SAMARITANS in East Lancashire are preparing to answer a call every 10 minutes as people face crisis and despair over Christmas and the New Year.

Last year 4.5million people contacted the Samaritans.

Volunteers work in shifts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to answer calls.

In East Lancashire, the Samaritans can expect an increase in calls of between 10 and 20 per cent over the Christmas and New Year period.

Sandra Blayden, director of the Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley branch, which has 100 volunteers, said money problems and isolation could lead to depression over the Christmas period.

She said: "It's really a time when you have people spending a lot more money than they should and often people look at others who seem like they're having a really good time.

"Christmas can make people feel very lonely and isolated and it can often be a very stressful time.

"We get around 30,000 calls each year .

"There's always a general increase at Christmas but the numbers also go up in the new year when debts catch up and people realise they have overspent."

The Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale branch receive around 40,000 calls throughout year, which roughly equates to one call every 13 minutes.

Volunteer Patrick, who is one of 100 volunteers covering the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale area, said problems of crisis and despair could seem worse over the Christmas period when everyone else seemed to be having a good time.

"People have the impression that Christmas should be a time for enjoyment but it doesn't always work out like that and some people can get very down.

"Our volunteers will be at the centre all throughout Christmas and the New Year to offer help and support to anyone who feels they are in despair. We are not there to judge but to listen and help if we can.

"Although people associate the Samaritans with suicide we are about more than that.

"It is about the whole issue of emotional health and if we can catch people before they reach the lowest point that is all the better."

If you would like to talk to the Samaritans call 01282 694929, 01254 662424 or 08457 909090.

Both branches are appealing for volunteers, who can contact the organisation on the above numbers.