Samaritans receive thousands of calls for mental health help in Cornwall
The charity, based in Truro, says "the phone never stops ringing"
Last updated 30th Dec 2021
Thousands of calls about mental health over the holidays have been picked up by the Samaritans in Cornwall to support people during an uncertain winter this year.
William Essex, volunteer for Samaritans Cornwall, said: "The phone never stops ringing".
The demand for mental health support comes with the colder winter months and the continuing of the pandemic.
He continued: "It's often more difficult to talk to your family, because there's an obligation to wear a funny little hat and being delighted to see all those relatives.
"Or you have the consciousness that they're not there, that you're all alone in life, that you're watching all that jollity projecting through advertising; in those situations we're here to talk".
The charity launched a campaign for the holidays to be a Samaritans Christmas star to ensure volunteers were on-hand throughout Christmas and the New Year to provide emotional support throughout the festive season, where they often see people having more of a difficult time.
They receive 250,000 calls nationally over the festive holidays and annually experience around 10,000 a day.
William told us: "There are a lot of very lonely people out there at this time of year. There are a lot of people with diagnoses of anxiety and depression. There are frightened people, there are people suffering financial hardship, there's more suffering frankly and we're there for that.
"The harshest effect on callers are on young people. They experience feelings of defeat, entrapment, shame and hopelessness.
"Even support workers need time off and they will refer people to us. We will take those calls. We're always there, 24 hours a day, throughout Christmas and the New Year".
Cornwall Samaritans, based in Truro, ensure support for volunteers and callers for all age groups and problems during the festive season and offer a non-judgemental prevention helpline for anyone struggling.
How to give your support over the holidays
- Reach out
The Samaritans suggest starting a conversation.
If you or anyone you know might be feeling alone, reach out and ask them if they’re OK. Just picking up the phone and hearing a friendly voice is enough to make someone feel supported.
- It's OK
Let your friends and family know it's OK not to be OK - even during the festive season.
- Listen
Accept peoples feelings and listen to what people have to say. Ask people if there are specific things about Christmas that are difficult for them and be there to support them through the holidays.
- Ask for help
If you're affected by any of the issues talked about in this article you can call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org/truro