A appeal for volunteers has been made by the Samaritans of Havering to help them with an expected increase in calls this Christmas.

The charity says it expects to receive around 10 per cent more calls than usual over the holiday period.

Maureen of the Samaritans of Havering said: "We are having a recruitment drive and we are looking for volunteers who can give some of their time to help others.

"There are many reasons why the festive period can be very difficult for people.

"There is a great deal of pressure to be enjoying yourself and the anti-climax of the New Year can hit people particularly hard."

She added: "We want people to know that we are there for them 365 days a year, by telephone, face to face, e-mail or letter.

"With so many people and families going away for Christmas, there are a lot of people who feel they have no-one to talk to.

"We are particularly aiming at young men, this Christmas.

"There is a high ratio of suicides among men aged between 15 and 35 and also people at university can find this period very stressful."

The Samaritans say suicide levels peak in January and that two thirds of young men under 25 say they have no-one to turn to for emotional support when they are feeling suicidal.

To contact the Samaritans of Havering call 01708 740000.

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