Samaritans on hand to offer Christmas support

NO-ONE needs to feel alone this Christmas.

That’s the message from staff at the Rotherham Branch Samaritans as they gear up to receive hundreds of calls over the festive period.

Rotherham Samaritans volunteer Tom Gray said: “We would always encourage people not to wait and to make contact with us before things get too much.”

A spokesman for the charity said: “We want to remind people that no one needs to feel alone this Christmas.

“If you’re struggling to cope with life, the pressure to have a good time can magnify your challenges and increase your sense of isolation, even with friends and family around you.

“This is why Samaritans volunteers in Rotherham will be there round the clock for anyone who feels they need to talk, in confidence, about whatever's getting to them — on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and every other day of the year.

“Problems don't go away just because it’s Christmas, so if you're finding it hard to look forward to the festive season, we're here for you.

“If it’s too difficult to open up to friends or family, or you feel you have no one who will listen, talk to us.

“We’ll keep whatever you say safe, we won't judge and we'll help you find a way through.”

Volunteers in Rotherham will be answering hundreds of calls for help from people finding Christmas and New Year an ordeal.

The spokesman added: “It may be your first Christmas without your children because of a separation, or you may be bereaved, or struggling with redundancy, debt, your health, relationships or family issues.

“It’s OK to not be having a good time, and you don't have to put on a brave face for us. You can talk to us, by phone, email or face to face in our branch.

“However difficult your thoughts and feelings are, knowing that we care and that we will listen can make all the difference.”

To contact Samaritans, ring 01709 361717, email [email protected] or text 07725 909090.

Samaritans relies almost entirely on donations to run its 201 branches and train its 21,200 volunteers, who also provide emotional support in schools, workplaces, prisons and throughout their local communities.

To support Samaritans by making a donation, you can find out how you can help at: http://www.samaritans.org/christmas