Samaritans poised to take calls as new survey reveals extent of festive loneliness and isolation

Samaritans Christmas 2015 Tree Safe Place

Samaritans has released new figures showing the extent of loneliness and isolation people feel over the festive period, with a quarter believing everything feels worse at Christmas and one in six (17.3%) saying it’s the loneliest time of year.

The survey also reveals that one in 15 (6.8%) have often spent Christmas alone, and one in 25 (3.8%) of those questioned have said they are with friends and family, but really spent it alone.

Samaritans responded to nearly 200,000 calls for help over the festive period last year, and are seeing an increasing demand for their services, responding to more than 5.3 million calls for help last year.

Janet Murphy, Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans’ Director, 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. This time of year can bring up painful memories, or worsen difficult feelings often related to family or relationship issues, financial or health worries, to name just a few. The pressure to be having a good time or comparing your life with someone else’s can be too much, leaving many feeling they have no one to turn.

“The important thing to remember is that no one needs to feel alone this Christmas – Samaritans volunteers are there to listen round the clock, every day of the year. We don’t judge, and whatever you tell us is held in the strictest of confidence, we’re simply there to listen, provide emotional support and to help people find a way through whatever’s getting to them.”

James McCready is one of Samaritans’ 21,000 volunteers and will be on duty over the festive period in Rochdale, Oldham and District.

James said; "This is my sixth year as a Samaritan. I’m happy to give up my time as I know that there are a lot of people who, more than ever, need someone with whom to talk. Support services can often shut down at this time of year, or family and friends may be far away, leaving some people feeling more isolated than usual. Knowing I can provide vital support to people who might be having a difficult time is the best gift I can think of giving. Christmas can be lonely, some people would have nobody at all to talk to on Christmas Day if it were not for Samaritans. It is a privilege knowing that you are there to brighten their day.”

Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is run entirely on public donation, without which we could not operate and be there to support our callers, many of whom experience distress, despair and/or thoughts or intention of suicide.

By making a donation, you can help support us to help save lives.

A donation can be made by text messaging RODS24 to 70070 and stating the amount you wish to give, alternatively, cheques can be sent to Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans at 5 Caton Street, Rochdale OL16 1QJ.

The Samaritans helpline is available free of charge 24 hours per day on 116123.