift on Christmas Day has become my routine for the last three years now. It's the perfect antidote to the Christmas madness, and I wouldn't want to spend it doing anything else.”

As a charity, Samaritans relies on the remarkable dedication of its volunteers, as well as kind donations from the public.

Supporters can help Samaritans answer every phone call over Christmas by donating just £4 - www.samaritans.org/donate.

If you are interested in volunteering, email for more information joinyeovilsams@gmail.com or click on the Samaritans advert/link on the right-hand side of this website.

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