SAMARITANS volunteers will be on hand for a staggering 123,000 hours over Christmas to listen to anyone having a tough time.

More than 11,000 volunteers across the UK and Ireland, including Worcestershire, will be working shifts for the charity to ensure its helpline is open round the clock, even on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Worcester Samaritans, which welcomed new director Meg Richards in November, covers a large geographical area with a population of over 569,000 from Broadway to Tenbury Wells.

Mental health, family issues, isolation and loneliness are expected to be the top concerns over Christmas.

Relationship problems, physical health, violence, abuse and bereavement are likely to feature too, as well as drug and alcohol misuse.

Ruth Sutherland, Samaritans CEO, said: “If you’re dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings, the festive season can make everything seem worse.

“Whether you’re on your own or feeling alone in a crowd, we don’t want anyone to struggle.

“So, remember you can call Samaritans for free from any phone and, if you’re expecting to have a good Christmas this year yourself, have a think about those around you who may not be as lucky and give them the gift of listening.”

On Monday, MPs from all parties got together to sign a pledge to support suicide prevention in 2018 at a Christmas reception organised by the Samaritans in the House of Commons.

The charity has also produced a set of vouchers that you can download from its website to give as presents, offering yourself as a listening ear.

You can invite someone to confide in you over a coffee, while out on a walk, or in whatever way you feel they will be most comfortable with.

Visit samaritans.org/vouchers to download the Samaritans’ Give The Gift of Listening vouchers for free.