VIDEO: Samaritans gears up for increased number of calls over Christmas

As homes across East Lancashire sparkle with lights and trees during December, experts have warned Christmas can be “an ordeal” for many people.

Former Emmerdale star Roxanne Pallett, who was unveiled as the Samaritans ambassador at the launch of its Christmas campaign, No-one Needs to Feel Alone, described it as an “incredible charity”.

She said: “This Christmas, I am helping to spread the word about Samaritans because there are so many people who pretend that they have got plans at Christmas and, actually, they are spending it alone.

“Thankfully, the Samaritans offer that 24 hours a day, around the clock, every day of the year, including Christmas, including New Year, so you’ve always got somebody you can call.”

People can contact the Samaritans in complete confidence via the phone, face to face, e-mail and even text message, said volunteers at the launch in Nelson.

Linda Husband, 53, from Colne, started volunteering on the phones in January and said it was a chance to “give something back”.

She said: “This will be my first Christmas. It is not a good time for people who are on their own.

“Most of it is just to listen to people. I don’t think anybody can say they’ve never been depressed and needed someone to talk to.”

Samaritans publicity officer at the Blackburn branch Paula Fairbairn said Christmas was “an ordeal” for many.

She said: “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, e-mail or face to face in our branch.”

Judith Houghton, Samaritans’ director of Blackburn branch, said: “Problems don’t go away just because it’s Christmas.”

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.

People needing help can call 01254 662424 or the national free-to-call number 116 123.