CHRISTMAS will be a tough time for some, even without a global pandemic to deal with, say Samaritans and local branches are playing a key role in the round-the-clock service of listening support.

The charity’s latest research reveals that being separated from family and loved ones over the Christmas period is one of the biggest concerns facing callers.

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, over the past three months (August to October), spoken to people who were feeling concerned about their well-being over Christmas and the winter period.

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Other concerns revolved around family, loneliness, the impact of the cold weather and short days and financial worries.

Samaritan volunteers across Berkshire have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic to ensure their vital service is available at all hours for anyone who needs help.

Local branches include Reading and the Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot & Districts branch.

Volunteers at these branches will be there throughout Christmas and New Year to make sure there is someone there to listen, in confidence, and for free, to anyone who is feeling alone or struggling this festive season.

Ali Chapman is a listening volunteer and the Reading Samaritans branch director who explained why it is important to be at the end of the phone.

She said: “We know that Christmas can be difficult for many people.

"It’s a time when loneliness and everyday issues can really hit home which 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.

"Mental health struggles, isolation, trauma, and suicidal thoughts don't take a break just because it's Christmas day, in fact they can be amplified.

"Samaritans has never been a more vital lifeline.”

Last Christmas, Samaritans, the only charity there for anyone struggling to cope 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responded to over a quarter of a million calls for help and over 10,000 calls for help came on Christmas Day alone.

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This year, 90 volunteers will staff the Reading branch over the Christmas period.

Ms Chapman added: "It’s really important people know that they can pick up the phone at any point.

"There will be someone there to talk to them and not to judge them."

She explained there are 201 Samaritan branches across the UK and Ireland.

People often call the Samaritans for a variety of reasons.

One man from Reading who received support from the Samaritans has spoken about his experience.

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.

Jason 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.”

Chris Lindsey, branch director of the Bracknell, Wokingham, Ascot & Districts branch is also a listening volunteer.

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He said: “If you find yourself struggling, please remember you don’t have to face things alone.

"You can talk to us, day or night, on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.”

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

Anyone can contact the Samaritans for free at any time from any phone even a mobile without credit.

This number won't show up on your phone bill.

Or you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.