Charity can help in the festive season

Scotland’s leading charity for suicide prevention is reminding Buddies they will be here to listen this Christmas.

More than 100 Samaritan volunteers will be doing a shift on Christmas Day in Scotland to ensure that there is someone there to listen for anyone who may be struggling.

Last Christmas around 140 Scottish volunteers gave up their time between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be there to listen for anyone who was struggling to cope.

Each volunteer answered an average of 12 calls per Christmas shift, with callers sharing a wide range of personal challenges from mental and physical health struggles to family issues, relationship problems and isolation and loneliness.

Keith Walker, a volunteer with Samaritans, said:“We know life’s problems don’t melt-away when we switch the Christmas lights on and for many people the festive season can be a difficult time.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure there’s always someone there to listen on Christmas Day and throughout the season.

“With rates of suicide rising here in Scotland and across the UK, Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline. If you can make a donation to support our work this festive season, you’ll be helping to ensure that we can be there to listen not just on Christmas but throughout the year.”

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number will not show up on phone bills. Email support is available at jo@ samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of local branches where trained volunteers can offer face to face support.

To donate to the Samaritans log on to samaritans.org/wales/ donate-now/