CALLS to the Samaritans in East Lancashire have rocketed by 30 per cent, according to local volunteers.

In the last 12 months, the branch based in New Park Street, Blackburn, received 42,000 calls, emails and text messages from people in emotional turmoil, or the equivalent of over 1,900 a month.

Geraldine Riley, who is in charge of the charity locally, said a large proportion of worries were fuelled by the state of the economy.

She said: “Last year the figures were up by 30 per cent, and we were very, very much busier.

“What concerns us, is that because at the moment we’re back in recession, there’s more need than ever for our service. One in five calls are about jobs, debt and other financial worries.

“In 2012, we’re getting more calls from people who are suicidal and are in the process of taking their lives when they call us.”

She added: “Even though there’s a higher demand on us at the moment, there’s no problem about not being able to get through to a listener.

“We have 100 listening volunteers in East Lancashire, and if there is a high demand, then the calls are diverted to the national service.”

Statistics show that the North West has the second highest suicide rate in the country, and that men are three times more likely to take their own lives.

Geraldine said: “In East Lancashire we have found that there are only slightly less men getting in touch with us than women.

“But it is thought that men are more likely to take their own lives because they are less likely to talk about their emotions.”

The Samaritans volunteers talk to callers in complete confidence, but do not give advice or signpost someone to where to get help.

Geraldine added: “We have got to let people make their own decisions and to give emotional support.

“Our main focus for the next three years is to work on outreach – working with other charities and organisations who we feel can give emotional support.”