DARLINGTON and District Samaritans are urging residents who feel low this Christmas to seek help.

Almost half of men who responded to a survey by Samaritans said they felt more worried at Christmas than other times of the year.

The findings come with a reminder that volunteers from the charity’s 201 branches will be available round the clock over the festive period, for anyone who needs to talk.

Darlington and District Samaritans are part of that network.

With men in the UK three times more likely than women to take their own lives, the charity is encouraging them to seek help and consider calling Samaritans if things are getting to them over the festive period.

Men are also much less likely than women to have a positive view of counselling or therapy, and when they do use these services, it is at the point of crisis.

Last year, Samaritans received around 244,000 calls during the Christmas period from people in the UK and ROI.

Darlington director Norma said: “Many of our callers have told us that Christmas is a tough time for them, which is why our volunteers will be available round the clock, for anyone who is struggling to cope, including on Christmas Day.

“We’re really grateful to those people who keep our service running every day of the year, day and night, when many other services are closed.”

A Darlington volunteer, who will be answering calls over Christmas, said, “We respond to lots of callers during this special time; many from people who feel that their family would be better off without them.

“That’s why is so important that we volunteers are here for those who need to talk to us, particularly those vulnerable men who feel they have no place to go.”

Darlington Samaritans can be contacted on 01325-465465.