Samaritans will open on Christmas day.

People there to talk to anyone feeling lonely or down at this difficult time of the year

The Perth branch of the Samaritans will open on Christmas day for the first time this year.

Three volunteers will be in the charity’s base at 3 King’s Place from 10am to noon, offering cups of tea and chat to anyone who wants to drop in.

Perth director Maggie Taylor said colleagues had worked on the phone during previous years, but had decided a face-to-face presence might be welcomed by some people.

She said: “We have decided to open this year for the first time. If anyone is feeling upset, distressed or lonely then they can come and see us. But we’re open for everyone. Anybody can drop in and have a cuppa with us.

“If anyone needs to talk about what is troubling them or if you want to get away from the Christmas hustle and bustle and want a bit of peace and quiet, our door is open to you.”

The decision on Christmas opening comes after new figures from the Scottish Government highlighted growing problems with mental health in Perth and Kinross.

The number of people who have died by suicide has risen by around 20%. The total is up from 105 to 126, when comparing two six year periods – 20092015 and 2011-2017.

The Scottish Suicide Information Database, which was published on Tuesday, showed there were 769 probable suicides in Tayside and Fife during the 2011-2017 period. The national total was 5,204.

A spokeswoman for NHS Tayside said every suicide was a tragedy and deaths were “comprehensively reviewed by the Tayside multi-agency Suicide Review Group to look at the circumstances surrounding each individual case”.

The Perth branch of Samaritans has served the local community and played its part in the wider delivery of the service throughout the UK since 1970.

The group has a team of around 40 volunteers of all ages and from many different backgrounds.

Mrs Taylor said: “It is very upsetting and concerning to see that there has been a rise in the number of people dying by suicide.

“The reasons for people taking this decision are many and varied. Samaritans offer a 24/7 service, all year round and if you need to talk to someone, please ring Freephone 116 123 and we will support you.”

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Samaritans offer a 24/7 service, all year round and if you need to talk to someone, please ring Freephone 116 123 and we will support you