Samaritans: "Call us if you’re having a tough time"

Wednesday 24 December 2014

If you’re struggling over the Christmas period, the Samaritans want you to know that there’s always someone at the end of the phone.

Last year, the Samaritans received almost a quarter of a million calls during the Christmas period from people in the British Isles and Ireland.

The charity – which relies on donations from the public to keep the helpline open every day of the year – wants people in Jersey to know that if they’re struggling, they can call 08457 90 90 90 and know that there’s a supportive voice at the other end of the phone.

One volunteer, Graham Journeaux, who will be giving up his time today to man the phones, said: “We answer lots of calls over the Christmas period, 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.”

Judith Haslam, director of the Jersey 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.”