SAMARITANS of Bournemouth & District is preparing for a busy time this Christmas.

The national helpline, which has a branch in Durrant Road, Bournemouth, is preparing to answer 15,000 calls a day from people in the UK and ROI over the festive period.

Some 300 calls for help were answered by the Bournemouth & District branch last Christmas, and 48 volunteers from the 115-team will be on duty answering calls round the clock from people struggling to cope this Christmas.

This Christmas Day will be the 14th year volunteers Brian and Eedy have given up their time for Bournemouth & District Samaritans.

They said: “For most people Christmas is a family occasion but for many – perhaps those recently bereaved or divorced remembering Christmases gone by, those just wanting to hear a human voice other than the one on the TV, it can be a very desolate time.

“We hope that by listening to our callers we give them the chance to express their feelings, whatever they may be.”

Help Samaritans be there to answer every single call this Christmas by texting ‘SUPPORT’ to 70123* to make a £3 donation.

To speak to someone at the Samaritans call 08457 909090, or email anonymously via jo@samaritans.org