Samaritans volunteers offering support 24/7

OLDHAMERS needing a friendly ear throughout the festive period can rely on the Samaritans to provide support around the clock.

The Samaritans, which received around 244,000 calls over last Christmas from across the UK, relies on donations from the public to keep its helpline open every single day of the year.

More than 45 per cent of men who responded to an online survey by the 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 of male respondents admitted to feeling lonely over the festive period.

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 men to seek help and consider calling the Samaritans if things are getting to them over the next few weeks.

Paula Dickinson, a director at the Rochdale Oldham and District Samaritans branch, said: “Many of our callers have told us that Christmas is a tough time for them, which is why our volunteers will be available round the clock for anyone who is struggling to cope, including on Christmas day. We’re incredibly grateful to the inspirational people who keep our service running every single day of the year when many others are closed.”

Susan, who will be volunteering on Christmas Day, said: “We answer lots of calls over Christmas, and many of those are from men who feel like their family would be better off without them. That’s why it’s so important that Samaritans volunteers like me are there for those men when they need to talk and anyone who needs us over this period.”