Lancaster Samaritans will be there for anyone struggling this Christmas

New research with more than 1,400 of the charity’s volunteers found around a quarter who took part in the survey (27 per cent) have spoken to people who were feeling concerned about their wellbeing over Christmas and the winter period over the past three months.

But volunteers at Lancaster will be there round-the-clock throughout December to make sure there’s someone there to listen to anyone who is feeling alone or struggling this festive season.

This year the Ashton Memorial will also turn green to show support for the cause, and petrol pump nozzles at Sainsbury's in Morecambe and Kendal will be carrying the charity's contact details.

Tracey Duffy, director at the Lancaster branch, shared why it’s so important to make sure there’s someone there to listen throughout the festive season.

She said: “We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people, as it’s a time when loneliness can really hit home and that this might be heightened this year.

"Regardless of what happens with Covid restrictions, we want people to know that confidential support is available 24/7, and that we are there for everyone this Christmas.

“Every call for help is answered by a trained volunteer and talking to us is free and confidential. Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline.

"If you are looking to help out in the New Year, we need people to volunteer in our shop on Damside Street in Lancaster, to raise vital funds to ensure that we can be there to listen not just at Christmas but throughout the year.

“And if you find yourself struggling this Christmas, please remember you don’t have to face things alone. You can talk to us, day or night, free on 116 123 or by emailing [email protected].”

Volunteers at Lancaster & District Samaritans have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure their vital service is available around the clock for anyone who needs help.

Since lockdown in March, Samaritans volunteers across the UK and Ireland have provided emotional support more than a million times via phone, email and letters.

Jason, 50, felt his whole world had fallen apart one Christmas. After struggling with his mum’s death, breaking up with the mother of his son and the loss of his job, it all became too much.

He said: “The hardship faced by people trying to cope with the pandemic reminds me how overwhelming everything became for me at Christmas.

"Thankfully, my ex-wife noticed my struggles and convinced me to pick up the phone to Samaritans. Although it was one of the hardest things I have done – that phone call changed my life and put me on a new path. Samaritans gave me hope and helped me to find my purpose again.”

Between December 1 2019 and January 1 2020, Samaritans - the only charity there for anyone struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - responded to more than a quarter of a million calls for help and more than 10,000 calls for help came on Christmas Day alone.