Wolverhampton suicide helpline sees big increase in calls

And he has urged anyone with worries heading into the festive period to call Samaritans.

Vernon Dodd, director of the Wolverhampton branch, said that volunteers at the Newhampton Road West site are assisting on average around 200 to 300 more people a month than it was 12 to 18 months ago.

He said: "We have noticed a considerable increase in calls. We now operate an emails and texts service as well so people can get in touch via those ways.

"When we say calls we take into account every time someone has either called, texted or emailed and we have offered assistance.

"The 2,000 figure is a rough average. We quite often find in the summer months calls might drop slightly to maybe 1,600 or 1,700. But then in the winter they go up again and can be closer to the region of 2,200 or 2,300.

"There can be all sorts of reasons. Some are affected when the nights draw in, and a lot of people call with worries about money as Christmas time approaches.

"We've noticed that compared to a year or 18 months ago, we are getting a lot more calls. Before we averaged around 1,700 to 1,800 a month.

"It could be attributed to the fact that there are more ways for people to get in touch with us now, or that people are more aware that we are here to help. We find that we are busier from 10pm to 2am more than most times of day.

"As always we want people to know we are here to listen, especially at this time of year when people quite often feel under a lot of stress."

Research carried out by the charity last year revealed nearly a quarter of people believe problems feel worse at Christmas and one in six say it's the loneliest time of year.

The survey, of all ages, also revealed that one in 15 have often spent Christmas alone.

Ruth Sutherland, the charity's chief executive, said: "For many the holiday period can be a thoroughly enjoyable time but, sadly, as our research shows, for a startling amount of people this is not always the case.

"The important thing to remember is that no one needs to feel alone this Christmas. Samaritans volunteers are there to listen every day of the year. We don't judge and we don't share what we're told, we're simply there to listen, provide emotional support and help people find a way through whatever's getting to them."

• If you need to talk, the Wolverhampton Samaritans branch can be contacted on 01902 426422. The free national number is 116123, and the city branch is usually open Monday to Thursday from 11.30am to 10pm.