Samaritans are there if you need to talk

Volunteers have been trained to offer confidential emotional support to anyone who is struggling to cope and needs to talk.

A spokesman said “Christmas and the New Year can be a difficult time for people spending their first Christmas without a loved one or for people going through a particularly difficult patch, Samaritans believe that it helps to talk and they will be ready to pick up the phone at any time, day or night. Nobody needs to be on their own with their anxiety, just pick up the phone “.

The volunteers will be working four hour shifts, around the clock to ensure that everyone who calls will get straight through.

Samaritans can be contacted by phoning 08457 909090 or by text on 07725 909090.